Comparative Analysis of the Usefulness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging according to the Classification of Pediatric Seizure

PURPOSE: The correct classification of seizure is necessary for appropriate evaluation and treatment. Recent development in Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) can provide critical data for classifying epilepsy. But there is limited information about its diagnostic efficacy and current use in the initial evaluation of pediatric epilepsy. So we studied the diagnostic efficacy of MRI in pediatric seizure and analyzed whether MRI could be an appropriate screening procedure. METHODS: EEG and MRI of 236 children with seizure admitted at Keimyung University Hospital from January 1997 to June 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were classified by clinical information:neonatal, generalized and partial seizure groups. We comparatively analyzed EEG findings and MRI findings in each group. RESULTS: According to the MRI findings, the rate of abnormalities of the neonatal seizure group was 50%, 31% in the generalized seizure group and 41% in the partial seizure group. Correlation between the abnormalities of EEG and MRI findings was identified in partial the seizure group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that MRI is an essential diagnostic tool when a neonatal or partial seizure is investigated. And it will be also useful for some patients with generalized seizure who are suspected of partial seizure.

Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia of the Liver in an Infant: Case Report

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver is an uncommon disease entity, especially in the pediatricage group. A few cases have been reported in the radiologic literature, but follow-up imaging studies are rare. We describe a case of NRH, diagnosed by ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, in a seven-month-old infant with cri-du-chat syndrome. Initial ultrasound revealed several small hypoechogenic nodules in the liver, but CT and MR failed to demonstrate their presence. Two follow-up sonographic examinations were performed 7 and 20 months later, revealing increases in the size and number of the nodules.