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Pastore LV, De Vita E, Sudhakar SV, Löbel U, Mankad K, Biswas A, Cirillo L, Pujar S, D’Arco F. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of paediatric focal epilepsy: a narrative review. Transl Pediatr 2024; 13:1617-1633. [PMID: 39399717 PMCID: PMC11467228 DOI: 10.21037/tp-24-166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with 30-40% of patients not responding to medication, necessitating alternative therapies such as surgical intervention. However, the accurate localization of epileptogenic lesions, particularly in pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative drug-resistant epilepsy, remains a challenge. This paper reviews advanced neuroimaging techniques aimed at improving the detection of such lesions to enhance surgical outcomes. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, focusing on advanced MRI sequences, focal epilepsy, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnostic process. Key Content and Findings New MRI sequences, including magnetization prepared 2 rapid gradient echo (MP2RAGE), edge-enhancing gradient echo (EDGE), and fluid and white matter suppression (FLAWS), have demonstrated enhanced capabilities in detecting subtle epileptogenic lesions. Quantitative MRI techniques, notably magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), alongside innovative post-processing methods, are emphasized for their effectiveness in delineating cortical malformations, whether used alone or in combination with ultra-high field MRI systems. Furthermore, the integration of AI in radiology is progressing, providing significant support in accurately localizing lesions, and potentially optimizing pre-surgical planning. Conclusions While advanced neuroimaging and AI offer significant improvements in the diagnostic process for epilepsy, some challenges remain. These include long acquisition times, the need for extensive data analysis, and a lack of large, standardized datasets for AI validation. However, the future holds promise as research continues to integrate these technologies into clinical practice. These efforts will improve the clinical applicability and effectiveness of these advanced techniques in epilepsy management, paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vincenzo Pastore
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico De Vita
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sniya Valsa Sudhakar
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ulrike Löbel
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Asthik Biswas
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luigi Cirillo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy
| | - Suresh Pujar
- Neurology/Epilepsy Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences Unit, University College London-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Felice D’Arco
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Gennari AG, Bicciato G, Lo Biundo SP, Kottke R, Stefanos-Yakoub I, Cserpan D, O'Gorman Tuura R, Ramantani G. Lesion volume and spike frequency on EEG impact perfusion values in focal cortical dysplasia: a pediatric arterial spin labeling study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7601. [PMID: 38556543 PMCID: PMC10982306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58352-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Arterial spin labelling (ASL), an MRI sequence non-invasively imaging brain perfusion, has yielded promising results in the presurgical workup of children with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD)-related epilepsy. However, the interpretation of ASL-derived perfusion patterns remains unclear. Hence, we compared ASL qualitative and quantitative findings to their clinical, EEG, and MRI counterparts. We included children with focal structural epilepsy related to an MRI-detectable FCD who underwent single delay pseudo-continuous ASL. ASL perfusion changes were assessed qualitatively by visual inspection and quantitatively by estimating the asymmetry index (AI). We considered 18 scans from 15 children. 16 of 18 (89%) scans showed FCD-related perfusion changes: 10 were hypoperfused, whereas six were hyperperfused. Nine scans had perfusion changes larger than and seven equal to the FCD extent on anatomical images. Hyperperfusion was associated with frequent interictal spikes on EEG (p = 0.047). Perfusion changes in ASL larger than the FCD corresponded to larger lesions (p = 0.017). Higher AI values were determined by frequent interictal spikes on EEG (p = 0.004). ASL showed FCD-related perfusion changes in most cases. Further, higher spike frequency on EEG may increase ASL changes in affected children. These observations may facilitate the interpretation of ASL findings, improving treatment management, counselling, and prognostication in children with FCD-related epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giulio Gennari
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- MR-Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Bicciato
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Santo Pietro Lo Biundo
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raimund Kottke
- Department of Radiology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ilona Stefanos-Yakoub
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dorottya Cserpan
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth O'Gorman Tuura
- MR-Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georgia Ramantani
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Jin B, Xu J, Wang C, Wang S, Li H, Chen C, Ye L, He C, Cheng H, Zhang L, Wang S, Wang J, Aung T. Functional profile of perilesional gray matter in focal cortical dysplasia: an fMRI study. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1286302. [PMID: 38318464 PMCID: PMC10838983 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1286302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives We aim to investigate the functional profiles of perilesional gray matter (GM) in epileptic patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and to correlate these profiles with FCD II subtypes, surgical outcomes, and different antiseizure medications (ASMs) treatment response patterns. Methods Nine patients with drug-responsive epilepsy and 30 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (11 were histologically confirmed FCD type IIa, 19 were FCD type IIb) were included. Individual-specific perilesional GM and contralateral homotopic GM layer masks were generated. These masks underwent a two-voxel (2 mm) dilation from the FCD lesion and contralateral homotopic region, resulting in 10 GM layers (20 mm). Layer 1, the innermost, progressed to Layer 10, the outermost. