Microhydranencephaly Explained

Microhydranencephaly (MHAC) is a severe abnormality of brain development characterized by both microcephaly and hydranencephaly.^[1] Signs and symptoms may include severe microcephaly, scalp rugae (a series of ridges), and profound intellectual disability. Familial occurrence of the condition is very rare but it has been reported in a few families. It has been suggested that some cases of MHAC are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner via a loss-of-function mutation of the gene NDE1.^{[1] [2]}

Notable cases

• Jaxon Buell was born on August 27, 2014, with 80% of his brain, and most of his skull, missing. He surpassed all doctors' expectations, who did not expect him to live to his second birthday.^[3] He died at five years old.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Familial microhydranencephaly, a family that does not map to 16p13.13-p12.2: relationship with hereditary fetal brain degeneration and fetal brain disruption sequence. Clinical Dysmorphology. 2010-01-01. 19. 3. 107–118. 10.1097/mcd.0b013e32833946e9. 20375726. Jana. Behunova. Eva. Zavadilikova. Tarik M.. Bozoglu. Aysegul. Gunduz. Aslihan. Tolun. Cengiz. Yalcinkaya. 30667255.
2. Web site: OMIM Entry - # 605013 - MICROHYDRANENCEPHALY; MHAC. omim.org. 2015-09-26.
3. News: Baby born with part of brain missing turns 2, reaches new milestones. Pawlowski. A.. TODAY.com. 2017-09-04. en.
4. Web site: Jaxon Buell, Florida 'miracle boy,' passes away at 5. Micolucci. Vic. 2020-04-07. WJXT. en. 2020-04-17.