Congenital CNS malformations — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: What chromosomal abnormality is associated with Patau syndrome?_____

Answer: Trisomy 13

Flashcard 2: Tabes Dorsalis is characterized by _____ joints due to loss of proprioception

Answer: charcot

Flashcard 3: Folate deficiency is characterized by _____ neutrophils

Answer: hypersegmented

Flashcard 4: What type of hydrocephalus may be seen with Huntington disease? _____

Answer: Hydrocephalus ex vacuo

Flashcard 5: Which error in morphogenesis is characterized by an intrinsic abnormality in the developmental process (typically during the embryonic period)?

Answer: Malformation

Flashcard 6: What is the term for infarcted tissue in the basal ganglia or internal capsule caused by occlusion of a lenticulostriate artery?

Answer: lacunar infarct

Flashcard 7: epidural hematoma

Answer: rupture of middle meningeal artery; fracture of temporal bone

Extra: rapid arterial bleedinglucid interval followed by decreased LOC; CN 3 palsy, increased ICPCT: biconvex, hyperdense blood; does not cross sutures; may cross falx, tentorium 

Flashcard 8: What is the cause of central pontine myelinolysis?

Answer: Often iatrogenic; caused by rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia.

Extra: - Pathogenesis: Massive axonal demyelination of pontine white matter tracts. - Clinical Features: Acute paralysis, dysarthria, dysphagia, diplopia, loss of consciousness; may progress to locked-in syndrome. - MRI (T2): Increased signal (hyperintensity) in the central pons. - Mnemonic: "From Low to High (Sodrum), your Pons will Die."

Flashcard 9: Which vessel is ruptured in a Subdural Hematoma?

Answer: Bridging veins rupture (crescent-shaped on CT)

Extra: Mechanism: Slow venous bleeding via rupture of bridging veins. Clinical: Decreased LOC, increased ICP. CT findings: Crescent-shaped, hyperdense blood (in acute phase); crosses suture lines; does not cross dural attachments (falx, tentorium). Risk factors: Brain atrophy, elderly, alcoholics, shaken baby syndrome.

Flashcard 10: Classic clinical presentation of subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Answer: "Worst headache of my life" (Thunderclap headache)

Extra: - Cause: Rapid arterial bleeding, most commonly from rupture of a berry (saccular) aneurysm. - Symptoms: Decreased LOC, increased ICP, meningismus. - Diagnosis: - CT: Blood in cisterns and gyri. - Lumbar Puncture: Bloody or xanthochromic (yellow) CSF. - Complications: Late-onset vasospasm (3–10 days later); Nimodipine is used for prevention. - Risk of rebleeding.