Cranial computed tomography (CCT) findings in children treated with ACTH and dexamethasone: first results.

8 children with different petit mal epilepsies were systematically treated with ACTH and dexamethasone. CCT examinations were performed before, during and after treatment. In all children severe cerebral changes. enlargement of ventricles and subarachnoid space developed during the initial phase of treatment with Depot-ACTH. Similar changes, but to a less severe degree, could be demonstrated during the phase of dexamethasone therapy thereafter. In all patients cerebral changes disappeared after hormonal treatment had ended. At this point many children had a developmental spurt, developmental relapses could not be observed. It is suggested that these reversible changes seen on CCT scans represent a form of morphological plasticity of brain structures. These results bear certain consequences as to the therapy of cerebral edema.