Published online Oct 28, 2015. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v7.i10.329
Peer-review started: May 11, 2015
First decision: June 24, 2015
Revised: July 31, 2015
Accepted: August 20, 2015
Article in press: August 21, 2015
Published online: October 28, 2015
Processing time: 183 Days and 7.8 Hours
Malformation of cortical development (MCD) is a term representing an inhomogeneous group of central nervous system abnormalities, referring particularly to embriyological aspect as a consequence of any of the three developmental stages, i.e., cell proliferation, cell migration and cortical organization. These include cotical dysgenesis, microcephaly, polymicrogyria, schizencephaly, lissencephaly, hemimegalencephaly, heterotopia and focal cortical dysplasia. Since magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice that best identifies the structural anomalies of the brain cortex, we aimed to provide a mini review of MCD by using 3T magnetic resonance scanner images.
Core tip: Malformations of cortical development reflect embryological disruptions in neuronal proliferation, neuronal migration, cortical organization or multiple steps of the cortical development. Malformation of cortical development (MCDs) are important causes of refractory epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging including the advanced MRI techniques has a pivotal role in diagnosis of MCDs and prediction of feasibility of surgical management in cases that are refractory to medication.