Congenital Porencephalic Cavity in a Newborn: Scanographic Aspect and Differential Diagnosis - A Case Report at Medpark Clinic

Aim: The objective of this study is to clarify the contribution of CT scan in the diagnosis of porencephalic cavities among the range of congenital cerebral cavities. Methods: Congenital porencephalic cavities are rare conditions characterised by the formation of a cyst in the cerebral parenchyma, which causes certain physical symptoms. We present the case of an 18-month-old infant who was referred to our clinic for sudden onset of right spastic hypotonia. Results: The CT scan revealed the presence of a left fronto-parietal cerebral cystic cavity communicating with the ipsilateral lateral ventricle, pointing to the characteristics of a congenital porencephalic cavity. The differential diagnosis included: - Neuroglial cyst;- Schizencephaly; - Arachnoid cyst;- Holoprosencephaly.Conclusion: Due to its rarity and atypical presentation, porencephaly poses a challenge for clinicians. The pathogenesis and treatment of this condition are poorly understood. Imaging is essential for establishing a diagnosis and determining the best treatment option. MRI is the modality of choice for characterising cerebral cystic lesions. In countries with limited resources, CT scanning is a valuable tool for characterising lesions while ruling out other diagnoses.