Abstracts

Rationale: To determine the frequency of Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) abnormalities in children with new onset focal seizureMethods: From the EEG data base patients between the ages of 1 month and 18 years with new onset focal seizure admitted to the hospital over a one year period (March 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014) were identified. Children who had brain MRI with ASL within 72 hours of seizure were included in the study. Medical records, EEG, brain MRI and ASL results were reviewed.Results: Twenty seven patients (age range 6 weeks to 15 years; 56% female) with new onset focal seizure who had ASL study were identified. Of these children, 20 had unprovoked seizure. MRI structural lesion was detected in 27%. In 13 of 20 patients (65%) with complete ASL data, the ASL was abnormal (hypo or hyperperfusion). ASL was abnormal in 73% (8/11) of children with MRI done within 24 hours of seizure as compared to 56% (5/9) for study performed 24-72 hours after seizure. ASL was abnormal in 3/3 children with status epilepticus.Conclusions: The majority of children (65%) with new onset focal seizures had abnormal ASL. The frequency of abnormal ASL increased to 73% when the study is performed within 24 hours after seizure. Although the number of patients is small, the ASL was abnormal in all 3 patients with status epilepticus. Further studies should look into the correlation of ASL with EEG and MRI structural abnormality.