Early Clinical Experiences with Positron Emission Tomography–Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Epilepsy: Implications for Modeling the Neurovascular Unit

Abstract

Cortical function in normal and pathologic neurologic states is largely influenced by the activity of the neurovascular unit. Hybrid technologies that combine positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) offer a chance for simultaneous noninvasive evaluation of cortical glucose consumption, blood flow, and cerebrovascular reactivity. We present differing PET/MRI results for two pediatric patients undergoing evaluation for medically refractory seizures, interpreted in the context of neurovascular unit behavior, suggesting the presence of ultrastructural changes at the level of the blood brain barrier in various epilepsy disorders.

Keywords

positron emission tomography - PET-MRI - epilepsy - neurovascular unit - neurometabolic diseases - perfusion - cerebrovascular reactivity

• References

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