Epileptic seizures as an initial symptom for Sturge‑Weber syndrome type III: A report of two cases

Exp Ther Med. 2024 May 24;28(1):299. doi: 10.3892/etm.2024.12588. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Abstract

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) type III, a rare neurocutaneous disorder, presents diagnostic challenges due to its variable clinical manifestations. The present study focuses on enhancing the understanding of this syndrome by conducting a detailed analysis of two pediatric cases and providing a comprehensive review of the existing literature. The cases, managed at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan, China), highlight the diverse clinical presentations and successful management strategies for SWS type III. In the first case, a 4-year-old male patient exhibited paroxysmal hemiplegia, epileptic seizures and cerebral angiographic findings indicative of left pia mater and venous malformation. The second case involved a 2.5-year-old male patient presenting with recurrent seizures and angiographic findings on the right side. Both cases underscore the importance of considering epileptic seizures, acquired and transient hemiplegia and cognitive impairments in the diagnosis of SWS type III. The present study provides insights into the effective use of both pharmacological and surgical interventions, drawing from the positive outcomes observed in these cases. The findings emphasize the need for heightened awareness and a meticulous approach in diagnosing and treating SWS type III, contributing to the better management and prognosis of this condition.

Keywords: Sturge-Weber syndrome; epilepsy; neurocutaneous disorders; paroxysmal hemiplegia; pediatric neurology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

Funding: This study was supported by Jinan Municipal Health Commission (grant no. 2023-2-146).