Epileptogenic ganglioglioma with hypermetabolism on positron emission tomography with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose: a case report

Abstract

Positron emission tomography with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F]FDG-PET) usually shows ganglioglioma as hypometabolic, in the absence of malignant transformation or high grade. We report a case of benign ganglioglioma in the left precentral gyrus showing hypermetabolism on [¹⁸F]FDG-PET, which was associated with intractable focal motor seizures. An 11-year-old girl started having simple partial seizures refractory to anti-epileptogenic medication since 4 years of age. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumorous lesion in the left precentral gyrus. Interictal [¹⁸F]FDG-PET showed high [¹⁸F]FDG uptake in the lesion. Gross total resection was carried out. The histological diagnosis was low-grade ganglioglioma. The hypermetabolism on [¹⁸F]FDG-PET may be associated with epileptogenic activity of the ganglioglioma.