MRI diagnosis of malformations of cortical development of children

Abstract

Objective To explore the characteristics of MRI appearances of malformations of cortical development(MCD) in children, so as to provide evidence for early diagnosis of MCD. Methods A total of 44 children who were made a definite diagnosis as MCD by MRI in department of Radiology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2010 to December 2012 were chosen as study subjects.The characteristics of MRI were summarized and analyzed retrospectively.The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital.Informed consent was obtained from the parents of each participant. Results There were 17 cases of pachygyria-agyria, 14 cases of polymicrogyria, 9 cases of grey matter heterotopia and 4 cases of schizencephaly in these 44 cases MCD children.MRI features of pachygyria were included gyri broadened, cortex thickened and white matter thinningz.MRI features of agyria were included the sulci was normal, gyri disappeared, cortex thickened and white matter thinningz.MRI features of polymicrogyria were included the number of gyri was increased but the volume was decreased.MRI features of grey matter heterotopia were included nodosity, masses and barred lesion located at subcortical areas and deep white matter of periventricular regions, the signal intensity was similar to that of normal grey matter.MRI features of schizencephaly were included grey matter covered clefts which go through cerebral hemisphere from lateral ventricles to hemispheric surface. Conclusion MRI is a reliable method to the diagnosis of pediatric MCD. Key words: Malformations of cortical development; Magnetic resonance imaging; Child