MRI-neuropathological correlations in type 1 lissencephaly

Abstract

Although imperfect, MRI is the best way of distinguishing type 1 lissencephaly from other, less classical lissencephalic malformations. We reported a case in which correlation of MRI and neuropathology was possible. Besides the classical radiological features of lissencephaly, i. e., agyria and excessive thickness of the cortex, an additional sign was observed: a thin cortical band, which gave high signal on T2-weighted images, represented a paucicellular and partially myelinated band, 1500 μm thick, lying under the true superficial cortex. This MRI feature could be characteristic of the particular cortical lamination observed in true type 1 lissencephaly.