Intractable epilepsy after a functional hemispherectomy: important lessons from an unusual case

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 510-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Mittal ◽  
Jean-Pierre Farmer ◽  
Bernard Rosenblatt ◽  
Frederick Andermann ◽  
José L. Montes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Photon ◽  
Anterior Commissure ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Insular Cortex ◽  
Cortical Dysplasia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Hemispherectomy ◽  
The Right ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Residual seizures after functional hemispherectomy occur in approximately 20% of patients with catastrophic epilepsy. These episodes are traditionally attributed to incomplete disconnection, persistent epileptogenic activity in the ipsilateral insular cortex, or bilateral independent epileptogenic activity. The authors report on the case of an 8-year-old boy with an intractable seizure disorder who had classic frontal adversive seizures related to extensive unilateral left hemispheric cortical dysplasia. The initial intervention consisted of extensive removal of the epileptic frontal and precentral dysplastic tissue and multiple subpial transections of the dysplastic motor strip, guided by intraoperative electrocorticography. Subsequently, functional hemispherectomy including insular cortex resection was performed for persistent attacks. After a seizure-free period of 6 months, a new pattern ensued, consisting of an aura of fear, dystonic posturing of the right arm, and unusual postictal hyperphagia coupled with an interictal diencephalic-like syndrome. Electroencephalography and ictal/interictal single-photon emission computerized tomography were used to localize the residual epileptic discharges to deep ipsilateral structures. Results of magnetic resonance imaging indicated a complete disconnection except for a strip of residual frontobasal tissue. Therefore, a volumetric resection of the epileptogenic frontal basal tissue up to the anterior commissure was completed. The child has remained free of seizures during 21 months of follow-up review. Standard hemispherectomy methods provide extensive disconnection, despite the presence of residual frontal basal cortex. However, rarely, and especially if it is dysplastic, this tissue can represent a focus for refractory seizures. This is an important consideration in determining the source of ongoing seizures posthemispherectomy in patients with extensive cortical dysplasia. It remains important to assess them fully before considering their disease refractory to surgical treatment.

Dual-isotope single-photon emission computerized tomography scanning in patients with glioblastoma multiforme: association with patient survival and histopathological characteristics of tumor after high-dose radiotherapy

1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. Schwartz ◽  
B. Leonard Holman ◽  
Joseph F. Polak ◽  
Basem M. Garada ◽  
Marc S. Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Glioblastoma Multiforme ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dual Isotope ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The study was conducted to determine the association between dual-isotope single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scanning and histopathological findings of tumor recurrence and survival in patients treated with high-dose radiotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme. Methods. Studies in which SPECT with 201Tl and 99mTc-hexamethypropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) were used were performed 1 day before reoperation in 47 patients with glioblastoma multiforme who had previously been treated by surgery and high-dose radiotherapy. Maximum uptake of 201Tl in the lesion was expressed as a ratio to that in the contralateral scalp, and uptake of 99mTc-HMPAO was expressed as a ratio to that in the cerebellar cortex. Patients were stratified into groups based on the maximum radioisotope uptake values in their tumor beds. The significance of differences in patient gender, histological characteristics of tissue at reoperation, and SPECT uptake group with respect to 1-year survival was elucidated by using the chi-square statistic. Comparisons of patient ages and time to tumor recurrence as functions of 1-year survival were made using the t-test. Survival data at 1 year were presented according to the Kaplan—Meier method, and the significance of potential differences was evaluated using the log-rank method. The effects of different variables (tumor type, time to recurrence, and SPECT grouping) on long-term survival were evaluated using Cox proportional models that controlled for age and gender. All patients in Group I (201Tl ratio < 2 and 99mTc-HMPAO ratio < 0.5) showed radiation changes in their biopsy specimens: they had an 83.3% 1-year survival rate. Group II patients (201T1 ratio < 2 and 99mTc-HMPAO ratio of ≥ 0.5 or 201Tl ratio between 2 and 3.5 regardless of 99mTc-HMPAO ratio) had predominantly infiltrating tumor (66.6%); they had a 29.2% 1-year survival rate. Almost all of the patients in Group III (201Tl ratio > 3.5 and 99mTc-HMPAO ratio ≥ 0.5) had solid tumor (88.2%) and they had a 6.7% 1-year survival rate. Histological data were associated with 1-year survival (p < 0.01); however, SPECT grouping was more closely associated with 1-year survival (p < 0.001) and was the only variable significantly associated with long-term survival (p < 0.005). Conclusions. Dual-isotope SPECT data correlate with histopathological findings made at reoperation and with survival in patients with malignant gliomas after surgical and high-dose radiation therapy.

