Imaging aspects in Spastic Cerebral Palsy in children

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used in the investigation of children with cerebral palsy (CP). This investigation suggests hope in future therapeutic interventions of children with CP. The aim is to study the relationship between spastic CP type and brain MRI aspects. Material and methods: In the years 2018-2020, 78 imaging results of children with spastic CP (age more than 5 years) were analyzed: 28 – tetraplegic CP (TCP), 26 – hemiplegic (HCP), 24 – diplegic form (DCP). The imaging results were analyzed by a trained specialist. Results: Brain structural abnormalities relevant to spastic CP types were detected in 72 (92.3% [I 99.19 – 95.61], p = 0.01) children. TCP changes were detected in all children; those with DCP – at 22 (91.7% [I 97.34 – 86.06], p = 0.05); HCP – in 25 (96.2% [I 99.97 – 92.43], p = 0.01) cases. Common: ventriculomegaly (55.1%) – TCP and DCP, cerebral atrophy (53.8%) – TCP, unilateral porencephalic cerebral cyst (30.8%) – HCP; bilateral cysts (29.5%) of various localizations (cortical – 30.4% TCP and subcortical – 69.6% DCP). Other abnormalities: atrophic lesions in the basal and thalamic ganglia region (5.1%), diffuse porencephaly (2.6%), periventricular gliotic changes (17.9%). Conclusions: Brain structural abnormalities in CP are varied and can be detected frequently by advanced imaging techniques, reflecting the relationship between CP form and characteristic imaging lesions. Early detection of brain abnormalities in children with CP may suggest the remote prognosis of the disease and the correct management of affected children.