['To study stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the basal ganglia in DYT1 primary dystonia.', 'Twenty-five genetically confirmed DYT1 dystonia patients (age range, 8-66 years; mean age, 22 years) underwent brain MRI under general anesthesia at the time of globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. MR images were retrospectively reviewed for signal intensity alterations. Clinical improvement of patients was assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale scores.', 'Seventeen patients out of 25 (68%) exhibited T(1)-weighted hypointense/T(2)-weighted hyperintense signal abnormalities in the putamen and globus pallidus on MR images. Signals were isointense with cerebrospinal fluid in all sequences. The mean volume of focal signal abnormalities was 15 mm(3) (maximum, 154.5 mm(3)). The total volume of focal signal abnormalities in the basal ganglia was correlated with the duration of the disease (p = 0.01). Although clinical outcome did not differ as a function of the presence of focal signal abnormalities overall, patients with signals within the GPi tended to show lesser improvement (p = 0.04).'] Do stereotactic MRI in DYT1 dystonia : focal signal abnormalities in the basal ganglia contraindicate deep brain stimulation?