Diagnostic value of 201Tl—single-photon emission computerized tomography studies in cases of posterior fossa hemangioblastomas

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeo Kondo ◽  
Toshihiro Kumabe ◽  
Shin Maruoka ◽  
Takashi Yoshimoto
Keyword(s):  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Thallium 201 ◽  
Homologous Region ◽  
Single Photon Emission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The 201Tl uptake index was evaluated for its usefulness in formulating a diagnosis of hemangioblastoma. Thallium-201—single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) studies were performed in nine patients harboring hemangioblastomas in the posterior fossa and in five patients (six lesions) with gliomas in the posterior fossa. Methods. The 201Tl uptake index was defined as the ratio of mean counts of isotope per pixel in the tumor to mean counts of isotope per pixel in the homologous region of the healthy brain. The 201Tl uptake indices of the early image (TlE) and that of the delayed image (TlD) were calculated. The isotope retention index (RI) was calculated as (TlE − TlD)/TlE. The TlE was 2.7 ± 0.7 in hemangioblastomas and 2.9 ± 1.7 in gliomas (mean ± standard deviation). The TlD was 1.5 ± 0.4 in hemangioblastomas and 2.4 ± 1.6 in gliomas. There were no significant differences between hemangioblastomas and gliomas when TlEs and TlDs were compared. The isotope RI was 0.43 ± 0.07 in hemangioblastomas and 0.15 ± 0.1 in gliomas, showing a significantly higher RI in hemangioblastomas compared with gliomas (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Thallium-201 washout is significantly faster in hemangioblastomas. Hemangioblastoma is biologically benign, but contains a rich capillary network that forms a hypervascular tumor bed. Variations in its appearance on magnetic resonance images may cause difficulties in the differential diagnosis of hemangioblastoma. Thallium-201 SPECT studies can be used to distinguish hemangioblastomas from gliomas in the posterior fossa.

Venous ischemia caused by dural arteriovenous malformation

1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 552-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Kurata ◽  
Yoshio Miyasaka ◽  
Takatomo Yoshida ◽  
Masatake Kunh ◽  
Kenzoh Yada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Malformation ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Occipital Lobe ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Malformation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ischemic Region ◽  
Ischemic Change ◽  
The Right

✓ A case is presented of tentorial dural arteriovenous malformation (AVM) associated with visual hallucinations and quadrant hemianopsia. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging showed an ischemic region, mainly affecting the white matter of the right occipital lobe, that was defined as an area of increased blood volume on dynamic CT scans and as a decrease in cerebral blood flow on N-isopropylp-123I-iodoamphetamine single-photon emission CT scans. Angiography demonstrated venous congestion, probably because the retrograde arterial inflow from the dural AVM into the corticomedullary vein was direct and not via the sinuses. The symptoms and radiological findings improved immediately after endovascular treatment. The origin of these symptoms was fully evaluated and confirmed to be a reversible ischemic change caused by disturbance of the volume of venous return over an extensive area.

Focal cerebral hyperemia after focal head injury in humans: a benign phenomenon?

1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damianos E. Sakas ◽  
M. Ross Bullock ◽  
James Patterson ◽  
Donald Hadley ◽  
David J. Wyper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head Injury ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ To assess the relationship between posttraumatic cerebral hyperemia and focal cerebral damage, the authors performed cerebral blood flow mapping studies by single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) in 53 patients within 3 weeks of brain injury. Focal zones of hyperemia were present in 38% of patients. Hyperemia was correlated with clinical features and early computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed within 48 hours of the SPECT study and late CT and MR studies at 3 months. The hyperemia was observed primarily in structurally normal brain tissue (both gray and white matter), as revealed by CT and MR imaging, immediately adjacent to intraparenchymal or extracerebral focal lesions; it persisted for up to 10 days, but was never seen within the edematous pericontusional zones. The percentage of patients in the hyperemic group having brief (< 30 minutes) or no loss of consciousness was significantly higher than in the nonhyperemic group (twice as high, p < 0.05). Other clinical parameters were not significantly more common in the hyperemic group. The mortality of patients with focal hyperemia was lower than that of individuals without it, and the outcome of survivors with hyperemia was slightly better than patients without hyperemia. These results differ from the literature, which suggests that global posttraumatic hyperemia is primarily an acute, malignant phenomenon associated with increased intracranial pressure, profound unconsciousness, and poor outcome. The current results agree with more recent studies which show that posttraumatic hyperemia may occur across a wide spectrum of head injury severity and may be associated with favorable outcome.

