Neuroradiological and electroencephalographic features in a case of temporal lobe status epilepticus

A patient with medically intractable status epilepticus of temporal lobe origin is presented. A computed tomogram showed a low density area adjacent to the midbrain, possibly related to atrophy of the medial temporal lobe. Cerebral angiography revealed early filling veins and an anterior temporal blush. Magnetic resonance (MR) scanning (T2 weighted images) showed increased signal intensity in the region of the amygdala and anterolateral left temporal lobe. Ictal activity was recorded from scalp electrodes over the left temporal area, and many paroxysms were recorded from cortical surface electrodes. An anterior temporal lobectomy revealed only gliosis. The cerebral blood flow changes accompanying status epilepticus of focal origin are reviewed, and a possible relation of electroencephalographic, angiographic, and MR findings is discussed.