Original Article
Copyright ©2012 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Radiol. Mar 28, 2012; 4(3): 90-96
Published online Mar 28, 2012. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v4.i3.90
Assessment of gray matter heterotopia by magnetic resonance imaging
Ragab H Donkol, Khaled M Moghazy, Alaeddin Abolenin
Ragab H Donkol, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University and Assir Central Hospital, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia
Khaled M Moghazy, Departments of Radiology, Alexandria University and King Faisal University, Al Kobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
Alaeddin Abolenin, Neurology Department, King Faisal University, Al Kobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
Author contributions: Donkol RH designed the study, analyzed of data and wrote the manuscript; Moghazy K shared in manuscript writing and collection of data as well as interpreting MRI; Abolenin A contributed in selection and clinical assessment of patients as well as performing the electrophysiological analysis.
Correspondence to: Ragab H Donkol, MD, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University and Assir Central Hospital, PO Box 34, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia. ragabhani@hotmail.com
Telephone: +966-7-2291169 Fax: +966-3-8552244
Received: September 25, 2011
Revised: December 23, 2011
Accepted: January 1, 2012
Published online: March 28, 2012
Abstract

AIM: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of different types of gray matter heterotopia.

METHODS: Between June 2005 and December 2009, the medical records and MRI studies of patients with gray matter heterotopia were reviewed. The MRI morphologic findings of heterotopia were recorded along with the presence and type of associated cranial malformations. Available clinical and electrophysiological data were also recorded.

RESULTS: 20 patients were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 9 mo to 39 years with a mean age of 15 years. All patients suffered from epileptic seizures. According to the location of heterotopia, patients were classified into three groups: subependymal (12), subcortical (5) and band (3) heterotopia.

CONCLUSION: MRI was useful in diagnosing and differentiating between various types of gray matter heterotopia. The severity of clinical manifestations of heterotopia was related to the location and pattern of heterotopia. Determination of heterotopia type and its extent is useful for management planning and predicting prognosis.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Gray matter heterotopias, Magnetic resonance imaging, Neuroradiology, Neuroscience