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[Brain atrophy as an artifact in ACTH administration]
Tijdschrift Voor Kindergeneeskunde
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Long-acting corticotrophin treatment for infantile spasms in an infant led to reversible brain atrophy on CT scans. Further research is needed to determine if ACTH or corticosteroids cause irreversible brain damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Infantile spasms are a severe epilepsy syndrome in infants.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a common treatment for infantile spasms.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old infant received 32 days of daily long-acting corticotrophin (ACTH).
- Computed tomography (CT) scans two weeks post-treatment showed diffuse brain atrophy.
- Follow-up CT scans one year later revealed only borderline abnormalities.
Findings:
- The observed brain atrophy was determined to be reversible and likely caused by ACTH treatment.
- No significant changes in skull circumference were noted during the observation period.
Implications:
- ACTH treatment may cause transient, reversible changes in brain imaging (CT).
- This phenomenon necessitates careful interpretation of CT scans in patients treated with ACTH.
- The potential for irreversible brain damage from ACTH or corticosteroids requires further investigation.