Occurrence of hippocampal sclerosis, is one hemisphere or gender more vulnerable?

Purpose: We analyzed a large group of patients investigated for suspected seizures to test whether gender or side are important factors in the origins of hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Methods: We studied 996 consecutive patients (48% men, 52% women) by using standard hippocampal T-2-relaxometry methods. Results: I-IS was associated with a highly abnormal T-2 time (less than or equal to 113 ms). Categoric analysis showed that hippocampal T-2 time was independent of gender and side. T-2 time was bilaterally normal in 81% of men and in 79% of women; it was unilaterally abnormal in 15% of both men and women; and bilaterally abnormal in 4% of men and in 6% of women. Highly abnormal T, relaxometry, suggesting HS, occurred with equal frequency in men and women and on the right and left sides. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal T-2 times showed values not differing significantly between men and women or between the right and left hemispheres. There was no significant interaction between gender and side. Conclusions: In patients with seizure disorders, hippocampal T-2 relaxometry is not different in adult men and women and in the right and left hemispheres.