The value of diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient on hippocampal sclerosis before operation

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)on hippocampal sclerosis before operation. Methods: Eleven patients with hippocampal sclerosis verified by operation and pathology and 13 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed on a 3.0 TMR system and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of bilateral hippocampal structure were measured. Results: The ADC value measured at the hippocampal area was significantly higher on the lesion side [(9.62 ± 1.14) x 10-4] than on the contralateral side [(8.36 ± 0.60) x 10-4] (t=4.165, P=0.002) and healthy volunteers [(7.65 ± 0.35) x 10-4 ] (P<0.001). The hippocampal structure of the contralateral side in the patients had higher ADC values compared with those of healthy volunteers (P=0.005). Conclusion: The increased ADC value could be used as an useful index in lateralizing the epileptogenic lesion in patients with hippocampal sclerosis before operation. (author)