Logo image
Back
Meningeal defects and focal cortical dysplasia: an unrecognized relationship? Illustrative case
Journal article   Open access

Meningeal defects and focal cortical dysplasia: an unrecognized relationship? Illustrative case

Erin M Ellis, S Joy Trybula, Scott K Adney, Paula K J Lee and S Kathleen Bandt
Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons, Vol.4(11)
09/12/2022
DOI: 10.3171/CASE22112
PMCID: PMC9469904
PMID: 36097744
url
https://doi.org/10.3171/CASE22112View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

BACKGROUNDFocal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are a heterogenous cluster of histopathologic entities classically associated with medically refractory epilepsy. Because there is substantial histopathologic variation among different types of FCD, there are likely multiple pathogenic mechanisms leading to these disorders. The meninges are known to play a role in cortical development, and disruption of meningeal-derived signaling pathways has been shown to impact neurodevelopment. To our knowledge, there has not yet been an investigation into whether genetic pathways regulating meningeal development may be involved in the development of FCD. OBSERVATIONSThe authors reported a patient with refractory epilepsy and evidence of FCD on imaging who received surgical intervention and was found to have an unusual dural anomaly overlying a region of type Ic FCD. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first report describing a lesion of this nature in the context of FCD. LESSONSThe dural anomaly exhibited by the patient presented what could be a potentially novel pathogenic mechanism of FCD. Resection of the cortical tissue underlying the dural anomaly resulted in improvement in seizure control. Although the pathogenesis is unclear, this case highlighted the importance of further investigation into the developmental origins of FCD, which may help elucidate whether a connection between meningeal development and FCD exists.

Details

Metrics

13 Record Views
Logo image