title: Signal intensity of superficial white matter on phase difference enhanced imaging as a landmark of the perirolandic cortex.
abstract: Background The superficial white matter (SWM), which fills the space between the deep white matter and the cortex, has not been well characterized. Purpose To determine whether the assessment of the relative signal intensity (SI) of the SWM in the precentral and postcentral gyri on phase difference enhanced (PADRE) images contributes in establishing anatomical landmark. Material and Methods The study population consisted of 43 normal subjects (28 women, 15 men; mean age, 52.9 years; age range, 22-90 years). By the consensus of two observers, the precentral gyri, postcentral gyri, and superior frontal cortex (SFC) were identified based on the established anatomical methods. The SI of the SWM in the precentral and postcentral gyri on PADRE images was divided into three grades in comparison with that of the SFC: Grade I, isointense; Grade II, slightly hypointense; and Grade III, markedly hypointense. Results The SWM in the precentral and postcentral gyri showed hypointensity on PADRE images. In the SI analyses of the PADRE images, the Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III appearances were found in one (1%), 20 (23%), and 65 (76%) of the 86 precentral gyri (43 subjects), respectively, and in one (1%), 23 (27%), and 62 (72%) of the 86 postcentral gyri, respectively. Conclusion On PADRE images, the perirolandic SWM showed hypointensity compared to other cerebral cortices, which probably reflects differences in the concentrations of the nerve fibers, as well as the higher myelin content. PADRE may be useful for the identification of the central sulcus by assessing the SI of the SWM.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan.
authors.forename: Shingo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kakeda
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Course of Radiological Sciences, Kumamoto University School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan.
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yoneda
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan.
authors.forename: Satoru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ide
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan.
authors.forename: Keita
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Fukuoka Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hiai
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan.
authors.forename: Yukunori
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Korogi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D066127:White Matter / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); central sulcus; phase difference enhanced imaging; precentral gyrus; superficial white matter