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Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Published on: August 5, 2014
Increased temporolimbic cortical folding complexity in temporal lobe epilepsy
N L Voets1, B C Bernhardt, H Kim
1Department of Neurology and McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute (WB-322), 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4.
Neurology
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Brain development abnormalities, like altered cortical folding, are linked to temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Increased folding complexity in TLE patients correlates with hippocampal maldevelopment, suggesting neurodevelopmental origins for epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Epileptology
Background:
- Abnormalities in brain development are implicated in the pathogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
- Cortical sulco-gyral patterns serve as indicators of cortical development.
- Quantitative mapping of cortical folding complexity can reveal insights into TLE pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively map neocortical folding complexity in patients with TLE.
- To investigate the relationship between cortical complexity and hippocampal maldevelopment (malrotation).
Main Methods:
- Whole-brain surface-based analysis of absolute mean cortical curvature using MRI scans.
- Study included 43 drug-resistant TLE patients with unilateral hippocampal atrophy and 40 healthy controls.
- Correlations were made between cortical curvature and 3D hippocampal positioning in TLE patients.
Main Results:
- Increased folding complexity was observed in temporolimbic regions (parahippocampal, temporopolar, insular, fronto-opercular).
- Complexity was ipsilateral to the seizure focus in left TLE (LTLE) and bilateral in right TLE (RTLE).
- Elevated temporolimbic complexity correlated with increased hippocampal malrotation in both TLE groups.
Conclusions:
- Increased cortical complexity in TLE overlaps with limbic seizure networks.
- The association with hippocampal maldevelopment supports a role for neurodevelopmental factors in TLE.
- Cortical complexity patterns may offer predictive value for surgical outcomes in TLE.
