Morphometry of single small enhancing computed tomographic lesions: outcome and effect of albendazole therapy

Single small enhancing computerized tomographic (CT) lesions (SSECTLs) are common in children with focal seizures. However, there is a paucity of systematic information regarding their morphometry, effect of albendazole therapy and long-term outcome. The objectives were to study the pattern of SSECTL on radiological follow up, alterations made by albendazole therapy, and correlation with seizure recurrence. A randomized, placebo controlled, double blind trial was carried out at the Advanced Pediatric Center, PGIMER, an urban tertiary-care teaching hospital. Sixty-three children between 2 and 12 years of age with focal seizures for < 3 months and SSECTLs were included in the study. All children were randomly assigned to receive either albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 28 days. CT scan was done at 1 and 3 months after beginning treatment. Codes opened after 6 months of recruitment in the study showed that 31 had received albendazole and 32 had received placebo. Over a period of 3 months, natural resolution of SSECTL passed through many stages. Albendazole was seen to accelerate this natural process as evident by the progression of various morphometric markers. An increase in the size of the lesion was associated with early seizure recurrence.