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Behavioral effects of congenital ventromedial prefrontal cortex malformation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Behavioral effects of congenital ventromedial prefrontal cortex malformation

Aaron D Boes, Amanda Hornaday Grafft, Charuta Joshi, Nathaniel A Chuang, Peg Nopoulos and Steven W Anderson
BMC neurology, Vol.11(1), pp.151-151
12/02/2011
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-11-151
PMCID: PMC3265436
PMID: 22136635
url
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-11-151View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Background: A detailed behavioral profile associated with focal congenital malformation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has not been reported previously. Here we describe a 14 year-old boy, B.W., with neurological and psychiatric sequelae stemming from focal cortical malformation of the left vmPFC. Case presentation: B.W.'s behavior has been characterized through extensive review Patience of clinical and personal records along with behavioral and neuropsychological testing. A central feature of the behavioral profile is severe antisocial behavior. He is aggressive, manipulative, and callous; features consistent with psychopathy. Other problems include: egocentricity, impulsivity, hyperactivity, lack of empathy, lack of respect for authority, impaired moral judgment, an inability to plan ahead, and poor frustration tolerance. Conclusions: The vmPFC has a profound contribution to the development of human prosocial behavior. B.W. demonstrates how a congenital lesion to this cortical region severely disrupts this process.
Case Report

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