Prenatal Diagnosis of Hemimegalencephaly Using Radiological Methods: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Feb 19;16(2):e54456. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54456. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by an increase in the size and dysplastic involvement of one cerebral hemisphere, which can be partial or complete. It may also be associated with anomalies in the cerebellum and brainstem and, in some cases, be a part of different syndromes. The result of these abnormalities leads to intractable epilepsy and developmental delay. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies in the postnatal period, but it can also be done before birth. We present the case of a 23-week pregnant patient in whom a prenatal diagnosis of hemimegalencephaly was made, highlighting the need for fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis.

Keywords: congenital abnormalities; hemimegalencephaly; magnetic resonance imaging; malformations of cortical development; prenatal diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports