Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging metrics in perilesional white matter among children with periventricular nodular gray matter heterotopia

Background

Despite pharmacological and surgical interventions, some children with periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) remain refractory to treatment, which suggests more diffuse pathology potentially involving perilesional white matter.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate MR diffusion tensor imaging (MRDTI) metrics within perilesional white matter in children with PNH.

Materials and methods

Six children with PNH (four boys; average age 3.2 years, range 2 months to 6 years) were studied with MRDTI at 3 T. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) were quantified within perilesional white matter at distances of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm from focal areas of PNH and compared to location-matched ROIs in six healthy control patients (two boys, average age 3.3 years, range 2–6 years). Statistical significance was set at an overall level of α?=?0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results

Perilesional white matter showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy and elevated mean and radial diffusivity at all evaluated distances. No significant differences in axial diffusivity were detected at any distance.

Conclusion

PNH is associated with microstructural white matter abnormalities as indicated by abnormal perilesional MRDTI metrics detectable at least 20 mm from visible nodular lesions.