Three-Dimensional Brain Surface Rendering Imaging of Cortical Dysplasia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The study was to evaluate the localization of the abnormal gyral and sulcal patterns obtained by means of brain surface rendering imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with cortical dysplasia who underwent brain surface rendering MR imaging were included in this study. We acquired MP-RAGE sequence and created the 3-D surface rendering MR images by using VoxelPlus(R). Anatomical locations and configurations of abnormal gyri and sulci were reviewed. RESULTS: Abnormal gyral and sulcal patterns were seen 18 in 19 patients. The configuration and orientation of affected gyri and sulci were clearly evaluated in the brain surface rendering images. In a lissencephaly, the a cortex was not delineated and showed markedly thick and smooth gyral pattern. In a schizencephaly, there were wheel shaped broad gyral pattern around the cleft. In a hemimegalencephaly, an affected hemisphere were enlarged and displayed thick and wide gyral pattern. In CBPS, the insular cortex was exposed and the gyri of the lesion were thickened. In focal cortical dysplasia, there were irregular serrated or thick and enlarged gyri. CONCLUSION: Brain surface rendering MR imaging is useful for the evaluation of a detailed gyral pattern and accurate involvement site of abnormal gyri.