Optimization of visualization of probable epileptogenic lesion in PET/MR hybrid images with [18F]FDG PET/CT.

• Grant number: 23/02888-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Principal Investigator: Lauro Wichert Ana
• Grantee: Lucas Yuji Gomes Itikawa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, which, in most cases, can be treated with anticonvulsants. However, about a third of epilepsy cases are difficult to control with anti-seizure drugs. For these cases, surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone may result in the control of epileptic seizures. To ensure the success of a surgical intervention, the precise localization of the epileptogenic zone should be determined through electroencephalography and neuroimaging exams. OBJECTIVES: (a) Establish a protocol for processing and analyzing PET/MRI fusion images in epilepsy; (b) Investigate the contribution of PET/MRI fusion in generating lesional hypotheses in epilepsy with non-lesional 3T MRI. METHODS: Fusion images of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) [18F]FDG with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 3T MRI of 30 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and normal or non-specific MRI findings (non-lesional) will be processed. The PET/CTs with [18F]FDG were acquired on a GE DISCOVERYTM MI DR, 64 channel equipment. The MRIs were acquired on a PHILIPS ACHIEVA 3 Tesla equipment. The PET/MRI fusion will be performed using the Integrated Registration Module of the GE AW workstation. The quality of the fusion, it will be necessary to establish a threshold for the best general visualization, to detect partial volume artifacts, and to generate new lesional hypotheses from the PET/MRI fusion. EXPECTED RESULTS: (a) Creation of the protocol for processing and analyzing PET/MRI fusion images in epilepsy; (b) Submission of the manuscript entitled "Improved anatomical analysis in PET/MRI of epileptic patients with non-lesional 3T MRI."