Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Nonspecific periaqueductal gray lesions on T2WI in episodic migraine
Zhiye Chen1,2, Xiaoyan Chen2, Mengqi Liu1
1Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.
Background:
The specific periaqueductal gray (PAG) lesions with migraine-like headache were easily identified on conventional MR images in clinical practice, and the aim of this study is to investigate the nonspecific periaqueductal gray (PAG) lesions in episodic migraine (EM) patients based on T2 weighted imaging (T2WI).
Methods:
T2WI images were obtained from 18 EM patients and 18 normal controls (NC) on 3.0 T MR system. The images were observed by two experienced radiologists, and the lesions were identified on T2WI by consensus by 2 experienced neuroradiologists blinded to the patient identity. Chi-Square test was performed for the significance test.
Results:
Ring-like hyperintensity lesions (HILs) around the PAG region were observed in 14 EM patients and in 5 NCs on T2WI. Four EM patients and 13 NCs were normal in PAG region. The significance was revealed by Chi-Square test (P = 0.003).
Conclusion:
HIL of PAG may be the direct evidence of the EM genesis, and the further structural and functional study should be performed to elucidate the neuromechanism of migraine pathogenesis.
Insights
Ring-like lesions around the periaqueductal gray (PAG) were found more often in episodic migraine (EM) patients than in controls. These PAG hyperintensity lesions (HILs) may indicate the cause of EM.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder.
- Periaqueductal gray (PAG) lesions are associated with migraine-like headaches.
- Nonspecific PAG lesions in episodic migraine (EM) require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nonspecific periaqueductal gray (PAG) lesions in episodic migraine (EM) patients using T2-weighted imaging (T2WI).
Main Methods:
- T2WI scans were acquired from 18 EM patients and 18 normal controls (NC) using a 3.0 T MR system.
- Lesions were identified by experienced neuroradiologists blinded to patient identity.
- Chi-Square test was used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Ring-like hyperintensity lesions (HILs) around the PAG were observed in 14 EM patients and 5 NCs.
- Four EM patients and 13 NCs showed no lesions in the PAG region.
- The difference in lesion presence between groups was statistically significant (P = 0.003).
Conclusions:
- Hyperintensity lesions (HILs) in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) may be direct evidence of episodic migraine (EM) genesis.
- Further research into the structural and functional aspects of these lesions is needed.
- Understanding these neuromechanisms is crucial for elucidating migraine pathogenesis.
