Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the hippocampal region using Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery sequences (Turbo-FLAIR) to detect signal intensity abnormalities, and volumetric sequences to detect cortical thickness changes, in patients with drug-resistant temporal epilepsy.
We evaluated 30 patients with drug-resistant temporal epilepsy with a 1.5 Tesla unit (NT 15 Philips Gyroscan). Conventional SE, Turbo SE, IR, Turbo-FLAIR, volumetric 3D sequences on coronal plane, PD, T2weighted SE sequences on axial plane, T1-weighted SE on sagittal plane / were performed. Signal intensity and volumetric computerized measurements were obtained using the SUN system. Differences in signal intensity values between the two hippocampal regions were found in 18 patients with Turbo-FLAIR sequences. In 6 of the sepatients no significant differences in computerized evaluation of signal intensity were detected with either conventional or Turbo-SE sequences. Volumetric analysis showed hippocampal cortex thinning in 9 out of 18 patients with hippocampal signal intensity abnormalities.
Turbo -FLAIR provided the best sequences for the detection of signal intensity changes in the hippocampal region. Such changes are strongly suggestive of hippocampal sclerosis, especially when associated with cortical atrophy.
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