MRI-based radiologic scoring system for extent of brain injury in children with hemiplegia

• BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Brain MR imaging is recommended in children with cerebral palsy. Descriptions of MR imaging findings lack uniformity, due to the absence of a validated quantitative approach. We developed a quantitative scoring method for brain injury based on anatomic MR imaging and examined the reliability and validity in correlation to motor function in children with hemiplegia.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Twenty-seven children with hemiplegia underwent MR imaging (T1, T2-weighted sequences, DTI) and motor assessment (Manual Ability Classification System, Gross Motor Functional Classification System, Assisting Hand Assessment, Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function, and Children's Hand Experience Questionnaire). A scoring system devised in our center was applied to all scans. Radiologic score covered 4 domains: number of affected lobes, volume and type of white matter injury, extent of gray matter damage, and major white matter tract injury. Inter- and intrarater reliability was evaluated and the relationship between radiologic score and motor assessments determined.RESULTS:Mean total radiologic score was 11.3 ± 4.5 (range 4 -18). Good inter- (p = 0.909, P < .001) and intrarater (p = 0.926, P =<.001) reliability was demonstrated. Radiologic score correlated significantly with manual ability classification systems (p = 0.708, P < .001), and with motor assessments (assisting hand assessment [p = <0.753, P < .001]; Jebsen Taylor test of hand function [p = 0. 766, P < .001]; children's hand experience questionnaire [p=<0. 716, P < .001]), as well as with DTI parameters.CONCLUSIONS:We present a novel MR imaging- based scoring system that demonstrated high inter- and intrarater reliability and significant associations with manual ability classification systems and motor evaluations. This score provides a standardized radiologic assessment of brain injury extent in hemiplegic patients with predominantly unilateral injury, allowing comparison between groups, and providing an additional tool for counseling families.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

adolescent

adult

Article

assessment of humans

assisting hand assessment

brain injury

child

children hand experience questionnaire

clinical article

cohort analysis

diffusion tensor imaging

female

gray matter

Gross Motor Function Classification System

hemiplegia

human

intrarater reliability

jebsen taylor test of hand function

male

manual ability classification system

motor performance

nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

nuclear magnetic resonance scanner

quantitative analysis

scoring system

validity

white matter injury

Brain Injuries

classification

neurologic examination

procedures

Humans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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