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PET of infant in persistent vegetative state
P D Larsen1, N C Gupta, D M Lefkowitz
1Department of Neurology, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.
Pediatric Neurology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Cranial positron emission tomography (PET) revealed reduced brain metabolism in an infant with a persistent vegetative state. These findings, similar to adults, suggest PET can aid in diagnosing this condition in infants.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Persistent vegetative state (PVS) diagnosis in infants is challenging.
- Cranial imaging is crucial for understanding neurological conditions in infants.
Observation:
- This study presents the first cranial positron emission tomography (PET) findings in an infant diagnosed with PVS.
- Serial PET scans using 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose were performed.
Findings:
- The infant exhibited a persistent global reduction in cerebral glucose metabolism.
- These metabolic patterns mirror those observed in adult PVS patients.
Implications:
- Positron emission tomography may serve as a valuable tool for confirming PVS diagnoses in infants.
- This research highlights the utility of advanced neuroimaging in pediatric neurology.