Path: Congenital Malformations Flashcards
Major nutrient deficiency that leads to neural tube defects.
Folic Acid (B9)
Extreme defect in the spinal column when the neural tube fails to close and the overlying vertebrae fail to form. The spinal cord is exposed to the exterior environment.
Rachischisis
Protein that can be measured in maternal serum while pregnant with a fetus that can indicate developmental deformity.
Alpha-fetoprotein
Dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord.
Hydromyelia
How is hydromyelia differentiated from syringomyelia?
Hydromyelias will still have ependymal cells lining the cavity.
Name the 4 most common types of cerebral palsy.
- Spastic Palsy
- Athetoid Palsy
- Ataxic Palsy
- Mixed Palsy
What is an Arnold-Chiari malformation?
Malformation where the tonsil of the cerebellum either herniates or is pulled into the foramen magnum with the brainstem and cervical spinal cord.
What two other malformations are associated with AC malformation?
- Syringomyelia
2. Lumbar Meningomyelocele
What is the major differentiating factor between a type 1 Chiari malformation and types 2 and 3?
Type 2 and 3 will have either a meningocele or a meningomeylocele. Type 1 usually just manifests with headaches.
What is a Dandy-Walker malformation?
Underdeveloped or absent cerebellar vermis replaced with a fluid filled sac in the posterior cranial fossa.
How can meningitis lead to hydrocephalus?
Post-meningitis scar formation can occur in the meninges around the arachnoid villi. These drainage vessels can be occluded by the scar tissue.
What is hydrocephalus ex vacuo?
Enlargement of cerebral ventricles and subarachnoid space usually resulting from brain atrophy.
What is polymicrogyria?
Excessive amounts of smaller than normal gyri.
What is pachygyria
Decreased number of gyri but they are broad
What is lessencephaly?
Smooth cortical surfaces of the brain with imperfectly formed gyri.
