Purpose
Malformations of cortical development are increasingly recognized as important causes of epilepsy,
developmental delay and other neurological disorders.
Our purpose is to present the relevance of the MRI in these pathologies with the clinical,
genetic and therapeutic aspects.
Methods and Materials
A total of 20 patients with cortical epileptogenic brain malformations were included in this study.
Brain MRI was performed with a 1.5-T system in all patients.
Results
MRI analysis evaluates particularly the cortical thickness,
sulcal and cortical morphology,
gray-white matter junction,
and looks for gray matter in abnormal location.
These data coupled with the familial history,
the seizure characteristics and genetic findings should allow an appropriate classification of the lesions.MRI results: Hemimegalencephaly (n=2),
cortical dysplasia (n=2),
polymicrogyria (n=5),
schizencephaly (n=6) (5 patients with open-lip schizencephaly,
and 1 patients with closed-lip schizencephaly),
lissencephaly (n=1),
dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) (n=2),
and nodular heterotopias (n=2).
DISCUSSION
Introduction
Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are a group...
Conclusion
Malformations of cortical development are increasingly recognized as important causes of epilepsy,
developmental delay and other neurological disorders.
MR imaging allows the detection and classification of cortical malformations.
MRI findings are primordial to consider surgery when the epilepsy becomes refractory to the anti-epileptic drugs.
An adequate classification of these malformations should help to provide to the family an appropriate counseling both in terms of genetics and outcome.
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Detection...