Stereo-electroencephalography-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation in treatment of focal epilepsy / 中华神经医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the value of stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) in patients with focal epilepsy.Methods:Eighteen patients with focal epilepsy admitted to and treated by SEEG-guided RFTC in our hospital from April 2019 to December 2020 were chosen. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed, and follow up was performed monthly by telephone and outpatient subsequent visit. The treatment efficacies of these patients were evaluated by Engel grading.Results:(1) The number of electrodes accurately implanted into the intended target in these 18 patients was 4-11 (6.56±2.15 on average); unilateral implantation was noted in 6 patients, and bilateral implantation was noted in 12 patients. SEEG monitoring showed that 7 patients were with frontal lobe epilepsy, 8 were with temporal lobe epilepsy, 2 were with frontotemporal junction epilepsy, and one was with temporal occipital junction epilepsy. (2) Two-9 RFTC electrodes (3.43±1.47 on average), and 9-42 RFTC contacts (17.38±9.20 on average) were given in these 18 patients. One patient developed seizures during the course of RFTC, one had temporary mental symptoms after RFTC, one had diffuse brain edema with intracranial hypertension, and one had asymptomatic regional brain edema. The total complication incidence was 22.2% (4/18) and no permanent neurological impairment occurred. (3) Eleven patients (61.1%) had recurred seizure within 1 year of RFTC: 3 (27.3%) recurred within 1 month, 3 (27.3%) recurred within 1-3 months, 3 (27.3%) recurred within 3-6 months, and 2 (18.2%) recurred within 6-12 months; however, the duration and frequency of seizure were obviously decreased as compared with those before RFTC. Seven patients (38.9%) received craniotomy after RFTC; follow up for 5-24 months showed that 12 patients were with Engel grading I, 4 were with Engel grading II, 2 were with Engel III, and no one was with Engel grading IV.Conclusions:SEEG-guided RFTC has enabled patients with focal epilepsy to achieve complete remission of their seizures with varying durations, and some patients have achieved long-term remission of their seizures. For patients with recurrent epilepsy after SEEG-guided RFTC, further craniotomy of the epileptogenic area is still effective.