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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
[Multicystic encephalomalacia: MR imaging findings and clinical correlation]
Abdulhakim Coşkun1, Ertuğrul Mavili, Sefer Kumandaş
1Erciyes Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Radyoloji Anabilim Dali, Kayseri, Turkey.
Purpose:
To review the MR imaging findings of multicystic encephalomalacia and to investigate the correlation between MR imaging and clinical findings.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-one patients who presented with convulsion, mental-motor retardation and microcephaly and had evidence of multicystic encephalomalacia on MR images were included in this study. MR imaging patterns and clinical findings were reviewed. Consequently, we correlated MR imaging findings and clinical outcome.
Results:
All patients had cortical thinning, white matter destruction, atrophy and gliosis. Tetraplegia was seen in 17 out of 19 patients with mixed type cerebral palsy in two patients with diffuse or symmetric involvement on MR imaging. Both of the patients with mixed type cerebral palsy had basal ganglia involvement on MR imaging. Hemiplegia was seen in two patients with asymmetric involvement on MR imaging. Microcephaly was seen in 17 patients with diffuse or symmetrical, and in one patient with asymmetrical, involvement. Microcephaly and tetraplegia was seen in all patients with cerebellar and basal ganglion involvement.
Conclusion:
Microcephaly and spastic tetraplegia were developed mostly in patients with diffuse involvement, whereas hemiplegia was seen in patients with asymmetric involvement. The clinical outcome was worse in patients with cerebellar and brainstem involvement. Therefore, we supposed that the symmetry of lesions and cerebellar or brainstem involvement might be used as a prognostic indicator.
Insights
Multicystic encephalomalacia on MRI shows distinct patterns correlating with clinical outcomes. Symmetry of lesions and involvement of the cerebellum or brainstem are key prognostic indicators for neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatric Neurology
Context:
- Multicystic encephalomalacia (MCM) is a severe form of brain injury.
- Early diagnosis and understanding of prognosis are crucial for affected children.
Purpose:
- To review Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging findings in multicystic encephalomalacia.
- To correlate MR imaging features with clinical outcomes in patients with MCM.
Summary:
- This study analyzed MR imaging and clinical data from 21 patients with MCM.
- Common findings included cortical thinning, white matter destruction, atrophy, and gliosis.
- Specific patterns of involvement (diffuse vs. asymmetric) correlated with neurological deficits like tetraplegia and hemiplegia.
Impact:
- MR imaging findings, particularly lesion symmetry and cerebellar/brainstem involvement, can predict clinical outcomes in MCM.
- This correlation aids in prognostic assessment and management planning for affected children.
