1
|
Chavan R, Hyman G, Qureshi Z, Jayakumar N, Terrell W, Wardius M, Berr S, Schiff D, Fountain N, Eluvathingal Muttikkal T, Quigg M, Zhang M, K Kundu B. An end-to-end deep learning pipeline to derive blood input with partial volume corrections for automated parametric brain PET mapping. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2024; 10:055028. [PMID: 39094595 PMCID: PMC11333809 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ad6a64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (dFDG-PET) for human brain imaging has considerable clinical potential, yet its utilization remains limited. A key challenge in the quantitative analysis of dFDG-PET is characterizing a patient-specific blood input function, traditionally reliant on invasive arterial blood sampling. This research introduces a novel approach employing non-invasive deep learning model-based computations from the internal carotid arteries (ICA) with partial volume (PV) corrections, thereby eliminating the need for invasive arterial sampling. We present an end-to-end pipeline incorporating a 3D U-Net based ICA-net for ICA segmentation, alongside a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) based MCIF-net for the derivation of a model-corrected blood input function (MCIF) with PV corrections. The developed 3D U-Net and RNN was trained and validated using a 5-fold cross-validation approach on 50 human brain FDG PET scans. The ICA-net achieved an average Dice score of 82.18% and an Intersection over Union of 68.54% across all tested scans. Furthermore, the MCIF-net exhibited a minimal root mean squared error of 0.0052. The application of this pipeline to ground truth data for dFDG-PET brain scans resulted in the precise localization of seizure onset regions, which contributed to a successful clinical outcome, with the patient achieving a seizure-free state after treatment. These results underscore the efficacy of the ICA-net and MCIF-net deep learning pipeline in learning the ICA structure's distribution and automating MCIF computation with PV corrections. This advancement marks a significant leap in non-invasive neuroimaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rugved Chavan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Gabriel Hyman
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Zoraiz Qureshi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Nivetha Jayakumar
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - William Terrell
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Megan Wardius
- Brain Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Stuart Berr
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - David Schiff
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Nathan Fountain
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | | | - Mark Quigg
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Bijoy K Kundu
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tajmirriahi M, Rabbani H. A Review of EEG-based Localization of Epileptic Seizure Foci: Common Points with Multimodal Fusion of Brain Data. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SIGNALS & SENSORS 2024; 14:19. [PMID: 39234592 PMCID: PMC11373807 DOI: 10.4103/jmss.jmss_11_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Unexpected seizures significantly decrease the quality of life in epileptic patients. Seizure attacks are caused by hyperexcitability and anatomical lesions of special regions of the brain, and cognitive impairments and memory deficits are their most common concomitant effects. In addition to seizure reduction treatments, medical rehabilitation involving brain-computer interfaces and neurofeedback can improve cognition and quality of life in patients with focal epilepsy in most cases, in particular when resective epilepsy surgery has been considered treatment in drug-resistant epilepsy. Source estimation and precise localization of epileptic foci can improve such rehabilitation and treatment. Electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring and multimodal noninvasive neuroimaging techniques such as ictal/interictal single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging and structural magnetic resonance imaging are common practices for the localization of epileptic foci and have been studied in several kinds of researches. In this article, we review the most recent research on EEG-based localization of seizure foci and discuss various methods, their advantages, limitations, and challenges with a focus on model-based data processing and machine learning algorithms. In addition, we survey whether combined analysis of EEG monitoring and neuroimaging techniques, which is known as multimodal brain data fusion, can potentially increase the precision of the seizure foci localization. To this end, we further review and summarize the key parameters and challenges of processing, fusion, and analysis of multiple source data, in the framework of model-based signal processing, for the development of a multimodal brain data analyzing system. This article has the potential to be used as a valuable resource for neuroscience researchers for the development of EEG-based rehabilitation systems based on multimodal data analysis related to focal epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahnoosh Tajmirriahi
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Rabbani
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Siva NK, Bauer C, Glover C, Stolin A, Chandi S, Melnick H, Marano G, Parker B, Mandich M, Lewis JW, Qi J, Gao S, Nott K, Majewski S, Brefczynski-Lewis JA. Real-time motion-enabling positron emission tomography of the brain of upright ambulatory humans. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:117. [PMID: 38872007 PMCID: PMC11176317 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile upright PET devices have the potential to enable previously impossible neuroimaging studies. Currently available options are imagers with deep brain coverage that severely limit head/body movements or imagers with upright/motion enabling properties that are limited to only covering the brain surface. METHODS In this study, we test the feasibility of an upright, motion-compatible brain imager, our Ambulatory Motion-enabling Positron Emission Tomography (AMPET) helmet prototype, for use as a neuroscience tool by replicating a variant of a published PET/fMRI study of the neurocorrelates of human walking. We validate our AMPET prototype by conducting a walking movement paradigm to determine motion tolerance and assess for appropriate task related activity in motor-related brain regions. Human participants (n = 11 patients) performed a walking-in-place task with simultaneous AMPET imaging, receiving a bolus delivery of F18-Fluorodeoxyglucose. RESULTS Here we validate three pre-determined measure criteria, including brain alignment motion artifact of less than <2 mm and functional neuroimaging outcomes consistent with existing walking movement literature. CONCLUSIONS The study extends the potential and utility for use of mobile, upright, and motion-tolerant neuroimaging devices in real-world, ecologically-valid paradigms. Our approach accounts for the real-world logistics of an actual human participant study and can be used to inform experimental physicists, engineers and imaging instrumentation developers undertaking similar future studies. The technical advances described herein help set new priorities for facilitating future neuroimaging devices and research of the human brain in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanda K Siva
