Gray matter heterotopia : value of MRl

Abstract EN

Background : Gray matter helerolopia is defined as abnormally positioned but otherwise normal neurons.

These cells are found anywhere along their normal migration path along radial glial fibers from eponym to cortex.

Gray matter helerolopia has been divided into three groups based on clinical and imaging characteristics; subependymal, sub cortical, and band helerolopia.

Objective : The Purpose of this study is to evaluate MRl features of different types of gray matter helerolopia.

Methodology : A prospective study was conducted between June 2004 and December 2006, Department of Radiology, King Faisal University, Dammam, KSA.

The medical records and MRl studies of palienls with gray matter helerolopia were reviewed.

The MRl morphologic findings of the helerolopia were recorded along with presence and type of associated cranial malformations.

Available clinical and electrophysiological data were recorded as well.

Results : Twenty patients were included in the study.

Their ages ranged from 9 months lo 39 years with a mean age of 15 years.

All patients suffered from epileptic seizures.

According to the location of helciotupia, palienls were classified into three groups; subependymal (12), sub cortical (5) and band (3(.

Conclusion : MRl was found to be accurate in diagnosis and differentiation between various types of gray matter heterotopias.

Severity of clinical manifestations of helerolopia was related lo She location and pattern of heterotopias.

Determination of the helerolopia lypc and its extent is useful lo direct the management plan and predict the prognosis.