Reversible ischemia around intracerebral hemorrhage: a single-photon emission computerized tomography study

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 736-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Shahid Siddique ◽  
Helen M. Fernandes ◽  
Thomas D. Wooldridge ◽  
John D. Fenwick ◽  
Piotr Slomka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Single Photon Emission ◽  
Large Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ischemic Change ◽  
Late Image ◽  
Fine Print

Object. A zone of perilesional ischemia has been demonstrated around intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in numerous experimental models and in human studies. There is potential for perfusion recovery in the zone of perilesional oligemia around ICH. The authors sought to demonstrate, quantify, and study the chronological evolution of perilesional ischemic change in ICH in humans by measuring cerebral blood flow. Methods. Eleven patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH underwent two technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scanning, one in the acute stage (within days of ictus) and the other in the late stage (6–9 months postictus). All patients in this study were treated nonsurgically. Methods of SPECT data analysis based on count differences in regions of interest can be difficult to apply to images with large space-occupying lesions such as ICH, because of the distortion of intracranial anatomy, midline shift, and alterations in the three-dimensional (3D) characteristics of the lesion over time (that is, absorption of the hematoma on the later studies). The authors used the following method: the late and early images were registered and aligned to a common 3D orientation and were normalized to maximal counts. The late images were then compared voxel by voxel with the early ones. The region-growing algorithm was used to discern the difference between the two images, outlining voxels in the perihematoma region, with a signal improvement of at least 15% on the late image. Discrete brain regions around the hematoma with at least a 15% improvement in radiotracer uptake (and hence perfusion) in the late images were observed in all cases. The mean volume of brain with a greater than 15% improvement in perfusion between the two studies was 34.8 cm3 (range 7.2–71.3 cm3). These volumes represent regions of the brain that were poorly perfused in the initial studies. This may represent a zone of reversible perilesional oligemia (penumbra) in ICH in humans. Conclusions. This is the first study in which it is documented that some of the perilesional hypoperfused tissue around human ICH regains its perfusion in the long term, leading the authors to suggest that there may be a penumbra in human ICH. Medical or surgical therapeutic interventions could increase the volume of perilesional brain that recovers after the initial insult. The results of this study therefore support the concept that intervention in ICH has the potential to reduce the ultimate neurological deficit and improve outcome.

Surgery for Nontumoral Insular Epilepsy Explored by Stereoelectroencephalography

Neurosurgery ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 578-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Gras-Combe ◽  
Lorella Minotti ◽  
Dominique Hoffmann ◽  
Alexandre Krainik ◽  
Philippe Kahane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focal Cortical Dysplasia ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Insular Cortex ◽  
Cavernous Angioma ◽  
Cortical Dysplasia ◽  
Electrode Placement ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Epileptogenic Zone ◽  
Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy ◽  
The Right

Abstract BACKGROUND Hidden by the perisylvian operculi, insular cortex has long been underexplored in the context of epilepsy surgery. Recent studies advocated stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) as a reliable tool to explore insular cortex and its involvement in intractable epilepsy and suggested that insular seizures could be an underestimated entity. However, the results of insular resection to treat pharmacoresistant epilepsy are rarely reported. OBJECTIVE We report 6 consecutive cases of right insular resection performed based on anatomoelectroclinical correlations provided by SEEG. METHODS Six right-handed patients (3 male, 3 female) with drug-resistant epilepsy underwent comprehensive presurgical evaluation. Based on video electroencephalographic recordings, they all underwent SEEG evaluation with bilateral (n = 4) or unilateral right (n = 2) insular depth electrode placement. All patients had both orthogonal and oblique (1 anterior, 1 posterior) insular electrodes (n = 4-6 electrodes). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal in 4 patients, 1 patient had right insular focal cortical dysplasia, and 1 patient had a right opercular postoperative scar (cavernous angioma). All patients underwent right partial insular corticectomy via the subpial transopercular approach. RESULTS Intracerebral recordings demonstrated an epileptogenic zone confined to the right insula in all patients. After selective insular resection, 5 of 6 patients were seizure free (Engel class I) with a mean follow-up of 36.2 months (range, 18-68 months). Histological findings revealed focal cortical dysplasia in 5 patients and a gliosis scar in 1 patient. All patients had minor transient neurological deficit (eg, facial paresis, dysarthria). CONCLUSION Insular resection based on SEEG findings can be performed safely with a significant chance of seizure freedom.

Diagnostic value of thallium-201 chloride single-photon emission computerized tomography in differentiating tumor recurrence from radiation injury after gamma knife surgery for metastatic brain tumors

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 266-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru Serizawa ◽  
Naokatsu Saeki ◽  
Yoshinori Higuchi ◽  
Junichi Ono ◽  
Shinji Matsuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Tumor Recurrence ◽  
Radiation Injury ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Metastatic Brain Tumors ◽  
Single Photon Emission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

