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Idiopathic macrocephaly in the infant: long-term neurological and neuropsychological outcome

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Abstract

Rationale

The long-term outcome of idiopathic macrocephaly is presently unknown.

Methods and results

In the current study (n=15), MRI conducted at long-term review showed regression of orbito-frontal extradural collections and normal or slightly enlarged ventricular space compared to infant examination. Head circumference had normalised in all but one participant. Neuropsychological assessments of nine participants showed general intellectual ability within the normal range in the majority of participants; however, specific deficits in attention were evident. Clinical interviews conducted with a smaller sub-group revealed anecdotal histories of behavioural difficulties and reading or arithmetic difficulties in half of the total sample.

Conclusions

Prospective review studies such as this indicate that abnormal radiological findings in infancy are not necessarily predictive of neurodevelopmental problems and may reflect a normal variant. However, while overall intellectual ability may be within average limits in this diagnostic sample, considerable individual variations remain in specific areas of neuropsychological function.

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Notes

  1. The WAIS-R short form utilised for this study has a validity coefficient of .94, comprising subtests of Picture Completion, Vocabulary, Digit Span, Digit Symbol, Arithmetic and Similarities.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the early work of Dr. Ian Johnson and Dr. Elizabeth Fagan that lead to the preparation of the current study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Services, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia

    Heidi Muenchberger

  2. Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

    Pamela Joy & E. Arthur Shores

  3. The Children’s Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, Australia

    Nazih Assaad, Pamela Joy, Ruth Brunsdon & E. Arthur Shores

Authors
  1. Heidi Muenchberger
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  2. Nazih Assaad
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  3. Pamela Joy
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  4. Ruth Brunsdon
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  5. E. Arthur Shores
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Heidi Muenchberger.

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Muenchberger, H., Assaad, N., Joy, P. et al. Idiopathic macrocephaly in the infant: long-term neurological and neuropsychological outcome. Childs Nerv Syst 22, 1242–1248 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-006-0080-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-006-0080-0

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