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Colson Glover
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Alexander Stolin
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sonia Chandi
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Helen Melnick
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Gary Marano
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Benjamin Parker
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - MaryBeth Mandich
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - James W Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jinyi Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Si Gao
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kaylee Nott
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9303, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Stan Majewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bröhl T, Rings T, Pukropski J, von Wrede R, Lehnertz K. The time-evolving epileptic brain network: concepts, definitions, accomplishments, perspectives. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 3:1338864. [PMID: 38293249 PMCID: PMC10825060 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1338864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is now considered a network disease that affects the brain across multiple levels of spatial and temporal scales. The paradigm shift from an epileptic focus-a discrete cortical area from which seizures originate-to a widespread epileptic network-spanning lobes and hemispheres-considerably advanced our understanding of epilepsy and continues to influence both research and clinical treatment of this multi-faceted high-impact neurological disorder. The epileptic network, however, is not static but evolves in time which requires novel approaches for an in-depth characterization. In this review, we discuss conceptual basics of network theory and critically examine state-of-the-art recording techniques and analysis tools used to assess and characterize a time-evolving human epileptic brain network. We give an account on current shortcomings and highlight potential developments towards an improved clinical management of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timo Bröhl
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thorsten Rings
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Pukropski
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
| | - Randi von Wrede
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Lehnertz
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Complex Systems, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Neumann KD, Seshadri V, Thompson XD, Broshek DK, Druzgal J, Massey JC, Newman B, Reyes J, Simpson SR, McCauley KS, Patrie J, Stone JR, Kundu BK, Resch JE. Microglial activation persists beyond clinical recovery following sport concussion in collegiate athletes. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1127708. [PMID: 37034078 PMCID: PMC10080132 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1127708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In concussion, clinical and physiological recovery are increasingly recognized as diverging definitions. This study investigated whether central microglial activation persisted in participants with concussion after receiving an unrestricted return-to-play (uRTP) designation using [18F]DPA-714 PET, an in vivo marker of microglia activation. Methods Eight (5 M, 3 F) current athletes with concussion (Group 1) and 10 (5 M, 5 F) healthy collegiate students (Group 2) were enrolled. Group 1 completed a pre-injury (Visit1) screen, follow-up Visit2 within 24 h of a concussion diagnosis, and Visit3 at the time of uRTP. Healthy participants only completed assessments at Visit2 and Visit3. At Visit2, all participants completed a multidimensional battery of tests followed by a blood draw to determine genotype and study inclusion. At Visit3, participants completed a clinical battery of tests, brain MRI, and brain PET; no imaging tests were performed outside of Visit3. Results For Group 1, significant differences were observed between Visits 1 and 2 (p < 0.05) in ImPACT, SCAT5 and SOT performance, but not between Visit1 and Visit3 for standard clinical measures (all p > 0.05), reflecting clinical recovery. Despite achieving clinical recovery, PET imaging at Visit3 revealed consistently higher [18F]DPA-714 tracer distribution volume (VT) of Group 1 compared to Group 2 in 10 brain regions (p < 0.001) analyzed from 164 regions of the whole brain, most notably within the limbic system, dorsal striatum, and medial temporal lobe. No notable differences were observed between clinical measures and VT between Group 1 and Group 2 at Visit3. Discussion Our study is the first to demonstrate persisting microglial activation in active collegiate athletes who were diagnosed with a sport concussion and cleared for uRTP based on a clinical recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiel D Neumann
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Vikram Seshadri
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Xavier D Thompson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Donna K Broshek
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jason Druzgal
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James C Massey
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Benjamin Newman
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jose Reyes
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Spenser R Simpson
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Katelyenn S McCauley
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James Patrie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James R Stone
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Bijoy K Kundu
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jacob E Resch
