Occipital dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor presenting as adult-onset temporal epilepsy

Abstract

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is a benign brain tumor which commonly presents as childhood-onset temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We present a case of histologically proven DNET with a clinical presentation and scalp EEG suggestive of adult-onset TLE. MRI showed an occipital lesion. PET showed abnormal metabolism of the occipital lesion and the ipsilateral temporal lobe; raising concern for an abnormal functional network reorganization. Intracranial EEG showed interictal spikes and seizures originating from the occipital lesion with no seizures emanating from the temporal lobe. Occipital DNET due to their chronic nature can reorganize the network and mimic TLE.