Changes in 99mTc-ECD SPECT and Magnetic Resonance Angiography With Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine in a Child

Abstract

Sporadic hemiplegic migraine is rare in childhood. We followed a patient with 99mTc-ECD (99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer) SPECT and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). At the age of 8 years, he developed left hemiplegia. The MRA showed vasoconstriction of the posterior right middle cerebral artery. Hemiplegia disappeared in a few hours, and the MRA normalized. At the age of 10 years, right hemiplegia was observed, disappearing completely after a few days. During this second migraine attack, MRA demonstrated left middle cerebral artery vasoconstriction, and SPECT revealed decreased left hemisphere blood flow. Findings normalized as the patient recovered.