[Symmetrical cortical calcification of the cerebrum following pre-natal encephalitis (author's transl)].

Purely cortical cerebral calcification without involvement of the cerebellum was observed radiologically in a 3-month old girl; the calcification was extensive and symmetrical. During a three year period of observation, she showed severe psychomotor retardation, spasticity, microcephaly, a secondary scoliosis, subluxation of the hips and fits. These changes have only been observed so far following pre-natal herpes encephalitis. Following this condition there may also be periventricular calcification. Therefore it is assumed that the extensive cortical calcification is due to a virus, but not necessarily a specific one and that it depends on the age of the foetus at the time of the infection.