Abstracts

Epilepsy Associated with Lupus Anticoagulant

Abstract number : 2.110
Submission category :
Year : 2000
Submission ID : 513
Source : www.aesnet.org
Presentation date : 12/2/2000 12:00:00 AM
Published date : Dec 1, 2000, 06:00 AM

Authors :
John W Gibbs, Aatif M Husain, Duke Univ, Durham, NC.

RATIONALE: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is most commonly seen in patient with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) who present with ischemic stroke. Recently reports have noted the presence of LA in patients with epilepsy who do not have SLE. The reported patients are elderly, and it is has been postulated that these patients have had subclinical ischemic events that are responsible for the seizures. METHODS: Two cases are presented of young patients who developed seizures and had LA without clinical evidence of SLE and ischemic strokes. RESULTS: A 33 year old patient was undergoing invasive EEG monitoring for evaluation for surgery when serology revealed LA. Clinical history, examination and detailed MRI did not reveal any evidence of an antecedent ischemic event. A 28 year old female was admitted with aortic insufficiency and new onset seizures. She was found to have LA, however clinical history, examination and MRI did not reveal a prior ischemic event. CONCLUSIONS: LA may be associated with seizures in young patients without evidence of cerebral ischemia.