Structural association between heterotopia and cortical lesions visualised with 7 T MRI in patients with focal epilepsy.

Purpose: To analyze structural characteristics of malformations of cortical development (MCD) at 7T and 3T MRI.

Methods: Twenty-five patients were examined with a 7T MRI-scanner in addition to 3T examinations performed for epilepsy evaluation. 7T sequences included a 3D-T1-weighted (T1w) MPRAGE, 3D-T2w FLAIR, and heavily T2w axial and coronal high-resolution (0.5 × 0.5 × 0.75-1.0 mm) 2D-TSE sequences. Images were reviewed for 7T MRI imaging characteristics of MCD, visibility and frequency of identified lesions on 7T and on 3T (original reports and second reading).

Results: In 25 patients 112 lesions were identified (57 gray matter (GM) heterotopia, 37 focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), and 18 other MCD). Imaging characteristics of the 37 FCD were cortical thickening (n = 11); GM-WM border blurring (n = 30); GM signal intensity changes (n = 18); juxtacortical WM signal intensity changes (n = 18); and transmantle WM signal intensity changes (n = 11). None of the 7T MRI sequences was sufficient to detect all types of lesions. Heterotopia were in general isointense to normal GM. Structural associations between 36 heterotopia and overlaying cortex were observed, composed either of a direct connection, vessel-like structures, or GM-like bridges. FCD were mentioned in 30% (11 of 37) of the original reports at 3T, and in 57% (21 of 37) after second reading. FCD connections to subcortical heterotopia were clinically not reported at all.

Conclusion: 7T MRI revealed subtle connections between heterotopia and previous unidentified pathology in overlaying cortex. These findings may be significant for the understanding of the anatomical seizure origin and propagation pathways.