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Correlations between abnormalities on brain SPECT scan and interictal EEG-foci in children with 'intractable' partial
1Sez. Aut. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia-U.S.L.
Insights
Brain SPECT scans help pinpoint seizure origins in children with difficult epilepsy. This imaging technique, Technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (Tc99mHM-PAO) SPECT, complements EEG for better detection of epileptogenic foci.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Pediatric Epilepsy
Background:
- Partial epilepsy in children presents diagnostic challenges.
- Identifying epileptogenic foci is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Tc99mHM-PAO SPECT in detecting epileptogenic foci in pediatric partial epilepsy.
- To assess the correlation between SPECT findings, EEG, and other neuroimaging modalities.
Main Methods:
- SPECT scans using Tc99mHM-PAO were performed on 40 children with intractable partial epilepsy.
- Results were correlated with interictal EEG findings and other neuroimaging (CT/MRI).
Main Results:
- SPECT abnormalities (decreased cerebral blood flow) were observed in 27 out of 40 patients.
- A good correlation between SPECT abnormalities and EEG foci was found in 18 of these patients.
- 12 patients showed concordant abnormalities on SPECT and other neuroimaging.
Conclusions:
- Tc99mHM-PAO SPECT is a valuable tool for detecting epileptogenic foci in pediatric partial epilepsy.
- SPECT imaging enhances the precision of seizure focus localization when used alongside EEG.
- This technique is particularly useful in childhood-onset epilepsy cases with intractable seizures.
Abstract:
SPECT scanning with Tc99mHM-PAO was performed on 40 children with 'intractable' partial epilepsy; 27 patients had abnormalities on SPECT images consisting of areas of decreased cerebral blood flow. In 18 of these 27 subjects there was a good correlation between site of the abnormalities on SPECT scan and interictal EEG foci. 12 patients with regionally decreased CBF had also neuroimaging (C.T. and/or R.M.I.) abnormalities. The brain SPECT provides more precise detection of epileptogenic foci, when used to complement EEG, also in childhood-onset epilepsy.