Role of MRI in Epilepsy: A Retrospective Study at POF Hospital, Wah Cantt

Abstract

Objective: To establish the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of epilepsy and to determine the proportion of MRI brain findings in young patients with epilepsy.
Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, POF Hospital Wah Cantt, from January 1, 2025 to February 28, 2025.
Materials and Methods: A total of 172 patients were selected by non-probability consecutive sampling. MRI brain images, obtained using the epilepsy protocol, from patients aged 1 to 30 years with a clinical history of epilepsy were retrospectively retrieved from the hospital Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2024. Patient age, gender, and MRI findings were recorded on a predesigned proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Age was expressed as mean ± standard deviation, while gender and MRI findings were presented as frequency and percentage. For abnormal MRI findings and the two most common abnormalities 95% confidence interval (CIs) were calculated.
Results: Out of 172 patients, 51.2% were males and 48.8% females, with a mean age of 18 ± 7.29 years. Structural brain abnormalities were detected in 94 patients (54.7%, 95% CI: 47.2%–61.9%), most commonly white matter hyperintensities (15.1%, 95% CI: 10.5%–21.2%) and mesial temporal sclerosis (14.5%, 95% CI:10.0%–20.6%).
Conclusion: Dedicated MRI brain epilepsy protocol serves as a first-line neuroimaging modality in epilepsy management, as it allows accurate detection of structural lesions that can influence treatment decisions.