Temporal Lobe Malformations in Achondroplasia: Expanding the Brain Imaging Phenotype Associated with FGFR3- Related Skeletal Dysplasias

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2018 Feb;39(2):380-384. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A5468. Epub 2017 Nov 23.

Abstract

Thanatophoric dysplasia, achondroplasia, and hypochondroplasia belong to the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) group of genetic skeletal disorders. Temporal lobe abnormalities have been documented in thanatophoric dysplasia and hypochondroplasia, and in 1 case of achondroplasia. We retrospectively identified 13 children with achondroplasia who underwent MR imaging of the brain between 2002 and 2015. All children demonstrated a deep transverse temporal sulcus on MR imaging. Further common neuroimaging findings were incomplete hippocampal rotation (12 children), oversulcation of the mesial temporal lobe (11 children), loss of gray-white matter differentiation of the mesial temporal lobe (5 children), and a triangular shape of the temporal horn (6 children). These appearances are very similar to those described in hypochondroplasia, strengthening the association of temporal lobe malformations in FGFR3-associated skeletal dysplasias.

MeSH terms

  • Achondroplasia / diagnostic imaging
  • Achondroplasia / genetics
  • Achondroplasia / pathology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Neuroimaging
  • Phenotype
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3 / genetics
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Temporal Lobe / abnormalities*
  • Temporal Lobe / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • FGFR3 protein, human
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3