What is posterior fossa malformations?

Posterior fossa malformations include a wide spectrum of heterogeneous conditions caused by disruption of molecular pathways involved in cerebellar and brainstem formation, secondary to gene mutations, teratogens, or combined effects.

What are the symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome?

The symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome typically include developmental delay, low tone (hypotonia) or later high tone (spasticity), poor coordination and balance (ataxia), and sometimes enlarged head circumference and increased pressure within the skull due to hydrocephalus.

What is the difference between Dandy-Walker malformation and variant?

Dandy-Walker variant (DWv) is a less severe posterior fossa anomaly than the classic Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) and is considered being on the lesser end of the disease spectrum in the Dandy-Walker continuum.

How can you tell the difference between ependymoma and medulloblastoma?

Ependymoma patients were younger than medulloblastoma patients and more were female. There were no significant differences in the clinical findings, but ependymomas were larger and had greater rates of enhancement and spinal metastasis compared with medulloblastomas.

What is enlarged posterior fossa?

The posterior fossa may be enlarged due to: mega cisterna magna, arachnoid cyst or Dandy Walker malformation. These anomalies can be identified during routine ultrasound screening performed in the beginning of the second half of pregnancy (22nd week). The outcome of these findings is not clear.

Can you live a normal life with Dandy-Walker Syndrome?

An increase in the size of he fluid spaces surrounding the brain as well as an increase in pressure may also be present (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2005). The syndrome has an extreme range of severity. Some people with a Dandy-Walker variant live their entire lives without any symptoms.

Can Dandy-Walker malformation be misdiagnosed?

Some experts have noted that it may be fully formed by the end of 16 weeks gestation. However, while Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) has been diagnosed in the first trimester, a false-positive diagnosis can be made at gestational ages of less than 18 weeks.

Is Dandy-Walker a chromosomal abnormality?

Dandy-Walker malformation has also been associated with many chromosomal abnormalities. This condition can be a feature of some conditions in which there is an extra copy of one chromosome in each cell (trisomy).

What stage is medulloblastoma?

Medulloblastomas are all classified as Grade IV tumors. This means they are malignant (cancerous) and fast-growing. There are four subtypes that have been identified in children with medulloblastoma.