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Relationship between brain structure on magnetic resonance imaging and motor outcomes in children with cerebral
Evyn Arnfield1, Andrea Guzzetta, Roslyn Boyd
1Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help understand cerebral palsy (CP) in children. Brain structure on MRI correlates with motor function, aiding early intervention and prediction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood disorder affecting motor function.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing CP when the cause is unknown.
- Understanding the link between brain structure and motor outcomes is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on the relationship between brain structure on MRI and motor outcomes in children with CP.
- To identify how MRI findings can inform predictions and optimize early interventions for CP.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 37 studies involving children with CP.
- Analysis of population characteristics, MRI data, motor outcome data, and their interrelationships.
- Evaluation of qualitative lesion classification systems and motor ability assessments.
Main Results:
- A correlation was found between the type of brain lesion identified via MRI and specific motor outcomes, including Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and motor type.
- Limitations included inconsistent reporting of lesion location/extent and variable use of validated motor assessments.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between MRI-identified brain lesions and motor outcomes in CP is significant.
- This correlation can guide the prediction and optimization of early interventions for children with CP.
- There is a need for quantitative MRI classification measures detailing lesion location and severity.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended in all children with cerebral palsy (CP) where the aetiology has not been established, and the major presenting problem in CP is reduced motor capacity. A systematic review of the literature was performed to investigate the relationship between brain structure on MRI and motor outcomes in children with CP. A total of 37 studies met inclusion criteria, and were analysed in terms of (a) population characteristics, (b) MRI data, (c) motor outcome data, and (d) the relationship between MRI data and motor outcomes. All studies used a qualitative system to classify brain lesions; however, few reported information about the location and extent of lesions. Valid and reliable classifications of motor abilities were not always used, and three studies did not link motor findings to MRI features. There was, however, a relationship between the type of brain lesion on MRI and two specific motor outcomes, namely gross motor functional classification (using GMFCS) and motor type. This relationship could aid in the prediction and optimisation of early interventions for children with CP. There is also need for a quantitative MRI classification measure which includes detailed information about the location and severity of lesions.
