MRI characteristics of different pathologic types of focal cortical dysplasia

Abstract

Objective To investigate the MRI characteristics of different pathologic types of patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Methods The postoperative clinical data of 23 patients with FCD were retrospectively analyzed and they were divided into patient groups of 4 types according to Palmini' s classification. The MRI characteristics of different pathologic types of patients with FCD were concluded. Results Among these 23 patients, 2 were diagnosed as having FCD ⅠA, 6 as having FCD IB, 8 as having FCD ⅡA and 7 as having FCD IE. As compared with that in patients with FCD Ⅰ, obviously increased signal of Flair images in patients with FCD Ⅱ was more prevalent (2:11,P=0.039). Increased signal in T2 images and tapering of abnormal white matter signals to ventricles were more prevalent in patients with FCD Ⅱ as compared with those in patients with FCD Ⅰ, but no significant differences were noted (P= 0.074, 0.058). As compared with patients with other 3 types of FCD, blurring of the gray matter-white matter junction, increased signal in T2 images, deep sulcus, thickening of the cortex and tapering of abnormal white matter signals to ventricles in patients with FCD ⅡB were more prevalent (P<0.05). Conclusion Different MRI characteristics in each type of FCD are noted, especially in patients with FCDⅡB. These different MRI characteristics are helpful to make preoperative diagnosis and planning of FCD. Key words: Epilepsy; Cortical dysplasia; MRI