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Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
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Structural abnormalities are similar in familial and nonfamilial mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Fabio Thadeu Ferreira1, Eliane Kobayashi, Iscia Lopes-Cendes

  • 1Campinas State University, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Le Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques
|September 21, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anterior temporal lobe abnormalities are uncommon in familial mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), even with genetic links. Hippocampal atrophy is frequent in both familial and non-familial MTLE, but other temporal lobe issues are rare.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Epilepsy Research

Background:

  • Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) can present with diffuse temporal lobe abnormalities on MRI.
  • Familial MTLE (FMTLE) and nonfamilial MTLE may exhibit distinct MRI findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct qualitative and quantitative MRI analyses of temporal lobe structures.
  • To compare temporal lobe abnormalities in familial versus nonfamilial MTLE patients.

Main Methods:

  • MRI analysis (qualitative and volumetric) of hippocampi and anterior temporal lobes.
  • Comparison of 67 FMTLE patients and 30 nonfamilial MTLE patients against 23 controls.
  • Statistical analysis using Chi-square test and ANOVA.

Main Results:

  • Anterior temporal lobe abnormalities were infrequent (4% visual, 19% volumetric in FMTLE).
  • Nonfamilial MTLE showed slightly higher rates of anterior temporal lobe abnormalities (17% visual, 13% volumetric).
  • Hippocampal atrophy was prevalent in 90% of FMTLE and 83% of nonfamilial MTLE patients.

Conclusions:

  • Abnormalities outside the mesial temporal lobe are rare in both FMTLE and nonfamilial MTLE.
  • In FMTLE, hippocampal atrophy does not correlate with extratemporal lobe abnormalities, despite a genetic basis.

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