Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in a patient with bilateral temporal seizures: correlation between ictal EEG and postictal/ictal SPECT

Epilepsia. 1998 Sep;39(9):1001-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1998.tb01451.x.

Abstract

We report a patient with bilateral independent temporal lobe seizures in whom two [99mTc]HMPAO single photon emission computed tomograph (SPECT) scans were performed during two different seizures. In the first periictal SPECT, [99mTc]HMPAO was injected in the interval between two closely spaced seizures (one localized in the left temporal lobe and the other in the right temporal lobe). SPECT images showed hypoperfusion in the left lateral temporal lobe, hyperperfusion of the left mesial temporal region, and pronounced hyperperfusion in the right anterior temporal lobe. These results suggest both a postictal left temporal SPECT pattern and an ictal right temporal pattern. In the second periictal SPECT, [99mTc]HMPAO was injected immediately after a right temporal lobe seizure and showed right lateral temporal lobe hypoperfusion and right mesial hyperperfusion, suggesting a postictal right temporal SPECT pattern. Interpretation of the periictal SPECT should take into account EEG changes at the time or in the minutes immediately after injection of [99mTc]HMPAO.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / diagnostic imaging*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime
  • Temporal Lobe / blood supply
  • Temporal Lobe / diagnostic imaging*
  • Temporal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*

Substances

  • Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime