Foramina parietalia permagna: familial and radiological evaluation of two cases and review of literature.

PURPOSE: Foramina parietalia permagna is a variable intramembranous ossification defect of the parietal bones. Foramina parietalia permagna have an autosomal dominant inheritance, and it is showed that mutations in chromosome 5 and 11 are causing this anomaly. Enlarged parietal foramina occurs extremely rare. They are usually asymptomatic, but occasional headache, vomiting, pain over unprotected cerebral cortex, and seizures may be experienced by the patients. In the literature, some associated congenital bony defects, soft tissue pathologies, underlying neuronal deficits, and vascular variations have been described.

METHODS: We report two cases of foramina parietal permagna with their pedigrees and genetic analysis.

RESULTS: In case 1, cytogenetic analysis revealed a mutation of the ALX4 gene and all of the members of the family diagnosed with FPP. MRI revealed inferior vermian cerebellar hypoplasia. Surgery was not considered. In case 2, cytogenetic analysis could not be obtained because of financial reasons. Cranial MRI revealed hypoplastic right transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus, with a persistent parafalcine sinus. Surgery was not considered.

CONCLUSION: Despite of its rarity, genetic background and some important associated anomalies make foramina parietalia permagna more than an uncommon insignificant genetic disorder.