Abstract
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a unique tool, which allows
non-invasive in-vivo assessment of the white matter integrity and characterization of the brain maturation
process in normal and abnormal subjects. In this review, we briefly present dMRI techniques
and methodologies for non-experts and we describe recent studies investigating the
use of dMRI in pediatric epilepsy. The study of white matter connections can guide
us in localizing epileptic foci. Moreover, it has been proven sensitive to white matter-invisible
lesions, network reorganization, the effects of seizures on the brain network, and
the development of lesions in children and adults. Taken together, the results reviewed
here suggest that dMRI is a valuable tool for assessing childhood epilepsy. However,
studying dMRI in pediatric population is a challenge due to the high variability between
age groups. In the quest for a deeper understanding of childhood epilepsies and brain
abnormalities, dMRI protocols should be tested to determine the most sensitive parameters.
Keywords
Diffusion-weighted MRI - diffusion tensor imaging - MRI - children - epilepsy - surgery
