Transiently reduced water diffusion in the corpus callosum in infants with benign partial epilepsy in infancy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Neuroimaging
• Epilepsy

Background:

• Benign partial epilepsy in infancy typically presents with normal neuroimaging findings.
• This study investigates atypical neuroimaging observations in this condition.

Observation:

• Two infants with probable benign partial epilepsy presented with seizure clusters.
• Standard neurological examinations and interictal electroencephalography were normal.
• Diffusion-weighted MRI revealed transient abnormalities in the corpus callosum.

Findings:

• A temporary reduction in water diffusion was noted in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum in one patient, and in the splenium only in the second patient.
• These diffusion abnormalities resolved on follow-up MRI.
• The observed callosal lesions were transient and not associated with developmental delays or interictal neurological deficits.

Implications:

• Transient callosal lesions on diffusion-weighted MRI may be associated with seizure clusters in benign partial epilepsy of infancy.
• This finding could refine diagnostic approaches and understanding of epilepsy pathophysiology in infants.
• Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between transient white matter changes and epileptic activity.