Anterior temporal abnormality in temporal lobe epilepsy: A quantitative MRI and histopathologic study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the nature and frequency of anterior temporal lobe (AT) abnormalities that occur in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Methods: We reviewed the MR scans and clinical histories of 50 consecutive patients with intractable TLE. Histopathology was available in 42 surgically treated cases. Results: MRI demonstrated loss of the gray-white matter differentiation and decreased T1- and increased T2-weighted signal in the ipsilateral AT in 58% of the 50 patients. This appearance was observed in 64% of the 36 patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) but was also seen in patients without HS. These changes were associated with temporal lobe atrophy, a higher hippocampal T2 re..