Relationship of white matter hyperintensities with clinical features of seizures in patients with epilepsy / A relação das hiperintensidades da substância branca com as características clínicas das crises em pacientes com epilepsia

ABSTRACT Background: Although epilepsy is primarily known as a cortical disorder, there is growing body of research demonstrating white matter alterations in patients with epilepsy. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and its association with seizure characteristics in patients with epilepsy. Methods: The prevalence of WMH in 94 patients with epilepsy and 41 healthy controls were compared. Within the patient sample, the relationship between the presence of WMH and type of epilepsy, frequency of seizures, duration of disease and the number of antiepileptic medications were investigated. Results: The mean age and sex were not different between patients and healthy controls (p>0.2). WMH was present in 27.7% of patients and in 14.6% of healthy controls. Diagnosis of epilepsy was independently associated with the presence of WMH (ß=3.09, 95%CI 1.06-9.0, p=0.039). Patients with focal epilepsy had higher prevalence of WMH (35.5%) than patients with generalized epilepsy (14.7%). The presence of WMH was associated with older age but not with seizure characteristics. Conclusions: WMH is more common in patients with focal epilepsy than healthy controls. The presence of WMH is associated with older age, but not with seizure characteristics.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Embora a epilepsia seja principalmente conhecida como um distúrbio cortical, há um crescente corpo de pesquisas que demonstra alterações na substância branca em pacientes com epilepsia. Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência de hiperintensidades da substância branca (WMH) e sua associação com características das crises em pacientes com epilepsia. Métodos: A prevalência de WMH em 94 pacientes com epilepsia e 41 controles saudáveis ​​foi comparada. Na amostra de pacientes, foi investigada a relação entre a presença de WMH e o tipo de epilepsia, a frequência das crises, a duração da doença e o número de medicamentos antiepilépticos. Resultados: A média de idade e o sexo não diferiram entre pacientes e controles saudáveis ​​(p>0,2). WMH estava presente em 27,7% dos pacientes, enquanto em 14,6% dos controles saudáveis. O diagnóstico de epilepsia foi independentemente associado à presença de WMH (ß=3,09, IC95% 1,06-9,0, p=0,039). Pacientes com epilepsia focal apresentaram maior prevalência de WMH (35,5%) do que pacientes com epilepsia generalizada (14,7%). A presença de WMH foi associada à idade avançada, mas não a características das crises. Conclusões: Pacientes com epilepsia focal têm WMH mais comum do que controles saudáveis. A presença de WMH está associada à idade avançada, mas não a características das crises epilépticas.

Alteración de señal periictal transitoria en resonancia magnética de encéfalo simulando lesión estructural: caso clínico / Reversible peri-ictal MRI signal changes mimicking structural lesion: case report

Resumen La presencia de alteraciones de señal en resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral durante o posterior a un evento epiléptico es cada vez más reconocida en la literatura. Los cambios de señal peri-ictales se considera que sería el resultado de edema cerebral localizado, defecto de la autorregulación cerebral y disrupción de la barrera hemato-encefálica que ocurre durante una crisis epiléptica sostenida. Reportamos el caso de un hombre de 62 años diagnosticado de un síndrome parietal de instalación subaguda cuyo estudio con RM de cerebro mostró una lesión tumefacta con edema cortico-subcortical de ubicación temporo-occipital derecha. El estudio con electroencefalograma mostró actividad ictal en la misma localización. Se inició terapia con fármacos anticonvulsivantes mostrando franca mejoría clínica y electrofisiológica. El control con RM diferido mostró resolución completa de las alteraciones descritas.

The presence seizure-induced signal changes on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been increasingly recognized in the literature. The reversible MRI changes in epileptic patients may be the result of a local brain swelling, a defect of cerebral autoregulation and a blood-brain barrier disruption during sustained epileptogenic activity. We report a 62 years old man diagnosed with a subacute right parietal syndrome. MRI shows a tumefactive lesion in right temporo-occipital lobes mimicking a structural lesion. Electroencephalogram (EEG) exhibits continuous ictal activity in the same region. Antiepileptic drugs were started achieving progressive electro-clinical improvement. Subsequent MRI showed remission of signal changes.

