PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum: Exploring brain growth from fetus to infant.

Pediatr Neurol

Department of Neonatology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Vila Nova de Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

Published: February 2025

AI Article Synopsis

  • MCAP (Megalencephaly-capillary malformation-polymicrogyria syndrome) is a rare neurological disorder caused by mutations in the PIK3CA gene, leading to abnormal brain growth, vascular issues, and body overgrowth.
  • A clinical report details an infant diagnosed with MCAP, who showed signs of the disorder from prenatal imaging, which identified megalencephaly and a confirmed PIK3CA mutation postnatally, followed by early medical interventions.
  • Despite these interventions, the patient faced ongoing challenges such as macrocrania, hydrocephalus, and neurodevelopmental delays, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care and monitoring to manage the complexities of the disorder and emphasizing potential future therapies for better outcomes.

Article Abstract

Background: Megalencephaly-capillary malformation-polymicrogyria syndrome (MCAP) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by abnormal brain size, vascular malformations, and body overgrowth. MCAP is caused by somatic mosaicism of PIK3CA, a crucial gene in regulation of cell growth and survival, and is one of the disorders in the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum.

Methods: We present a unique clinical report of a male infant diagnosed with MCAP from prenatal stages to age 12 months. Prenatal imaging unveiled ventricular asymmetry, later confirmed postnatally as megalencephaly. Genetic analysis identified a PIK3CA mutation. The patient underwent early interventions, including ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and posterior fossa decompression.

Results: Despite early interventions, the patient developed progressive macrocrania, hydrocephalus, and significant neurodevelopmental delay. Multidisciplinary management and continuous neuroimaging were crucial in addressing complications associated with the disorder.

Conclusions: This case underscores the critical need for multidisciplinary care and continual neuroimaging surveillance to effectively navigate the progressive complications associated with PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum. The diagnostic hurdles and management challenges intrinsic to the disorder's natural course are elucidated. Although current treatments manage symptoms, emerging therapies hold promise for improving patient outcomes.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.11.002DOI Listing

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