A potential mechanism of neurological impairment in children with infantile spasm:a structure analysis employing voxel-based morphometry

Motivation: Whether there is micro-structural alteration in the temporal lobe of Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) patients is yet to be clarified, of which resulting in severe language function impairment. Goal(s): To explore the potential mechanism of neurological impairment in children with IESS. Approach: We conducted a study with BSID-II for clinical evaluation, meanwhile voxel-based morphometry (VBM) for MRI data analysis. Results: In IESS group, the most significant volume loss of gray matter in right fusiform (Broadman area 21) and middle temporal gyrus (Wernicke's area) were key node for voice recognition, language processing, semantic retrieval, memory, and understanding network. Impact: The findings of this study light up an anatomical basis for language impairment in children with IESS.