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) analyses were conducted to assess the functional characteristics of ipsilateral perilesional GM and contralateral homotopic GM. Results Compared to the contralateral homotopic GM, a significant reduction of ALFF was detected at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 to 6 in FCD type IIa (after Bonferroni correction p < 0.005, paired t-test), whereas a significant decrease was observed at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 to 2 in FCD type IIb (after Bonferroni correction p < 0.005, paired t-test). Additionally, a significant decrease of the ReHo was detected at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 compared to the CHRs in FCD type IIb. Notably, complete resection of functional perilesional GM alterations did not correlate with surgical outcomes. Compared to the contralateral homotopic GM, a decreased ALFF in the ipsilateral perilesional GM layer was detected in drug-responsive patients, whereas decreased ALFF in the ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1-6 and decreased ReHo at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 were observed in drug-resistant patients (after Bonferroni correction p < 0.005, paired t-test). Conclusion Our findings indicate distinct functional profiles of perilesional GM based on FCD histological subtypes and ASMs' response patterns. Importantly, our study illustrates that the identified functional alterations in perilesional GM may not provide sufficient evidence to determine the epileptogenic boundary required for surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jin
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linqi Ye
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenmin He
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lisan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Thandar Aung
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Yao L, Cheng N, Chen AQ, Wang X, Gao M, Kong QX, Kong Y. Advances in Neuroimaging and Multiple Post-Processing Techniques for Epileptogenic Zone Detection of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023. [PMID: 38014782 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the approximately 20 million patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) worldwide, the vast majority can benefit from surgery to minimize seizure reduction and neurological impairment. Precise preoperative localization of epileptogenic zone (EZ) and complete resection of the lesions can influence the postoperative prognosis. However, precise localization of EZ is difficult, and the structural and functional alterations in the brain caused by DRE vary by etiology. Neuroimaging has emerged as an approach to identify the seizure-inducing structural and functional changes in the brain, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have become routine noninvasive imaging tools for preoperative evaluation of DRE in many epilepsy treatment centers. Multimodal neuroimaging offers unique advantages in detecting EZ, especially in improving the detection rate of patients with negative MRI or PET findings. This approach can characterize the brain imaging characteristics of patients with DRE caused by different etiologies, serving as a bridge between clinical and pathological findings and providing a basis for individualized clinical treatment plans. In addition to the integration of multimodal imaging modalities and the development of special scanning sequences and image post-processing techniques for early and precise localization of EZ, the application of deep machine learning for extracting image features and deep learning-based artificial intelligence have gradually improved diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. These improvements can provide clinical assistance for precisely outlining the scope of EZ and indicating the relationship between EZ and functional brain areas, thereby enabling standardized and precise surgery and ensuring good prognosis. However, most existing studies have limitations imposed by factors such as their small sample sizes or hypothesis-based study designs. Therefore, we believe that the application of neuroimaging and post-processing techniques in DRE requires further development and that more efficient and accurate imaging techniques are urgently needed in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yao
- Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Nan Cheng
- Medical Imaging Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - An-Qiang Chen
- Medical Imaging Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Medical Imaging Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Medical Imaging Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qing-Xia Kong
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yu Kong
- Medical Imaging Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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Stefanos-Yakoub I, Wingeier K, Cserpan D, Gennari AG, Latal B, Reuner G, Ramantani G. Lesion Extent Negatively Impacts Intellectual Skills in Pediatric Focal Epilepsy. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 145:67-73. [PMID: 37285765 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive development in children and adolescents with focal lesional epilepsy is determined by the underlying epileptogenic lesion, in addition to epilepsy itself. However, the impact of lesion-related variables on intelligence quotient (IQ) and developmental quotient (DQ) remains largely unexplored. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of lesion-related predictors and their relation with epilepsy-related predictors of intellectual functioning. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from children with focal lesional epilepsy who underwent standardized cognitive evaluation yielding IQ/DQ in our institution. RESULTS We included 50 consecutive patients aged 0.5 to 17.5 years (mean, 9.3; S.D., 4.9) at cognitive assessment. Epilepsy duration was 0 to 15.5 years (mean, 3.8; S.D., 4.1). Of the total cohort, 30 (60%) patients had unilobar lesions, seven (14%) multilobar, 10 (20%) hemispheric, and three (6%) bilateral. Etiology was congenital in 32 (64%) cases, acquired in 14 (28%), and progressive in four (8%). For patients with unilobar lesions, the mean IQ/DQ was 97.1 ± 15.7, for multilobar 98.9 ± 20.2, for hemispheric 76.1 ± 20.5, and for bilateral 76.3 ± 4.5. Larger lesion extent, earlier epilepsy onset, and longer epilepsy duration correlated with lower IQ/DQ in the univariate analysis, whereas only lesion extent and epilepsy duration contributed significantly to the explanatory model in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that lesion extent and epilepsy duration are important risk factors for intellectual impairment in pediatric patients with focal lesional epilepsy. These findings are useful for family counseling and the early consideration of interventions that may limit the duration of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Stefanos-Yakoub
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Wingeier
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dorottya Cserpan
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Giulio Gennari
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; MR Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gitta Reuner
- Faculty of Behavioral and Cultural Studies, Institute of Education Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georgia Ramantani
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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