Object.The authors assessed the diagnostic value of201Tl Cl single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), performed after gamma knife surgery (GKS) for metastatic brain tumors in differentiating tumor recurrence from radiation injury.Methods.Of 6503 metastatic brain tumors treated with GKS,201Tl SPECT was required in 72 to differentiate between tumor recurrence and radiation injury. When the Tl index was greater than 5, the lesion was diagnosed as a tumor recurrence. When the index was < 3.0 it was called radiation injury. In cases with a Tl index between 3 and 5,201Tl SPECT was repeated once per month until the Tl index was greater than 5 or less than 3. If the Tl index fluctuated between 3 and 5 for 2 months, the lesion was diagnosed as radiation injury. The final diagnosis was based on histological examination or clinical course.The sensitivity of the method was 91%; thus201Tl SPECT is effective for differentiating between tumor recurrence and radiation injury in metastatic brain tumors treated with GKS. Caution is necessary, however, for the following reasons: 1) simple interinstitutional comparisons of Tl indices are not possible because measurement methods are institute specific; 2) steroid administration decreases the Tl index to a variable degree; and 3) a severe radiation injury lesion, as is often seen after repeated GKS or very high dose GKS, may have a Tl index greater than 5.Conclusions.Used with critical insight201Tl Cl SPECT can be useful in distinguishing between tumor regrowth and radiation necrosis in patients with cerebral metastases.

Functional thalamic depression in a case of reversible central pain due to a spinal intramedullary cyst

1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Alberto Pagni ◽  
Sergio Canavero
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Central Pain ◽  
Single Photon Emission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surgical Evacuation ◽  
Intramedullary Cyst ◽  
Fine Print

✓ In this report the authors discuss a case of central pain of spinal cord origin due to a spinal thoracic intramedullary cyst. Single-photon emission computerized tomography with technetium-99 hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime showed thalamic hypoperfusion contralateral to the affected leg. Surgical evacuation resulted in total relief of the pain and normalization of the thalamic alteration. The reader can infer from these findings that functional alterations in thalamic processing may be important in the genesis of central pain.

Prediction and monitoring of cerebral hyperperfusion after carotid endarterectomy by using single-photon emission computerized tomography scanning

2003 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 504-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuniaki Ogasawara ◽  
Hirotsugu Yukawa ◽  
Masakazu Kobayashi ◽  
Chiaki Mikami ◽  
Hiromu Konno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow ◽  
Single Photon ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hyperperfusion Syndrome ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the preoperative measurement of acetazolamide-induced changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), which is performed using single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scanning, can be used to identify patients at risk for hyperperfusion following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In addition, the authors investigated whether monitoring of CBF with SPECT scanning after CEA can be used to identify patients at risk for hyperperfusion syndrome. Methods. Cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to acetazolamide were measured before CEA in 51 patients with ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (≥ 70% stenosis). Cerebral blood flow was also measured immediately after CEA and on the 3rd postoperative day. Hyperperfusion (an increase in CBF of ≥ 100% compared with preoperative values) was observed immediately after CEA in eight of 12 patients with reduced preoperative CVR. Reduced preoperative CVR was the only significant independent predictor of post-CEA hyperperfusion. Forty-three patients in whom hyperperfusion was not detected immediately after CEA did not exhibit hyperperfusion on the 3rd postoperative day and did not experience hyperperfusion syndrome. In two of eight patients in whom hyperperfusion occurred immediately after CEA, CBF progressively increased and hyperperfusion syndrome developed, but intracerebral hemorrhage did not occur. In the remaining six of eight patients in whom hyperperfusion was detected immediately after CEA, the CBF progressively decreased and the hyperperfusion resolved by the 3rd postoperative day. Conclusions. Preoperative measurement of acetazolamide-induced changes in CBF, which is performed using SPECT scanning, can be used to identify patients at risk for hyperperfusion after CEA. In addition, post-CEA monitoring of CBF performed using SPECT scanning results in the timely and reliable identification of patients at risk for hyperperfusion syndrome.

De novo presentation of an arteriovenous malformation

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 726-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Fernando Gonzalez ◽  
Ruth E. Bristol ◽  
Randall W. Porter ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Malformation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Mr Image ◽  
Left Frontal Lobe ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Posttraumatic Epilepsy ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report the case of a patient with a de novo arteriovenous malformation (AVM), indicating that the origin of these lesions may not always be congenital. A 3-year-old girl who was struck by a car suffered a mild head injury and experienced posttraumatic epilepsy. The initial magnetic resonance (MR) image obtained in this child revealed only a small contusion in the left frontal lobe. Intractable epilepsy subsequently developed. A second MR image obtained almost 4 years after the injury demonstrated an AVM in the right posterior temporal lobe that was verified using angiography. The lesion was classified as a Spetzler—Martin Grade III AVM. The patient underwent embolization of the feeding vessels followed by gamma knife surgery. Fourteen months after treatment she was asymptomatic. Follow-up MR images demonstrate no evidence of an AVM and no changes in the white matter. This case presents a de novo AVM that developed within approximately 4 years. The findings indicate that AVMs may not always be congenital and reinforce the concept that the natural history of AVMs is dynamic. Lesions may appear de novo, grow, and thrombose spontaneously.

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