Aicardi syndrome
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Definition
Aicardi syndrome is a rare inherited (genetic) disorder in which the structure that connects the two sides of the brain (corpus callosum) is partly or completely missing.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause of Aicardi syndrome is unknown at this time. In some cases, experts believe it may be a result of a gene defect on the X chromosome.
The disorder affects only girls.
References
Glasmacher MA, Sutton Vr, Hopkins B, Eble T, Lewis RA, Park Parsons D, et al. Phenotype and management of Aicardi syndrome: new findings from a survey of 69 children. J Child Neurol. 2007;22:176-184.
Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital Abnormalities of the Central Nervous System. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 592.
Review Date: 8/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start when the child is between ages 3 and 5 months. The condition causes jerking (infantile spasms), a type of childhood seizure.
Aicardi syndrome may occur with other brain defects.
Other symptoms may include:
- Smaller-than-normal eyes (microphthalmia)
Signs and tests
Children are diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome if they meet the following criteria:
- Corpus callosum that is partly or completely missing
- Female sex
- Seizures (typically beginning as infantile spasms)
- Sores on the retina (retinal lesions) or optic nerve
In rare cases, one of these features may be missing (especially lack of development of the corpus callosum).
Tests to diagnose Aicardi syndrome include:
Other procedures and tests may be done, depending on the person.
References
Glasmacher MA, Sutton Vr, Hopkins B, Eble T, Lewis RA, Park Parsons D, et al. Phenotype and management of Aicardi syndrome: new findings from a survey of 69 children. J Child Neurol. 2007;22:176-184.
Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital Abnormalities of the Central Nervous System. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 592.
Review Date: 8/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Treatment
Treatment is supportive. It involves managing seizures and any other health concerns, and using programs to help the family and child cope with delays in development.
Support Groups
Aicardi Syndrome Foundation - www.aicardisyndrome.org
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - www.rarediseases.org
Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook depends on how severe the symptoms are and what other health conditions are present.
Nearly all children with this syndrome have severe learning difficulties and remain completely dependent on others. However, a few have some language abilities and some can walk on their own or with support. Vision varies from normal to blind.
Complications
Complications depend on the severity of symptoms.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of Aicardi syndrome. Seek emergency care if the infant is having spasms or a seizure.
References
Glasmacher MA, Sutton Vr, Hopkins B, Eble T, Lewis RA, Park Parsons D, et al. Phenotype and management of Aicardi syndrome: new findings from a survey of 69 children. J Child Neurol. 2007;22:176-184.
Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital Abnormalities of the Central Nervous System. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 592.
Review Date: 8/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
References
Glasmacher MA, Sutton Vr, Hopkins B, Eble T, Lewis RA, Park Parsons D, et al. Phenotype and management of Aicardi syndrome: new findings from a survey of 69 children. J Child Neurol. 2007;22:176-184.
Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital Abnormalities of the Central Nervous System. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 592.
Review Date: 8/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 8/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.