Magnetic resonance imaging in leukodystrophies of childhood.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly valuable in the diagnosis of childhood brain disorders with abnormal myelination because MRI may identify lesions not always seen with x-ray CT scans. We report the clinical and magnetic resonance findings of six children with leukodystrophy. T2 weighted (spin-echo) images disclosed striking asymmetric involvement of cerebral white matter, particularly in periventricular white matter and visual radiations. Calculated T1 values were significantly elevated in the children with leukodystrophy.