Incidência de crises epiléticas eletrográficas em recém nascidos internados na uti neonatal com o diagnóstico de asfixia moderada e grave: relato de série de casos / Incidence of electrographic epileptic seizures in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a diagnosis of moderate and severe asphyxia: case series report

Introdução: A asfixia perinatal ocorre em cerca de 8-10% de todos os partos no Brasil e exige atenção na prevenção e na abordagem assistencial. Nas formas leves, a recuperação é total. As formas moderada e grave causam déficits neurológicos permanentes e alterações no desenvolvimento neurológico (48%) ou morte (27%).3 Convulsões também estão frequentemente presentes e o seu diagnóstico adequado é fundamental, tendo em vista que o quadro convulsivo por si só pode agravar a lesão cerebral. Embora a eletroencefalografia convencional (EEG) ainda represente o padrão ouro de diagnóstico, o monitoramento contínuo usando o aEEG pode ser crucial para o reconhecimento e intervenção precoces.7,8 . Objetivo: Descrever a incidência de convulsões eletrográficas captadas pelo vídeo aEEG (eletroencefalograma de amplitude integrada) em uma coorte de recém-nascidos internados na UTI neonatal com diagnóstico de asfixia moderada e grave ao nascer. Método: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, do tipo séries de caso. Critérios de inclusão: Recém nascidos que experimentaram um evento hipóxico isquêmico ao nascer, no período de julho de 2017 à julho de 2020, com IG ≥ 35 semanas e com o APGAR ≤ 7 no 5º minuto de vida. A amostra foi classificada em dois grupos, imediatamente ao nascimento: graves e moderados. A monitorização pelo aEEG foi aplicada integralmente em ambos os grupos, assim como a avaliação quanto à presença ou ausência de convulsões clínicas e eletrográficas. Critérios de exclusão: Recém-nascidos com anomalias congênitas, anomalias cromossômicas e recém nascidos que tenham sido transferidos após 6h de vida. O estudo ocorreu em 3 unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal, localizadas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Resultados: Neste período de 3 anos, foram internados 5484 recém nascidos nas unidades neonatais, sendo que 97 (1,76%) sofreram algum tipo de insulto hipóxico isquêmico no período perinatal ou neonatal imediato. Destes 97, 65 preencheram os critérios de inclusão do estudo. Excluímos do estudo 4 recém nascidos (1 por alteração genética e 3 por transferência hospitalar após 6h de vida). Foram classificados como grupo grave (N= 26 (42,6%)). Todos os outros RN foram classificados como grupo moderado (N= 35 (57,4%)). Observamos no grupo grave 1 RN (3,84%) com convulsões clínicas, 10 RN (38,46%) com convulsões eletrográficas e 1 RN (3,84%) com ambas as formas de convulsão e no grupo moderado 2 RN (5,71%) com convulsões clínicas, 8 RN (22,85%) com convulsões eletrográficas e 2 RN (5,71%) com ambas as formas de convulsão. Conclusão: Observamos grande quantidade de convulsões eletrográficas, não traduzidas clinicamente, indicando que a utilização do aEEG é fundamental para o diagnóstico rápido e preciso de convulsões em recém nascidos de alto risco.

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia occurs in about 8-10% of all births in Brazil and requires attention in prevention and care approach. In light forms, recovery is complete. The moderate and severe forms cause permanent neurological deficits and changes in neurological development (48%) or death (27%).3 Seizures are also frequently present and its proper diagnosis is essential, considering that the convulsive condition by itself can aggravate the brain damage. Although conventional electroencephalography (EEG) still represents the gold standard for diagnosis, continuous monitoring using aEEG can be crucial for early recognition and intervention.7,8 Objective: To describe the incidence of electrographic seizures captured by aEEG video (integrated amplitude electroencephalogram) in a cohort of newborns admitted to the NICU with a diagnosis of moderate and severe asphyxia at birth. Method: This is a retrospective, descriptive, case series study. Inclusion criteria: Newborns who experienced a hypoxic ischemic event at birth, from July 2017 to July 2020, with GA ≥ 35 weeks and with APGAR ≤ 7 in the 5th minute of life. The sample was classified into two groups, immediately at birth: severe and moderate. Monitoring by aEEG was fully applied to both groups, as well as the evaluation of the presence or absence of clinical and electrographic seizures. Exclusion criteria: Newborns with congenital anomalies, chromosomal anomalies and newborns who were transferred after 6h of life. The study took place in 3 neonatal intensive care units located in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Results: In this 3-year period, 5484 newborns were hospitalized in neonatal units, and 97 (1.76%) suffered some type of hypoxic-ischemic insult in the perinatal or immediate neonatal period. Of these 97, 65 met the study's inclusion criteria. We excluded 4 newborns from the study (1 due to genetic alteration and 3 due to hospital transfer after 6h of life). They were classified as a severe group (N=26 (42.6%)). All other NB were classified as a moderate group (N=35 (57.4%)). We observed in the severe group 1 NB (3.84%) with clinical seizures, 10 NB (38.46%) with electrographic seizures and 1 NB (3.84%) with both forms of seizure and in the moderate group 2 NB (5 .71%) with clinical seizures, 8 NB (22.85%) with electrographic seizures and 2 NB (5.71%) with both forms of seizure.Conclusion: We observed a large number of clinically untranslated electrographic seizures, indicating that the use of aEEG is essential for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of seizures in high-risk newborns.

