Costello syndrome and neurological abnormalities

Costello syndrome is a rare but increasingly recognized syndrome of unknown etiology. Neurological abnormalities are not rare in this syndrome and consist of structural and electrophysiological disorders. Ventricular dilatation is observed in more than 40% of cases. Other reported cerebral anomalies are brain atrophy, Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. Although there is insufficient data to propose strict guidelines, it seams reasonnable to have a low threshold for neuroimaging, in general, and particularly when neurologic signs or symptoms are present. Screening including cerebral MRI and EEG should be proposed after a diagnosis of Costello syndrome. The frequency of testing in such children should be guided by neurological follow-up. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.