Nodding attacks (infantile spasms) associated with temporal lobe astrocytoma--case report

A 2-year-old boy suffered nodding attacks (infantile spasms) that were refractory to anticonvulsants. Computed tomography showed a mass with cystic components in the right temporal lobe, and electroencephalography (EEG) disclosed polyspike and wave discharges in the bilateral temporoparietal regions. At surgery, a firm, gray, well circumscribed tumor was radically removed. The nodding attacks disappeared immediately after surgery and EEG improved gradually. The pathological diagnosis was grade 1 astrocytoma with abundant capillaries and calcospherites. He remained free of seizures during the following 6 years.