Work

Young woman with a four-year history of epilepsy and progressive focal cortical atrophy — What is the diagnosis?

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: The pathogenesis of disease progression in drug-refractory epilepsy is poorly understood. We report the case of a young woman with a four-year history of epilepsy that progressed rapidly as evidenced by the development of progressive focal cortical atrophy. She underwent biopsy that showed perinatal ischemia and a prominent inflammatory response, including T-cell infiltration and microglial activation. There was no consensus reached on the final diagnosis although the hypothesis of dual pathology (adult variant of Rasmussen's encephalitis and perinatal stroke) was considered. The possible role of inflammation in the progression of epilepsy caused by a "static" lesion (perinatal stroke) is discussed.

Source: Epilepsy & Behavior Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2014.02.004

Authors: S. Pati, M.I. Cobos-Sillero, B. Buchbinder, E. Eskandar, A.J. Cole

Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Epilepsy research and treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $550