Neuropediatrics 2006; 37 - TP18
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-945611

CLINICAL IMPLICATION OF BILATERAL THALAMIC ATROPHY AND CALCIFICATION DUE TO PERINATAL BRAIN DAMAGE

S Sugama 1
  • 1National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan

Objectives: To identify the clinical implication of bilateral thalamic atrophy and calcification due to perinatal brain damage according to head CT scan.

Methods: we recruited 380 patients with brain injury due to perinatal origin from 1200 handicapped children seen in outpatients clinic during 2003 to 2005. We reviewed their head CT scan and MRI, and found 6 patients with characteristic head CT scan pattern including bilateral atrophy and calcification of thalami and relative sparing of cerebrum.

Results: All of the patients were severely disabled. All had signs of severe brainstem damage radiologically as well as clinically. The MRI revealed abnormal intensity in brainstem tegmentum.

Conclusion: We believe the findings of bilateral thalamic atrophy and calcification indicate severe brainstem damage.