Evaluation of morphometric properties of brain magnetic resonance imaging in benign rolandic epilepsy patients by artificial intelligence

Objective: In our study, we planned to determine the morphometric differences in the brain of patients with benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) compared to healthy individuals, to evaluate the findings together with clinical data, and to obtain more objective results by working with a larger and homogeneous population compared to the literature. Materials and Methods: In our study, the brain MRI images of the 6-9 years old patient group, who were diagnosed with BRE and had 3D isovolumetric T1W images and the control group of similar age and gender, were examined retrospectively at the İzzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital. Those without pathology in MRI were evaluated morphometrically with the CAT12 program. Results: A total of 96 people, 46 in the patient group and 50 in the control group were included in the study. In the patient group, volumetric reduction and cortical thinning were detected in both rolandic and non-rolandic regions. In the patient group, areas showing an increase in the local gyrification index and sulcal depth were detected. Areas of morphometric change in patients with BRE overlapped with significant areas for ADHD, language problem and behavior disorder. While there was significant thinning in mean thickness in patients with BRE, no significant difference was found in total gray matter volume. In both groups, cortical thickness decreased with increasing age, while total gray matter volume increased slightly. In the patient group, there were areas showing volume reduction and cortical thinning in those using carbamazepine or valproic acid compared to those not using the drug. Conclusion: In patients with BRE, volumetric reduction and cortical thinning occur outside the rolandic region as well as in the rolandic region. It was thought that cortical thickness may be an earlier marker compared to volume data in patients with BRE. It has been thought that the frequent occurrence of some comorbidities in BRE may be due to overlaps in the areas of morphometric changes. In our study, in addition to the literature, significant morphometric changes were found in those who used valproic acid or carbamazepine compared to those who did not use drugs. This may be due to the small number of our study group, and our study reveals that more research is needed in this area.