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Unilateral hemispheric cerebral changes similar to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a case of hemiconvulsion
H Yamanouchi1, R Matsui, M Tomonaga
1Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Japan.
Abstract:
A 77-year-old man suffered intermittent hemiconvulsions of unknown etiology on the left side for a period of about 5 weeks. At the autopsy, there was marked neuronal loss, severe proliferation of astrocytes and spongiform changes in the right cerebral cortex. The cerebral white matter showed loosening with astroglial proliferation in areas on the same side. These neuropathological changes were slight or absent in the left cerebral hemisphere. Histopathological changes were similar to those seen in unilateral Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Although unilateral CJD can not be ruled out, these unilateral hemispheric changes might be induced by intermittent hemiconvulsions.
Insights
This study details neuropathological findings in a patient with intermittent hemiconvulsions. Unilateral brain changes suggest a possible link between seizures and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-like pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Neuroscience
- Cerebral pathology
Background:
- Investigating the etiology of intermittent hemiconvulsions.
- Understanding the neuropathological correlates of prolonged seizures.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old male presented with 5 weeks of left-sided intermittent hemiconvulsions.
- Autopsy revealed severe neuronal loss, astrogliosis, and spongiform changes in the right cerebral cortex and white matter.
Findings:
- Neuropathological alterations were predominantly unilateral, affecting the right hemisphere.
- Histopathology showed similarities to unilateral Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).
Implications:
- The findings raise questions about the potential for intermittent hemiconvulsions to induce unilateral neuropathological changes.
- This case highlights the importance of considering seizure-induced pathology in the differential diagnosis of unilateral hemispheric abnormalities, even in the context of potential CJD.