Reversible periictal MRI abnormalities: clinical correlates and long-term outcome in 12 patients

Although a wide spectrum of reversible periictal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities (RPMA) are being increasingly identified, the clinicians are often in a dilemma about their localization significance. This prompted us to analyze the clinical, MRI, electroencephalographic (EEG) and follow-up data of 12 patients with RPMA seen in a tertiary referral epilepsy center. RPMA occurred after a single or a cluster of focal seizures with or without secondary generalization. The interictal and ictal EEG abnormalities were localized to the site of RPMA in nine patients. RPMA involved areas remote from the site of EEG abnormalities in four patients. We have developed a comprehensive classification to account for the wide spectrum of RPMA involving gray matter, white matter and leptomeninges with or without contrast enhancement or mass effect. Follow-up MRIs showed complete resolution of RPMA in all, except in four patients, who developed residual focal atrophy. During median follow-up period of 3 years, recurrence of RPMA was observed in two patients. Diffusion weighted MRI in two patients and histopathological finding in one patient favored causal role of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of RPMA. Our observations help to understand the electroclinical profile, radiological spectrum, localization significance and natural history of RPMA better.