Ocular malformations and lissencephaly

Abstract

Retinal dysplasia and agyria without cortical lamination are the constant findings in this autosomal recessive syndrome. There may also be anterior chamber malformations, cataract, and microphthalmos. Brain autopsies have shown a variety of associated malformations such as posterior encephalocele, Arnold-Chiari malformation, agenesis of the septum pellucidum and of the corpus callosum, agenesis of the vermis and hypoplasia of the cerebellum. Muscular dystrophy is probably present in most of these patients. Within the last few years, over 20 cases with a complete autopsy have been described. The syndrome should be differentiated from other syndromes with retinal non-attachment and retinal dysplasia, and from syndromes with hydrocephalus or encephalocele without these ocular features.