Zeitschrift für klinische Fallberichte

Megalencephaly and Epileptic Encephalopathy Bad Luck or a Common Pathway?

Abstract

Paris Ekeke, Monica Naik and Kalyani R Vats

Megalencephaly is a neuronal migration disorder characterized by an abnormally large brain. Numerous associated syndromes and various molecular mutations have been identified as an etiology for megalencephaly, however, SCN2A mutations have not been previously described. This report highlights a case of a term male megalencephalic neonate who presents with intractable seizures, who was found to have SCN2A gene variant that has now been identified as pathogenic. This patient expands our knowledge of the phenotypic spectrum of SCN2A mutations by adding consideration for macroscopic brain findings. Currently, we have no direct link between SCN2A mutations and megalencephaly, but our patient highlights the potential overlap in disease processes. It is possible that the biochemical disturbance associated with abnormal neuronal migration also affects the neuronal circuitry, thus increasing the propensity for electrical dysfunction and manifesting as seizures.