Sudden Death in a 61-Year-Old Woman with Subcortical Band Heterotopia

Abstract

Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH), also known as double cortex syndrome, is a rare congenital abnormality seen almost exclusively in women. Affected individuals present with seizures, decreased cognitive ability, and behavioral problems, all of which may be expressed with variable severity. The diagnosis is considered with the characteristic MRI findings coupled with the neurologic features and appropriate family history.

The rarity of this disorder combined with the typically early presentation with seizures and the characteristic imaging findings make initial diagnosis in a forensic setting unlikely. Therefore, to our knowledge, SBH has not been described in the forensic literature. This case demonstrates a case of sudden death in a woman with known epilepsy, without further clinical history available at the time of autopsy.