Testicular mixed germ cell tumor presenting with seizure as the initial symptom: a case report and literature review

Abstract Most patients with testicular germ cell tumor present with a painless scrotal mass. We report a 19-year-old patient who presented with neurological complains. Rapid clinical progression to coma was noted during the staging work up. A diagnosis of testicular mixed germ cell tumor with multiorgan metastasis (lymph node, lung, liver and brain) was made. Patients with brain metastasis should receive chemotherapy alone or combined with surgery or radiotherapy. Because the clinical symptoms deteriorated quickly, surgery was used upfront followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the brain tumor. After the first stage of treatment, the clinical symptoms, tumor markers and imaging findings were improved. The residual brain tumor was eliminated by chemotherapy, and only sparse degenerated tumor cells were noted in the brain tissue. Longer follow up is required to assess the impact of our treatment strategy.

Comparison of conventional, amplitude-integrated and geodesic sensor net EEG used in premature neonates: a systematic review / Comparação do uso do EEG convencional, EEG de amplitude integrada e EEG geodésico em neonatos prematuros: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT The use of methods to evaluate cortical activity in neonates has great importance in modern medicine, as it allows the observation and evaluation of several clinical aspects, which guarantees that the health team has knowledge about possible intervention measures that may be necessary in the treatment of newborns. Objective: This systematic review aimed to compare the main technologies available for the evaluation of brain functions in neonates, among them: the conventional electroencephalogram (EEG), the amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) and the geodesic sensor net EEG. Methods: A search was conducted forarticles from national and international periodicals included in the Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO and Medline electronic databases. Results: The search found 39 among 155 articles of interest and the analyses indicated that, in the clinical environment, the use of both conventional EEG and aEEG is highly recommended, as the combination of their functions allows, for example, a greater number of subclinical seizures to be detected. Conversely, the use of a geodesic sensor net EEG could be of great value, as it allows a large amount of data to be analyzed. Conclusion: This analysis may be useful in studies and research related to diseases and symptoms, such as seizures, a current challenge for neonatal neuromonitoring, as well as aspects of neurological development and functional studies. However, despite many advances in technology, electroencephalography in preterm neonates remains a challenge worldwide and still requires more robust research and efforts towards the best clinical assistance in this extremely early stage of life.

RESUMO Métodos para avaliar a atividade cortical em neonatos têm grande importância na Medicina moderna, pois permitem a observação e avaliação de diversos aspectos clínicos, garantindo que a equipe de saúde tenha conhecimento sobre possíveis medidas de intervenção que possam ser necessárias no tratamento de recém-nascidos. Objetivo: Esta revisão sistemática tem como objetivo comparar as principais tecnologias disponíveis para a avaliação das funções cerebrais em neonatos: eletroencefalograma convencional (EEG), eletroencefalograma de amplitude integrada (aEEG) e eletroencefalograma da rede do sensor geodésico. Métodos: Os artigos foram selecionados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais, incluídos nas bases de dados eletrônicas Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO e Medline. Resultados: Foram encontrados 39 artigos de interesse entre 155 artigos. As análises indicaram que, em relação ao ambiente clínico, o uso associativo de EEG convencional e aEEG é altamente recomendado, pois permite a combinação de funções, facilitando, por exemplo, que um maior número de convulsões sub-clínicas seja detectado. Por outro lado, o uso do eletroencefalograma da rede do sensor geodésico seria de grande valor, uma vez que permite que uma grande quantidade de dados seja analisada. Conclusão: Essa análise pode ser útil em estudos e pesquisas relacionados a doenças e sintomas, como convulsões, um desafio atual para a neuromonitorização neonatal, bem como aspectos de desenvolvimento neurológico e estudos funcionais. No entanto, apesar de muitos avanços tecnológicos, a eletroencefalografia em recém-nascidos prematuros ainda é um desafio em todo o mundo e requer pesquisas e esforços mais robustos para a melhor assistência clínica neste estágio extremamente precoce da vida.

