Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
09:57
How to Measure Cortical Folding from MR Images: a Step-by-Step Tutorial to Compute Local Gyrification Index
Published on: January 2, 2012
Patterns of hippocampal abnormalities in malformations of cortical development
M A Montenegro1, D Kinay, F Cendes
1Department of Neurology, University of Campinas/FCM-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|February 18, 2006
Summary
Malformations of cortical development (MCD) often cause small hippocampi, but not always hippocampal sclerosis. Enlarged hippocampi are linked to diffuse MCD from abnormal neuronal migration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Malformations of Cortical Development (MCD) represent a diverse group of congenital brain abnormalities.
- The hippocampus is crucial for memory and susceptible to various insults.
- Understanding hippocampal changes in MCD is vital for diagnosis and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate specific patterns of hippocampal abnormalities associated with different types of MCD.
- To determine if MRI characteristics of hippocampal sclerosis are present in MCD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 122 patients with MRI-diagnosed MCD.
- Detailed hippocampal measurements on coronal T1-weighted MRI.
- Comparison with age-matched normal control MRIs.
Main Results:
- 29.5% of MCD patients exhibited hippocampal abnormalities.
- A small hippocampus was observed across all MCD types.
- Enlarged hippocampi were specifically associated with lissencephaly-agyria-pachygyria and Subcortical Laminar Heterotopia (SLH).
- Abnormal hippocampal shape and rotation were common in PNH (Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia).
Conclusions:
- While hippocampal volume reduction is common in MCD, classic signs of hippocampal sclerosis are often absent.
- Hippocampal enlargement is a specific indicator of diffuse MCD related to abnormal neuronal migration, such as lissencephaly-agyria-pachygyria and SLH.
