Agenesis of the corpus callosum: neonatal sonographic detection.

CONTEXT: Agenesis of the corpus callosum is a rare congenital midline brain abnormality that can disrupt normal cognitive progression. Primary complete agenesis usually occurs earlier in embryologic development, while partial agenesis occurs in later gestation. Agenesis of the corpus callosum has an estimated incidence ranging from 0.03% to 0.7% in the general population and is considered to be a component of as many as 50 to 200 different syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to summarize recent literature pertaining to the diagnosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum, including etiology, prognosis and the use of diagnostic medical sonography in the detection of this abnormality during the neonatal period.

RESULTS: Agenesis of the corpus callosum can be easily detected with diagnostic medical sonography when a thorough evaluation of midline structures is performed.

SUMMARY: A thorough understanding of related anomalies, an inclusive imaging protocol and the combination of critical thinking with investigative imaging will ensure that the diagnosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum can be accurately established.