Imaging technique in pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Comparison of magnetic resonance volumetry and multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy for evaluation of postoperative prognosis. II

While the importance of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy, volumetry, an d T2-relaxometry for preoperative localization has already been verified, t he question arises as to what extent the individual techniques are useful f or assessing postoperative prognosis with respect to seizures and neuropsyc hological outcome. In a prospective comparative study, 26 patients were exa mined preoperatively with a 1.5 T whole-body scanner. The MR spectroscopy w as taken by high resolution 1 H proton spectroscopy, the volumetry with MP rage technique. The postoperative outcome was laid down using Engel's class ification. Our results show that the metabolic changes can be divided into three groups using MR spectroscopy: unilateral, slightly bilateral,and seve rely bilateral to contralateral. In case of bilateral changes, the severity of metabolic changes in the nonoperated, contralateral side was decisive f or postoperative outcome. The results from volumetry did not correlate with postoperative outcome.