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Triphasic sharp waves in a patient with carcinomatous meningitis

B Miller1, J Brick

  • 1Department of Neurology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown 26506.

Clinical EEG (Electroencephalography)
|October 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Subacute encephalopathy can present with generalized periodic triphasic sharp waves on electroencephalography (EEG). This EEG pattern should prompt consideration of meningeal carcinomatosis in the differential diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Subacute encephalopathy is a neurological condition requiring accurate diagnosis.
  • Electroencephalography (EEG) is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating altered mental status.

Observation:

  • An 80-year-old woman presented with subacute encephalopathy.
  • Her EEG revealed a pattern of generalized periodic triphasic sharp waves.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with autopsy-proven carcinomatous meningitis.
  • This case highlights a specific EEG finding associated with meningeal carcinomatosis.

Implications:

  • Meningeal carcinomatosis should be considered in the clinical diagnosis of patients with generalized periodic triphasic sharp waves on EEG.
  • This finding can aid in the early detection and management of neoplastic meningitis.

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