PET and SPECT in the diagnostic workup of children with epilepsy

Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are currently the most advanced techniques of molecular imaging. In particular, they allow the visualization and quantification of regional cerebral glucose consumption and regional cerebral

blood flow which are alterated in patients with epilepsy in a characteristic manner:

Interictally, these variables are decreased in and around epileptogenic foci; ictally, both parameters increase considerably. Both phenomena may be capitalized on to localize epileptogenic foci, thus helping in planning surgery. This lecture reviews the clinical value of these two techniques in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging.