Abstracts

RATIONALE: To Demonstrate that postnatal seizures can lead to hippocampal atrophy METHODS:_ Case report: A previously healthy 38-year-old woman presented with new-onset complex partial seizures in association with an acute left frontal cortical vein thrombosis. On presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed T2 signal change within a swollen left hippocampus, consistent with vasogenic edema. Her scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) showed left temporal epileptiform discharges. Subsequently, the patient continues to have isolated complex partial seizures despite therapeutic levels of phenytoin. RESULTS: The patient has had serial magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), MRI, EEG and neuropsychometric testing. Over a 6-month period, MRI demonstrates the development of left hippocampal atrophy. MRS shows decreased NAA/Creatine peak in the left mesial temporal structures. Her neuropsychometric testing demonstrates deficits in verbal memory. EEG continues to show intermittent left temporal spikes. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the postnatal development of hippocampal atrophy due solely to recurrent partial seizures. This case provides evidence that new-onset partial seizures can result in hippocampal injury and medically uncontrolled temporal lobe epilepsy in previously healthy persons.