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Objective:To explore the value of arterial spin labeling (ASL) in detecting epileptogenic zone (EZ) in children with drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE).Methods:From March 2018 to December 2019, 28 children with DRE were collected prospectively in Peking University First Hospital. Structural MRI, ASL sequence, and PET-CT were performed on 28 DRE children. All children underwent surgical treatment. Intraoperative electrocorticogram findings combined with postoperative MRI results were considered the gold standard for locating EZ. A total of 29 EZ were resected in 28 children. Based on the pathological results, the EZ was divided into focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) Ⅰb and Ⅱa group ( n=12), FCD Ⅱ b group ( n=11) and malformation of cortical dysplasia (MCD) group ( n=6). Structural MRI was observed for finding any abnormal changes that could induce epilepsy and was divided into the normal MRI group ( n=13) and the abnormal MRI group ( n=16). The spatial relationship between abnormal areas in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) map and PET images and the gold standard was observed, and the accurate detection rate of EZ was calculated. The region of interest (ROI) on CBF and PET images was drawn. ROIs were defined as EZ, EZ contralateral zone (EZCZ), EZ adjacent zone (EZAZ), EZAZ contralateral zone (EZAZCZ). The CBF and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) were measured, and the asymmetry index (AI) value of EZ and EZAZ of CBF and SUV max was calculated respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the difference among 4 regions and 3 pathological types of CBF, SUV max, and AI. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the difference in AI between normal and abnormal MRI groups. Results:In CBF map, the EZ was accurately localized in 89.7% (26/29) of the lesions, in which 24 EZ had decreased perfusion, and 2 EZ had increased perfusion. Among the 24 EZ with decreased perfusion, the CBF of EZ, EZCZ, EZAZ, and EZAZCZ were significantly different( F=8.79, P<0.001). In PET-CT, the EZ was accurately localized in 93.1% (27/29) of the lesions, in which 25 EZ had decreased metabolism, and 2 EZ had increased metabolism. Among the 25 EZ with decreased metabolism, the SUV max of EZ, EZCZ, EZAZ, and EZAZCZ were significantly different ( F=6.40, P=0.001). The AI value of CBF and SUV max of EZ in the abnormal MRI group were larger than those of the normal MRI group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.34, 3.09, P=0.002 , 0.004). There was no statistical difference in the AI values of CBF and SUV max among FCD Ⅰb and Ⅱa group, FCD Ⅱb group and MCD group ( F=2.05, 1.54, P=0.149, 0.234). Conclusions:ASL technology is accurate in detecting EZ. The changes in perfusion and metabolism of normal structural MRI EZ are greater than abnormal structural MRI EZ. There is no obvious difference in CBF and SUVmax changes in different pathological EZ.
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Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations and surgical outcomes of pediatric epilepsy patients with epileptic spasms (ES) as the main form of seizure, so as to analyze the correlative factors with prognosis and improve the understanding of the operation and preoperative positioning for such patients.Methods:The clinical data of patients with ES who underwent surgery therapy from June 2014 to December 2015 in Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Demographic characteristics, seizure forms, etiology, electroencephalogram (EEG), cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), operative methods, pathological findings as well as surgical outcomes evaluated by Engel classification during follow-up of the subjects were collected.Correlative factors with the prognosis were explored by comparing the data between patients with optimal outcome (Engel Ⅰ) and those with poor outcomes (Engel Ⅱ-Ⅳ).Results:A total of 25 pediatric patients were enrolled, including 16 males (64.0%) and 9 females (36.0%). The age of onset was (0.81±0.68) years, the age at operation was (2.98±1.63) years, and the course of disease was (2.17±1.48) years.Besides, 84.0% (21/25 cases) of the ES patients had multiple forms of seizures and partial seizure (19 cases) was the most common.MRI of the heads of all the children showed definite lesions, including 11 patients (44.0%) with lesions limited to one brain lobe and 14 patients (56.0%) involving multiple brain lobes or hemisphere.The most common etiology was focal cortical dysplasia (13 cases), followed by intracranial developmental tumors (3 cases). All patients underwent resection surgery, including resection of lesion (3 cases), single brain lobe resection (9 cases), multiple brain lobe dissection (3 cases) and hemisphere dissection (10 cases). During a follow-up period of 4.0 to 5.5 years, 1 patient was lost.Among the remaining 24 cases, 18 (75.0%) cases achieved good outcomes and wee classified as EngelⅠ, 2 cases (8.3%) and 4 cases(16.7%) were classified as Engel Ⅱand Ⅳ, respectively.The univariate comparison between the good epilepsy prognosis group and the poor epilepsy prognosis group showed that, patients whose EEG abnormalities are consistent with the anatomical lesions during the inter ictal tend to have good prognosis( P=0.006). Conclusions:(1) Optimal therapeutic effects were observed in ES patients with definite lesions treated by surgical therapy.