Hypervascular Pattern Associated with Idiopathic Focal Status Epilepticus

Abstract

Cerebral angiography in 5 patients in idiopathic focal status epilepticus demonstrated a hypervascular pattern consisting of arteriolar or capillary blush with early filling veins and corresponding to the seizure focus; there was no evidence of vascular occlusion, neovascularity or mass effect except for minimal local brain swelling. All showed clearing of neurological deficits; repeat angiograms in 2 patients after arrest of seizure activity returned to normal with complete disappearance of the hypervascular pattern. This reversible but potentially misleading angiographic pattern should be recognized as a benign process.