Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy enhanced by topiramate and phenobarbitone: a case report and an update.

Although sodium valproate (VPA)-induced hepatic encephalopathy is a well-recognized entity, VPA can occasionally produce encephalopathy secondary to hyperammonemia in the presence of normal hepatic function, namely valproate-induced non-hepatic hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VNHE). Known risk factors include therapy with multiple antiepileptic drugs, especially when topiramate is one of the drugs; presence of underlying inborn errors of metabolism; febrile states; and insufficient nutritional intake. We describe a 5-year-old male child who developed VNHE while on polypharmacy with topiramate and phenobarbitone; the child also had poor nutritional intake. The encephalopathy reversed with withdrawal of VPA and treatment with L-carnitine. We emphasize the need for early recognition, investigation, and treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition. We also recommend that VPA, topiramate, and phenobarbitone should not be given in combination.

Incidence, types, risk factors, and outcome of stroke in a developing country: the Trivandrum Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite increasing burden of stroke in developing countries, population-based data are rare. Through the Trivandrum Stroke Registry, we intend to assess incidence, types, risk factors, and outcome of stroke among urban and rural dwellers of a South Indian community. METHODS: We ascertained all first-ever strokes occurring among 741,000 urban and 185,000 rural inhabitants of Trivandrum, Kerala. In addition to Steps 1 and 2 of World Health Organization STEPS Stroke Manual, we used multiple supplementary methods to maximize ascertainment of nonfatal and nonhospitalized fatal stroke events in the community. RESULTS: During a 6-month period, 541 strokes were registered, 431 in the urban and 110 in the rural communities. Stroke occurred at a median age of 67 years; only 3.8% of patients were aged

Longitudinal CT and MR appearances of hemimegalencephaly in a patient with tuberous sclerosis.

CASE REPORT: A 3-day-old baby was referred to our institution with seizures since birth and a presumptive diagnosis of cerebral tumor detected by prenatal ultrasound. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging performed immediately after birth revealed the presence of an enhancing mass in the left cerebral hemisphere. DISCUSSION: The possibility of a congenital malignant brain tumor was considered. Although surgery was advised, the parents opted for conservative medical management. The infant was under treatment for seizures with antiepileptic drugs. At 7-month follow-up, there was a noticeable increase in the seizure activity with signs of developmental delay and increased head circumference. Repeat CT and MR imaging showed features of hemimegalencephaly with a calcified mass involving the left hemisphere. The patient was diagnosed to have tuberous sclerosis. This case report illustrates how an enhancing mass (possibly a tuber) over a period of time diminishes in size and becomes calcified in a patient with tuberous sclerosis and associated hemimegalencephaly.

Hemimegalencephalic appearance of normal hemisphere in unilateral heterotopia and absent corpus callosum.

We report two patients with medically refractory epilepsy who had MRI evidence of unilateral subcortical nodular heterotopia and agenesis of corpus callosum. The abnormal hemisphere was small, whereas the contralateral normal hemisphere appeared large and crossed the midline. Although the normal hemisphere was initially mistaken for hemimegalencephaly, there were no typical radiological features. Moreover, the electroencephalographic abnormalities lateralized to the hemisphere showing heterotopia. Because contralateral hemispheric abnormalities like heterotopia, hemimicrencephaly, and hemimegalencephaly can occur in patients with hemispheric heterotopias, we emphasize the importance of careful scrutiny of the contralateral hemisphere in patients with unilateral heterotopia. Absence of typical radiological features and appropriately lateralized electroencephalographic abnormalities will help differentiate the two. This is crucial when planning epilepsy surgery.