(2) Interictal EEG consistent with the lesion side may suggest a good prognosis for surgical treatment.(3) Structural causes should be screened as soon as possible if a patient with ES is drug-refractory and presents clues of focal origin.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical methods, complications and prognosis of children younger than 1 year old who had definite epileptogenic lesions under 1 year old.Methods:A total of 14 children with definite epileptogenic lesions and underwent radical surgery in Pediatric Epilepsy Center of Peking University First Hospital from March 2017 to July 2019 were selected.Their clinical data including operation age, course of disease, etiology, physical examinations, seizure types, seizure frequency, features of interictal electrocorticography(EEG), surgical methods, antiepileptic drugs, and pathology were collected and analyzed.Postoperative efficacy was eva-luated using Engel grading.The Griffiths neurodevelopmental scale and the Peabody motor developmental scale were used to assess motor neurodevelopment.Results:The operation age of 14 children was 119 to 358 days (median: 281 days), and the course of disease ranged from 119 to 352 days (median: 266 days). The age of onset was from 0 to 135 days was (median: 7.5 days), and the postoperative follow-up time was 0.5-2.0 years(median: 1.5 years). None of the patients had seizure recurrence at the last follow-up.During the follow-up period, 1 patient had recurrence, but deve-loped no seizures anymore after drug administration.Cognitive and motor functions improved during follow-up in all children.All the children had no serious complications such as postoperative infection and hydrocephalus.Conclusions:Young children with definite epileptogenic lesions have an early onset of seizures, which has a great influence on development.Multidisciplinary preoperative evaluation shows that surgery is a safe way to terminate progression of seizures, thus helping children to well develop and reducing the use of antiepileptic drugs.
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Objective To investigate the characteristics of metabolic foci on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scan in pediatric patients with epilepsy.Methods Twenty-three pediatric patients (15 males,8 females,age range:0.5-13.3 years) with epilepsy were retrospectively reviewed from March 2014 to December 2016.All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and metabolic foci were found.The visual method and semi-quantitative analysis were used to analyze images.Fourteen of them underwent surgery and were followed up for 3-24 months.Results Glucose hypermetabolism were observed most frequently in the frontal and parietal lobes,with or without surrounding/remote hypometabolism.On the day of PET/CT imaging,8 patients had no seizures,14 patients had seizures,and 1 patient was uncertain.The sites of resection were consistent with the regions of hypermetabolism in 9 patients,among whom the pathological results showed 8 cortical malformations and 1 Rasmussen's syndrome.Follow-up results for the above 9 patients showed that there was 7 Engel class Ⅰ patients and 2 Engel class Ⅲ patients.Conclusion The hypermetabolism may mostly appear in the frontal and parietal lobes of pediatric patients with epilepsy,and malformations of cortical development seem to be the most common pathology results.
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Objective To study the predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),positron emission computed tomography (PET)and PET/MRI coregistration in intractable epilepsy of children.Methods A retrospec-tively analysis was performed based on the surgery data at the Department of Children Epilepsy Center of Peking Univer-sity First Hospital from September 2015 to March 2016.The clinical data,surgery and follow－up study data,interictal and ictal electroencephalogram,MRI,PET and PET/MRI coregistration data were collected.By comparison with the epi-leptogenic zone designed by pre－surgical workup,the accuracy of MRI,PET and PET/MRI coregistration in detecting lesion was assessed.In the patients who had no seizure during≥1 year follow－up,their sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value of MRI,PET and PET/MRI coregistration were calculated.Results (1)A total of 62 patients underwent surgery,30 boys and 32 girls. The average age on epilepsy onset was 2. 50 years (2 days－11.70 years),and average age on surgery was 5.10 years old(0.75－15.60 years old).(2)Surgical treat-ment of 62 cases included the resection of the focal or lobar (32 cases,51.6%),and the multilobar (16 cases, 25. 8%).Hemispherotomy was done in 14 cases (22.6%).During ≥1 year follow－up,seizure outcome was Engel class Ⅰ in 57 cases (91.9%)out of the 62 patients,Engel classⅡto Engel classⅣin 1 case,3 cases,and 1 case, respectively.(3)Referred to epileptogenic zone designed by presurgical workup,MRI represented 64.5%(40/62 ca-ses)results with accordance,PET and PET/MRI coregistration was 72.5%(45/62 cases)and 85.5%(53/62 cases), respectively,and the difference was significant(χ2＝7.25,P＝0.03).(4)Based on the patients of Engel class Ⅰ, their sensitivity and specificity were 66.7%,60.0% in MRI,75.4%,60.0% in PET %,and 85.9%,80.0% in PET/MRI coregistration,respectively.(5)There were 11 ＂non－lesion＂ cases of all focal cortical dysplasia in patholo-gy,and subtle structural abnormalities were de tected in 9 cases by reviewing MRI.Conclusions PET/MRI coregistra-tion can improve lesion detection of intractable epilepsy in children.
