Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse
Published on: May 19, 2015
Focally Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients with Polymicrogyria-an MRI Study
Maximilian Rauch1, Karsten Lachner2, Lea Frickel2
1Institute for Neuroradiology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. rauch@med.uni-frankfurt.de.
Purpose:
Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a cortical malformation frequently associated with epilepsy. Our aim was to investigate the frequency and conspicuity of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) underneath dysplastic cortex as a potentially underrecognized feature of PMG in pediatric and adolescent patients undergoing clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods:
We analyzed data from 28 pediatric and adolescent patients with PMG and a matched control group, ranging in age from 2 days to 21 years, who underwent MRI at 1.5T or 3T. T2-weighted MR images were examined for the presence of EPVS underneath the dysplastic cortex. The quantity of EPVS was graded from 0 to 4 (0: none, 1: < 10, 2: 11-20, 3: 21-40, 4: > 40 EPVS). We then compared the presence and quantity of EPVS to the matched controls in terms of total EPVS scores, and EPVS scores underneath the dysplastsic cortex depending on the age groups, the localization of PMG, and the MRI field strength.
Results:
In 23/28 (82%) PMG patients, EPVS spatially related to the dysplastic cortex were identified. EPVS scores were significantly higher in PMG patients compared to controls, independent from age or PMG location. No significant differences were observed in EPVS scores in patients examined at 1.5T compared to those examined at 3T.
Conclusion:
EPVS underneath the dysplastic cortex were identified in 82% of patients. EPVS may serve as an important clue for PMG and a marker for cortical malformation.
Insights
Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are frequently found under polymicrogyria (PMG) cortex in pediatric patients. This finding may indicate PMG, a developmental brain malformation linked to epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a cortical malformation often associated with epilepsy.
- Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are fluid-filled spaces around blood vessels.
- The presence of EPVS in relation to PMG requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and visibility of EPVS beneath dysplastic cortex in pediatric and adolescent patients with PMG.
- To assess EPVS as a potential indicator of PMG on clinical MRI.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MRI data from 28 pediatric/adolescent patients with PMG and matched controls.
- Examination of T2-weighted MR images for EPVS presence and quantity (graded 0-4) under dysplastic cortex.
- Comparison of EPVS scores between PMG patients and controls, considering age, PMG location, and MRI field strength (1.5T/3T).
Main Results:
- EPVS spatially related to the dysplastic cortex were identified in 82% (23/28) of PMG patients.
- PMG patients showed significantly higher EPVS scores compared to controls, irrespective of age or PMG location.
- MRI field strength (1.5T vs. 3T) did not significantly impact EPVS scores.
Conclusions:
- EPVS beneath the dysplastic cortex are a common finding in pediatric PMG patients (82%).
- EPVS may serve as a valuable imaging clue for identifying PMG.
- EPVS can be a marker for cortical malformations like PMG.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging