Role of M.R.I in evaluation of congenital brain malformations

Abstract

Congenital brain malformations are increasingly recognized as a major cause of developmental delay and epilepsy. Various imaging modalities as ultrasound, computed tomography and cerebral angiography can give useful informations in diagnosis of brain anomalies. However, they have their limitations in comparison to MRI, which is considered as a non-invasive imaging technique that demonstrates intracranial anatomy and pathology without using of ionizing radiation. In addition, the high resolution of MR permits highly sensitive assessment of grey white matter abnormalities. So that MRI is the modality of choice to evaluate development, maturation and diagnosis of congenital brain malformations. Image quality of MRI is dependant on various factors including field strength, scanning sequences, imaging time and patient cooperation. The aim of this essay to high lighten the value of MRI in the diagnosis of many congenital brain malformations , that has been difficult to be recognized in vivo before the era of MRI. Different pathological entities were encountered, Cephalocele, Chiari malformations, corpus callosum malformations, holoprosencephaly, leptomeningeal malformations, posterior fossa malformations, lissencephaly, polymicrogyria, heterotopia, schizencephaly, tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis and Sturge–Weber Syndrome.