Children with Rolandic epilepsy have micro- and macrostructural abnormalities in white matter constituting networks...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neurology
• Pediatric Epilepsy

Background:

• Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS) is a common childhood epilepsy affecting language function.
• The relationship between seizure focus in the centrotemporal cortex and language deficits requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the language profile and white matter microstructure in children with active and resolved SeLECTS.
• To explore the association between white matter abnormalities and language performance in SeLECTS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-resolution MRI with diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological language assessments in children with active SeLECTS, resolved SeLECTS, and controls.
• Analyzed superficial white matter microstructure and the arcuate fasciculus connecting language-related cortical regions.
• Compared white matter metrics and correlated them with language test scores.

Main Results:

• Children with SeLECTS exhibited deficits in phonological awareness and verbal comprehension compared to controls, more pronounced in active cases.
• Abnormal superficial white matter microstructure (increased diffusivity) was observed in the centrotemporal regions of children with SeLECTS.
• Reduced structural connectivity and increased diffusivity were found in the arcuate fasciculus of children with SeLECTS.

Conclusions:

• Children with SeLECTS, especially those with active seizures, demonstrate impaired language development.
• Atypical white matter maturation in the centrotemporal region and the arcuate fasciculus is evident in SeLECTS.
• These white matter abnormalities likely contribute to the language impairments observed in SeLECTS.