Work

Laser interstitial thermal therapy after failed anterior temporal lobectomy and amygdalohippocampectomy can improve seizure outcome

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Anterior temporal lobectomy and amygdalohippocampectomy (ATL) is the gold standard surgical treatment for drug resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Nevertheless, seizure recurrence after ATL is not uncommon. Insufficient resection of the mesial temporal structures remains one of the most common reasons for ATL failure. Extending the resection leads to improved seizure outcome in a majority of patients. However, repeat craniotomy can be higher risk for the patient and also can be technically challenging due to scarring and altered anatomy. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a novel minimally invasive alternative to ATL, and it has been shown to be safe and effective. However, it is unclear if LITT has a role in managing post-ATL mTLE patients with recurrent seizures and residual epileptogenic structures. LITT is an attractive option for post-ATL patients with residual mesial structures because the surgery is minimally invasive, and it allows precise targeting and real time confirmation of tissue ablation under MRI guidance. We present a case of an mTLE patient with recurrent seizures after ATL who achieved long-term seizure-freedom after successfully undergoing LITT to ablate the residual hippocampus. This approach, if demonstrated to be safe, effective and durable, can benefit select post-ATL mTLE patients.

Source: Epilepsy & Behavior Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2020.100366

Authors: Brian Y. Hwang, David Mampre, Joon Y. Kang, Gregory Krauss, William S. Anderson

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Epilepsy research and treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $810