Epileptogenic anaplastic astrocytoma imaged only by T2-weighted magnetic resonance studies: clinical and surgical implications

The case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with focal sensory seizures and later developed mild sensory loss in the face and hand is described. An EEG, two contrast-enhanced CT and non-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) scans were normal, but T2-weighted MR scans revealed a lesion measuring 3 x 2 cm in the mid-rolandic region. This lesion did not enlarge over a 6-month period. Resection of the abnormal gyrus was guided by electrocorticography and histology revealed an anaplastic astrocytoma. Although there was resolution of the facio-digital sensory loss postoperatively the frequency and pattern of the partial sensory seizures was unchanged. The neuroradiological and histological findings in this case highlight the difficulties concerning the indications for surgical intervention in adult patients who present with epilepsy and have lesions visualized only on magnetic resonance imagery.