Hypoplasia of the Corpus Callosum: A Single Center Experience and a Concise Literature Review

Abstract

Aim Corpus callosum hypoplasia is described as a fully formed corpus callosum with reduced thickness. Our purpose is to evaluate the current knowledge about this anomaly including it’s effect on the neurodevelopmental outcome and to report our single center experience. Methods: PubMed, Medline and reference lists were searched using combinations of these terms: “Hypoplasia of corpus callosum and prenatal diagnosis” and “neurodevelopmental outcome”. Results: Eleven studies were included, with a final population of 48 patients (45 cases from literature plus 3 of our own cases). Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum was detected by ultrasound scan alone in 77% of cases: magnetic resonance confirmed the ultrasound suspicion in the remaining 23% of cases. Isolated form was detected in 31% cases. Adverse fetal outcomes occurred in 62% of cases, while 38% of cases were born alive. The neurodevelopmental outcome was found to be normal in 33% of cases. Conclusion: Antenatal detection of corpus callosum hypoplasia remains challenging. Counseling is difficult because neurodevelopmental outcomes are variable.