Reversible Lesions of the Genu of the Corpus Callosum and White Matter Detected by MRI in a Neonate With Apnea: A Case Report

In this report, we describe a 19-day-old female neonate who presented with recurrent apnea, poor feeding, and cyanosis. Brain diffusion-weighted MRI revealed hyperintense lesions in the genu of the corpus callosum and bilateral frontal white matter with corresponding low apparent diffusion coefficient values. Antibiotic therapy and supportive management were initiated, and the apnea resolved by hospital day 6. A follow-up brain MRI performed on day 49 demonstrated the complete resolution of the previously observed lesions. No neurological sequelae were observed up to 11 months of age. This case illustrates a rare presentation of neonatal-onset apnea associated with reversible lesions localized in the genu of the corpus callosum on MRI. Several differential diagnoses were considered, including mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS)-related conditions, viral encephalitis, postictal changes, and pre-Wallerian degeneration. When reversible corpus callosum lesions are observed in neonates, a variety of underlying pathophysiological processes should be considered in the differential diagnosis.