Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
09:57
Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Longstanding epileptic encephalopathy and linear localized scleroderma: two distinct pathologic processes in an
Donato Rigante1, Domenica Battaglia, Ilaria Contaldo
1Center of Periodic Fevers, Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli no. 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. drigante@gmail.com
Rheumatology International
|February 19, 2008
Summary
This case study highlights a young boy with drug-resistant epilepsy and localized scleroderma. The findings suggest these conditions may be distinct processes within the same patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with drug-resistant epilepsy and negative neuroimaging.
- Subsequently, he developed linear localized scleroderma on his right leg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a rare co-occurrence of epilepsy and scleroderma.
- To evaluate treatment efficacy and discuss potential distinct etiologies.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis.
- Clinical evaluation of neurological and dermatological symptoms.
- Electroencephalographic monitoring.
- Treatment with methotrexate.
Main Results:
- Epilepsy persisted despite treatment, with no neuroimaging abnormalities.
- Localized scleroderma progressed to the right buttock.
- Methotrexate stabilized scleroderma but did not improve epilepsy.
- Positive anti-nuclear antibody was the sole laboratory finding.
Conclusions:
- Neurological abnormality and extracranial scleroderma may represent distinct processes in a single patient.
- Further research is needed to understand the relationship between these conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types: