Signal intensity of superficial white matter on phase difference enhanced imaging as a landmark of the perirolandic cortex.

BackgroundThe superficial white matter (SWM), which fills the space between the deep white matter and the cortex, has not been well characterized.PurposeTo 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 MethodsThe 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.ResultsThe SWM in the precentral and postcentral gyri showed hypointensity on PADRE images. In the SI analyses of t...