Fetal malformations of cortical development: review and clinical guidance.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-3-2025
Abstract
Malformations of cortical development (MCDs) are a heterogeneous family of congenital brain malformations that originate from disturbed development of the cerebral cortex. MCDs can arise from primary genetic disorders that lead to dysfunction of the molecular processes controlling neuronal proliferation, neuronal migration, cortical folding or cortical organization. MCDs can also result from secondary, disruptive causes, such as congenital infection or other in utero brain injuries. Sequelae of MCDs can include epilepsy, intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, among other symptoms, with a high burden of paediatric morbidity. Advances in antenatal genetic testing and imaging have improved the ability to diagnose MCDs, yet limited literature exists to aid clinicians in prognostication of outcomes and perinatal management. These clinical realities can make it challenging for clinicians caring for fetal neurological conditions to counsel families and make recommendations for interdisciplinary care. We aim to review the literature on fetal MCDs and present practice guidelines for clinicians regarding the pre- and postnatal management of MCDs.
Volume
148
Issue
6
First Page
1888
Last Page
1903
ISSN
1460-2156
Published In/Presented At
Russ, J. B., Agarwal, S., Venkatesan, C., Scelsa, B., Vollmer, B., Tarui, T., Pardo, A. C., Lemmon, M. E., Mulkey, S. B., Hart, A. R., Nagaraj, U. D., Kuller, J. A., Whitehead, M. T., Cohen, J. L., Gebb, J. S., Glenn, O. A., Norton, M. E., & Gano, D. (2025). Fetal malformations of cortical development: review and clinical guidance. Brain : a journal of neurology, 148(6), 1888–1903. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awaf094
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
40048696
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article