Evaluation and Comparison of MRI Findings in Children with Global Developmental Delay and Isolated Neurodevelopmental Delay: A Cross-sectional Study

Neuro-developmental delay (NDD) is a chronic neurologic problem that adversely affects the quality of life of affected individuated. The aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with global developmental delay (GDD) and Isolated NDD and evaluate their efficacy in diagnostic approach to children with NDD.

A cross-sectional study was designed to enroll all patients with static developmental delay who had been referred to outpatient neurology clinic at Bahrami hospital, Tehran, Iran, between Feb 2012-Feb 2013. Neurologic examination results and the presence of GDD or Isolated NDD in patients were recorded using of a pre-prepared questionnaire, Bayley Scales for Infants and Toddler-4th edition and Denver Developmental Screening Test.

Totally 140 patients with developmental delay were enrolled during the study. 70 patients (50%) had global developmental delay (GDD), and 70 cases (50%) had Isolated NDD. In addition, abnormal associated neurological symptoms were present in 67.9% of patients. Patients whit GDD had significantly probability of abnormal MRI compare to patients with isolated NDD (P<0.001). Furthermore, a great proportion of positive MRI findings was reported from patients with Isolated motor NDD (P=0.007). Microcephaly was the most abnormal neurologic finding in patients with GDD (P=0.04).

A significant proportion of abnormal MRI findings in patients with global developmental delay, confirms the necessity of imaging diagnostic tool, especially brain MRI, in diagnostic approach to patients with GDD. In addition, the benefit of brain MRI in diagnostic approach to children with isolated NDD seems to be low.