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Children treated for epileptic encephalopathies show improved glucose metabolism

Qiongxiang Zhai1, Juan Gui, Yuxin Zhang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangzhou, China. zqx1096@yahoo.com.cn

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|August 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F] fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18FDG) helps diagnose infant epileptic encephalopathies (EE). 18FDG PET imaging shows improved cerebral glucose metabolism after successful anti-epileptic treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Infantile epileptic neurological disorders present diagnostic challenges and require varied treatments.
  • Cerebral glucose hypometabolism is observed in children with epileptic encephalopathies (EE).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in assessing cerebral glucose metabolism in infants with EE.
  • To determine if 18FDG PET can monitor treatment response in EE.

Main Methods:

  • Ten children with age-dependent EE underwent routine 18FDG PET imaging.
  • Cerebral glucose metabolism was assessed before and after anti-epileptic treatment.

Main Results:

  • Diffuse glucose hypometabolism was evident in both hemispheres before treatment, indicative of EE.
  • Following treatment, a significant decrease in epileptic episodes (P < 0.05) correlated with improved cerebral glucose metabolism.
  • 18FDG PET demonstrated changes in glucose metabolism post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a valuable tool for evaluating cerebral glucose metabolism in infantile epileptic encephalopathies (EE).
  • 18FDG PET imaging can serve as a non-invasive method to monitor treatment progress and efficacy in children with EE.

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