[Objective] Iron deficiency leads to abnormal iron metabolism, myelination, and neurotransmitter activity in the brain. We conducted an exploratory single-center observational cohort study of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) values in children with febrile seizures (FS), to examine brain iron dynamics using Atlas-based QSM analysis and clinical parameters. [Methods] We enrolled 23 patients with FS (median, 21 months; range 7 to 106 months) and 23 age-matched patients without known seizures. All participants underwent clinical assessments and brain MRI, including 3D-T1WI (MPRAGE: volumetric measure) and QSM (as iron deposition measure), then we analyzed the QSM values and clinical data. [Results] QSM analysis shows Lower QSM values in the right superior parietal lobule were associated with the increased number of FS, and higher QSM values in the right superior anterior cingulate gyrus were associated with the increased seizure duration of FSE, both of which were statistically significant. Whereas the effects of age and gender on QSM values were limited. According to laboratory data, cerebrospinal fluid iron and cerebrospinal fluid ferritin were significantly lower in the FS group. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in hemoglobin levels, serum iron, and serum ferritin. [Conclusions] Alterations in brain QSM values and the lower values of cerebrospinal fluid iron and ferritin, observed in this study reflect differences in myelination and are thought to indicate seizure susceptibility. The findings of this study may implicate the potential of QSM as an auxiliary biomarker for patients with FS.

Gen Furukawa
Fujita Health University School of Medicine
Japan

Yuto Uchida
Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Japan

Hirohito Kan
Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
Japan

Naoko Ishihara
Fujita Health University School of Medicine
Japan