Periventricular HeterotopiaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Periventricular Heterotopia
Periventricular heterotopia is a condition in which nerve cells (neurons) do not migrate properly during the early development of the fetal brain, from about the 6th week to the 24th week of pregnancy. Heterotopia means "out of place." In normal brain development, neurons form in the periventricular region, located around fluid-filled cavities (ventricles) near the center of the brain. The neurons then migrate outward to form the exterior of the brain (cerebral cortex) in six onion-like layers. In periventricular heterotopia, some neurons fail to migrate to their proper position and form clumps around the ventricles.
In most cases, periventricular heterotopia is caused by mutations in the FLNA gene. This gene provides instructions for producing the protein filamin A, which helps build the network of protein filaments (cytoskeleton) that gives structure to cells and allows them to change shape and move. Certain mutations in the FLNA gene result in an impaired FLNA protein that cannot perform this function, disrupting the normal migration patterns of neurons during brain development.
Periventricular heterotopia is a rare condition. Its incidence is unknown.
Periventricular heterotopia can have different inheritance patterns. When this condition is caused by mutations in the FLNA gene, it is inherited in an X-linked dominant pattern.
Stephen Robertson practices practicing medicine in Dunedin, New Zealand. Mr. Robertson is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Periventricular Heterotopia. He is also highly rated in 30 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Periventricular Heterotopia, Frontometaphyseal Dysplasia, Osteopathia Striata Cranial Sclerosis, and Micrognathia.
Cyril Goizet practices practicing medicine in Bordeaux, France. Mr. Goizet is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Periventricular Heterotopia. He is also highly rated in 33 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Spastic Paraplegia Type 7, Periventricular Heterotopia, Paraplegia, and Spastic Paraplegia Type 5A.
Renzo Guerrini practices practicing medicine in Florence, Italy. Mr. Guerrini is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Periventricular Heterotopia. He is also highly rated in 66 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Myoclonic Epilepsy, West Syndrome, Epilepsy, Epilepsy with Myoclonic-Atonic Seizures, and Deep Brain Stimulation.
Published Date: February 01, 2018
Published By: National Institutes of Health