Neurocysticercosis in children.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common cause of seizures and neurologic disease. Although there may be variable presentations depending on the stage and location of cysts in the nervous system, most children (> 80%) present with seizures particularly partial seizures. About a third of cases have headache and vomiting. Diagnosis is made by either CT or MRI. Single enhancing lesions are the commonest visualization of a scolex confirms the diagnosis. Some cases have multiple cysts with a characterstic starry-sky appearance. Management involves use of anticonvulsants for seizures and steroids for cerebral edema. The use of cysticidal therapy continues to be debated. Controlled studies have shown that cysticidal therapy helps in increased and faster resolution of CT lesions. Improvement in long - term seizure control has not yet been proven. Children with single lesions have a good outcome and seizure recurrence rate is low. Children with multiple lesions have recurrent seizures. Extraparenchymal NCC has a guarded prognosis but it is rare in children. In endemic areas NCC must be considered in the differential diagnosis of seizures and various other neurological disorders.

Non-convulsive seizures and non-convulsive status epilepticus monitoring in the intensive care unit. A real need for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries

Continuous EEG [cEEG] monitoring in the intensive care unit [ICU] is essential for detecting non-convulsive seizures/status epilepticus [NCSs, NCSE]. Currently there exist a number of continuous EEG monitoring systems adapted for use in the ICU. However, these systems have been trained using EEG data collected from healthy, neurologically intact patients with epileptic seizures, a very different patient population from ICU patients. The review consists of 2 parts, clinical and technological aspects. In the first one, we summarize the electroencephalographic aspects of NCSs/NCSE and other EEG patterns encountered in the ICU. In the second part, we explain how to develop a novel cEEG monitoring system to be used in Hamad Medical Corporation ICUs, Doha, Qatar, that is able to detect pathological EEG patterns commonly occurring in the critically ill patient. Real-time monitoring of seizure discharges, and other pathological EEG patterns will allow correct diagnosis and adequate treatment in a timely fashion

Behenoyl cytarabine-associated reversible encephalopathy in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia

We report a case of reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a 16-year-old girl with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), who is undergoing during consolidation chemotherapy composed of BH-AC (N4-behenoyl-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl cytosine) and idarubicin. On the 6th day of chemotherapy, she was in a drowsy state following generalized tonic clonic seizure lasting 20 minutes. MR images revealed extensive cortical and subcortical white matter brain edema. Alertness returned over the 24 hr following by the discontinuation of BH-AC and intravenous administration of diphenylhydantoin, although she complained of intermittent headaches and visual disturbance. She gradually recovered from these symptoms during subsequent 7 days. Previously noted abnormal signal intensities have nearly disappreared on follow-up MRI obtained on the 22nd day after the first seizure. She was discharged without any neurologic sequela. This case suggests that BH-AC, a derivative of cytosine arabinoside (1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine) could be a cause of reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

Contrast computed tomography in epilepsy with special reference to intracranial ring or disc enhancing lesions.

We report the results of computed tomography (CT) in 170 patients who developed seizures. Localized signs could be demonstrated by neurologic examination in 23.5%. CT findings were normal in 64 patients (37.6%). The commonest abnormality was a focal ring or disc enhancing lesion in 66 patients (62.3%) followed by calcification (18 patients; 16.9%), cerebral atrophy (9; 8.5%), vascular lesions (7; 6.6%), tumours (4; 3.8%) and congenital hydrocephalus (2; 1.9%). The occurrence of abnormal CT was higher (74.3%) in patients with partial seizures.