Comparative study of ictal SPECT and video EEG on localization of epileptogenic foci for intractable epilepsy

Objective To investigate the value of ictal single photon emission computed tomography and VEEG in localization of epileptogenic foci for intractable epilepsy. Method The data of ictal SPECT and VEEG were reviewed from 48 patients with intractable epilepsy, all the results were analyzed and compared with each other. Surgical treatment were performed on 48 cases. Results The positive rate of ictal SPECT and VEEG localization was 94% and 96% respectively. The rate of complete coincidence of the two methods was 46% (22/48), partial coincidence was 29% (14/48). Comparing ictal SPECT with video EEG in the ratio of lateral and focal epileptic foci localization, twenty - seven of 48 patients had an Engel Class Ⅰ outcome after surgery and an additional ten patients had rare seizure (Engel Class Ⅱ), and eight patient had a decrease in seizure frequency (Engel Class Ⅲ) , no marked chang (Engel Class Ⅳ) in three patients. In Engel Class Ⅰ and Class Ⅱ outcome cases, there were 33 (out of 37) cases came from its coincidence of ictal SPECT and VEEG localization. Conclusions VEEG combined with ictal SPECT can increase the accuracy on localization of epileptogenic foci for intractable epilepsy. Key words: Epilepsy; Electroencephalography; SPECT