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sukprakun C, Tepmongkol S. Nuclear imaging for localization and surgical outcome prediction in epilepsy: A review of latest discoveries and future perspectives. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1083775. [PMID: 36588897 PMCID: PMC9800996 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1083775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Approximately, one-third of patients with epilepsy have seizures refractory to antiepileptic drugs and further require surgical removal of the epileptogenic region. In the last decade, there have been many recent developments in radiopharmaceuticals, novel image analysis techniques, and new software for an epileptogenic zone (EZ) localization. Objectives Recently, we provided the latest discoveries, current challenges, and future perspectives in the field of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in epilepsy. Methods We searched for relevant articles published in MEDLINE and CENTRAL from July 2012 to July 2022. A systematic literature review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis was conducted using the keywords "Epilepsy" and "PET or SPECT." We included both prospective and retrospective studies. Studies with preclinical subjects or not focusing on EZ localization or surgical outcome prediction using recently developed PET radiopharmaceuticals, novel image analysis techniques, and new software were excluded from the review. The remaining 162 articles were reviewed. Results We first present recent findings and developments in PET radiopharmaceuticals. Second, we present novel image analysis techniques and new software in the last decade for EZ localization. Finally, we summarize the overall findings and discuss future perspectives in the field of PET and SPECT in epilepsy. Conclusion Combining new radiopharmaceutical development, new indications, new techniques, and software improves EZ localization and provides a better understanding of epilepsy. These have proven not to only predict prognosis but also to improve the outcome of epilepsy surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanan Sukprakun
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supatporn Tepmongkol
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Chulalongkorn University Biomedical Imaging Group (CUBIG), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Chula Neuroscience Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand,Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,*Correspondence: Supatporn Tepmongkol ✉
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Quigg M, Kundu B. Dynamic FDG-PET demonstration of functional brain abnormalities. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:1487-1497. [PMID: 36069052 PMCID: PMC9463948 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Positron emission tomography with fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG‐PET) has been used over 3 decades to map patterns of brain glucose metabolism to evaluate normal brain function or demonstrate abnormalities of metabolism in brain disorders. Traditional PET maps patterns of absolute tracer uptake but has demonstrated shortcomings in disorders such as brain neoplasm or focal epilepsy in the ability to resolve normally from pathological tissue. In this review, we describe an alternative process of metabolic mapping, dynamic PET. This new technology quantifies the dynamics of tracer uptake and decays with the goal of improving the functional mapping of the desired metabolic activity in the target organ. We discuss technical implementation and findings of initial pilot studies in brain tumor treatment and epilepsy surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Quigg
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - Bijoy Kundu
- Departments of Radiology & Medical Imaging and Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review significant advances in epilepsy imaging in recent years. RECENT FINDINGS Structural MRI at 7T with optimization of acquisition and postacquisition image processing increases the diagnostic yield but artefactual findings remain a challenge. MRI analysis from multiple sites indicates different atrophy patterns and white matter diffusion abnormalities in temporal lobe and generalized epilepsies, with greater abnormalities close to the presumed seizure source. Structural and functional connectivity relate to seizure spread and generalization; longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship of these associations. Diffusion MRI may help predict surgical outcome and network abnormalities extending beyond the epileptogenic zone. Three-dimensional multimodal imaging can increase the precision of epilepsy surgery, improve seizure outcome and reduce complications. Language and memory fMRI are useful predictors of postoperative deficits, and lead to risk minimization. FDG PET is useful for clinical studies and specific ligands probe the pathophysiology of neurochemical fluxes and receptor abnormalities. SUMMARY Improved structural MRI increases detection of abnormalities that may underlie epilepsy. Diffusion, structural and functional MRI indicate the widespread associations of epilepsy syndromes. These can assist stratification of surgical outcome and minimize risk. PET has continued utility clinically and for research into the pathophysiology of epilepsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John S Duncan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London
- MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - Karin Trimmel
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London
- MRI Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
DiFrancesco JC, Labate A, Romoli M, Chipi E, Salvadori N, Galimberti CA, Perani D, Ferrarese C, Costa C. Clinical and Instrumental Characterization of Patients With Late-Onset Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:851897. [PMID: 35359649 PMCID: PMC8963711 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.851897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is classically considered a childhood disease. However, it represents the third most frequent neurological condition in the elderly, following stroke, and dementia. With the progressive aging of the general population, the number of patients with Late-Onset Epilepsy (LOE) is constantly growing, with important economic and social consequences, in particular for the more developed countries where the percentage of elderly people is higher. The most common causes of LOE are structural, mainly secondary to cerebrovascular or infectious diseases, brain tumors, trauma, and metabolic or toxic conditions. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence linking LOE with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, despite a thorough characterization, the causes of LOE remain unknown in a considerable portion of patients, thus termed as Late-Onset Epilepsy of Unknown origin (LOEU). In order to identify the possible causes of the disease, with an important impact in terms of treatment and prognosis, LOE patients should always undergo an exhaustive phenotypic characterization. In this work, we provide a detailed review of the main clinical and instrumental techniques for the adequate characterization of LOE patients in the clinical practice. This work aims to provide an easy and effective tool that supports routine activity of the clinicians facing LOE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo C. DiFrancesco
- Department of Neurology, ASST S. Gerardo Hospital, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Jacopo C. DiFrancesco
| | - Angelo Labate
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Romoli
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Chipi
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nicola Salvadori
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Perani
- Nuclear Medicine Unit and Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- Department of Neurology, ASST S. Gerardo Hospital, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Cinzia Costa
| |
Collapse
|