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Objective To explore the factors related with neurological function in children after hemispherectomy for intractable epilep-sy. Methods Thirty-three children suffered hemispherectomy from May, 2014 to June, 2015 were analyzed. Their preoperative data were col-lected. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the neurological function. The relationship between preoperative parameters and post-operative functional outcomes was analyzed. Results Bilateral lesions in MRI (P<0.001) and age (P<0.001) were related with functional out-come. Conclusion The prognosis of hemispherectomy for children with intractable epilepsy is related to the contralateral lesion and age.
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Objective To reveal the influential factors on scalp electroencephalogram (EEG)recording and provide valuable information for localization of the epileptic focus by analyzing the characteristics of spikes with continuous focal periodic discharges on scalp and cortical EEG. Methods Five patients with refractory epilepsy who had low amplitude spikes with continuous focal periodic discharges on interictal scalp EEG were studied. Intracranial EEG recording was also performed in patients. The amplitudes of spikes and cortical areas of spike-wave foci were measured by DaVinci system. Patterns of continuous periodic activity were determined by autocorrelograms,power spectral density and coherence analysis using Matlab and Spike2 software.T-test was employed to compare the mean amplitudes of spikes on the scalp and cortical EEG.Results The amplitudes of spikes recorded on scalp EEG of the 5 patients were:(22.2±4.8),(30.4±7.1),(20.7±3.2),(58.4±10.1),(23.4±3.9) μV.The amplitudes of spikes recorded on cortical EEG of the 5 patients were:(1253.8 ± 199.3),(806.5 ± 161.4),( 1585.7 ±305.7),(922.5 ± 140.6),(736.8 ±70.9) μV.The amplitudes of spikes on scalp EEG were significantly higher than those on cortical EEG ( t =6.394,P ＜ 0.05 ).The cortical areas of spike-wave foci of the 5 patients were:4.0,6.0,3.5,5.5,6.5 cm2.Power spectral density and autocorrelugrams showed 1-3 Hz oscillations on the cortical of spike-wave foci. Cross-correlation and coherence analysis showed synchronization of electrical activity in two contacts of intracranial electrodes. Conclusion The low amplitude spikes with continuous focal periodic discharges on interictal scalp EEG provide valuable information for localization of the epileptic focus.
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Objective To study the histopathological characteristics and the correlations between the cortical tissues from ictal discharge (ID) area and interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) area in epilepsy patients due to focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), in order to further discuss the mechanism of epileptogenicity. Methods Twenty-two subjects who underwent epilepsy surgeries consecutively in our institute since April 2005 to August 2006. All patients underwent intracranial electrode implantations and long-term video-EEG monitoring before the resective surgeries and the postoperative pathologies proved to be FCD. According the long-term EEG monitoring results, the cortex with intense IED and the cortex with ID onset were resected separatively in the operation for further histopathologic studies. Twenty cases were collected. Based on the Palimini' s pathologic subtype classification for FCD as well as quantificational scoring for immunocytochemistry for the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV) which we designed by ourself, the specimens of IED and ID were studied and compared. Results The resected specimens from 20 cases were examed. ID specimens showed more severe abnormalities in the laminar cortical architecture, alterations in the morphology of neurons and in the appearance of abnormal balloon cells. With the PV quantificational scoring, we found significant difference between IED (6.4±2.1) and ID (4.4±1.8) from FCD Ⅱ specimens (P=0.042). No difference was found between ID subtypes (F=2.734, P=0.093 ). Conclusions ID cortical area showed more severe abnormalities in histopathologic changes than lED area. Our results suggested that the ID area of FCD had more severe damage in inhibitory synaptic circuits and neural networks, which meant it was more epileptogenic than IED. No difference was identified between each ID subtype in term of epileptogenicity, which meant all of them should be resected during the surgery.
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Objective To characterize the clinical features and assess the role of surgery in posterior cortex epilepsy. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed in 43 patients with posterior cortex epilepsy. The diagnosis Was established by means of a standard presurgical evaluation, including ictal semiology, MRI, interictal and ictal scalp video-EEG, and additional intracranial EEG monitoring in selected cases. Results The 43 patients included 11 parietal lobe epilepsy, 13 occipital lobe epilepsy, and 19 patients with seizures originating from other part of posterior cortex. Thirty-three patients (76.7%)experienced at least one type of aura, such as visual aura, somatosensory aura, dizziness and so on. The common ictal manifestations included deviation, automatisms, tonic posture and so on. Intracranial EEG monitoring was preformed in 22 selected cases. Transient contralateral hemiparesis occurred in 2 patients, mixed aphasia in 1 patient, and they recovered in 3 weeks after surgery. Visual and visual field deficits were observed in 5 patients, and they did not fully recovered. All patients were followed-up 1 to 5 years, and 27(62.8%)became seizure free (Engel' S I class). Conclusions Some of the specific auras or ictal manifestations may indicate posterior cortex epilepsy. Favorable surgical outcome has been achieved in many of the patients.