An 18-year follow-up of seizure outcome after surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the very long-term clinical outcome of surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE/HS) without atypical features. The impact of surgical technique and postoperative reduction of medication on this outcome was investigated. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort follow-up study for up to18 years. SETTING: Epilepsy surgery centre in a university hospital. PATIENTS: 108 patients who underwent unilateral MTLE/HS. INTERVENTION: Surgery for MTLE/HS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Engel classification (I). Clinical evaluations were based on systematic interviews in person or by phone. Kaplan-Maier survival curves estimated the probability of remaining seizure free. The impact of medication management in the postoperative outcome was analysed using Cox regression. RESULTS: The probability of remaining completely seizure-free at 12 and 18 years after MTLE/HS surgery was 65% and 62%, respectively. The risk of having any recurrence was 22% during the first 24 months and increased 1.4% per year afterwards. Type of surgical technique (selective amygdalohippocampectomy vs anterior temporal lobectomy) did not impact on outcome. Remaining on antiepileptic drugs and history of generalised clonic seizure diminished the probability of remaining seizure free. CONCLUSIONS: MTLE/HS surgery is able to keep patients seizure free for almost up to two decades. Removal of the neocortex besides the mesial portion of the temporal lobe does not lead to better chances of seizure control. These findings are applicable to the typical unilateral MTLE/HS syndrome and cannot be generalised for all types of TLE. Future longitudinal randomised controlled studies are needed to replicate these findings.

[Hippocampal microsurgical anatomy regarding the selective amygdalohippocampectomy in the Niemeyer's technique perspective and preoperative method to maximize the corticotomy]. / Anatomia microcirúrgica do hipocampo na Amígdalo-hipocampectomia seletiva sob a perspectiva da técnica de Niemeyer e método pré-operatório para maximizar a corticotomia.

UNLABELLED: The deep knowledge of hippocampal microsurgical anatomy is paramount in epilepsy surgery. One of the most used techniques is those proposed by Niemeyer. PURPOSE: To describe the hippocampal anatomy in detail and to present a technique in which preoperative anatomical points in MRI are identified to guide the corticotomy. METHOD: Microsurgical dissections were performed in twenty brain hemispheres and eight cadaveric heads to identify temporal lobe and hippocampus structures. Thirty two patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy underwent a selective amygdalohippocampectomy with Niemeyer's technique being measured three preoperative MRI preoperative distances to guide the corticotomy. RESULTS: The hippocampus was divided in head, body and tail and its microsurgical anatomy described in detail. The MRI measurements are presented and discussed. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the complex anatomy of the hippocampus can be achieved in a three-dimensional way during microsurgical dissections. The preoperative MRI measurement is a reasonable guide to perform temporal corticotomy in Niemeyer's technique.

Seizure and memory outcome following temporal lobe surgery: selective compared with nonselective approaches for hippocampal sclerosis.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to compare seizure and memory outcome in patients with medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE/HS) treated using an anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) or a selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SA). METHODS: Surgical outcome data were prospectively collected for 2 to 11 years in 161 consecutive patients with MTLE/ HS. Eighty patients underwent an ATL and 81 an SA. Seizure control achieved with each technique was compared using the Engel classification scheme. Postoperative memory testing was performed in 86 patients (53%). At the last follow up, 72% of the patients who had undergone an ATL (mean follow up 6.7 years) and 71% of those who had undergone an SA (mean follow up 4.5 years) were seizure free (Engle Class IA). Estimated survival in patients in Engel Classes I, IA, and I and II combined did not differ between the two surgical techniques. Preoperatively, 58% of the patients had verbal memory scores one standard deviation (SD) below the normal mean. One third of the patients with preoperative scores in the normal range worsened after surgery, although this outcome was not related to the surgical technique. In contrast, one third of those whose preoperative scores were less than -1 SD experienced improvement after surgery. Nine (18%) of the 50 patients whose left side had been surgically treated improved their verbal memory scores by more than one SD. Seven (78%) of these nine underwent an SA (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both ATL and SA can lead to similar favorable seizure control in patients with MTLE/HS. Preliminary data suggest that postoperative verbal memory scores may improve in patients who undergo selective resection of a sclerotic hippocampus in the dominant temporal lobe.

Selective posterior callosotomy for drop attacks: A new approach sparing prefrontal connectivity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel approach to control epileptic drop attacks through a selective posterior callosotomy, sparing all prefrontal interconnectivity. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with refractory drop attacks had selective posterior callosotomy and prospective follow-up for >4 years. Falls, episodes of aggressive behavior, and IQ were quantified. Autonomy in activities of daily living, axial tonus, and speech generated a functional score ranging from 0 to 13. Subjective effect on patient well-being and caregiver burden was also assessed. RESULTS: Median monthly frequency of drop attacks decreased from 150 to 0.5. Thirty patients (83%) achieved either complete or >90% control of the falls. Need for constant supervision decreased from 90% to 36% of patients. All had estimated IQ below 85. Median functional score increased from 7 to 10 (p = 0.03). No patient had decrease in speech fluency or hemiparesis. Caregivers rated the effect of the procedure as excellent in 40% and as having greatly improved functioning in another 50%. Clinical, EEG, imaging, and cognitive variables did not correlate with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort study with objective outcome assessment suggests that selective posterior callosotomy is safe and effective to control drop attacks, with functional and behavioral gains in patients with intellectual disability. Results are comparable to historical series of total callosotomy and suggest that anterior callosal fibers may be spared. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that selective posterior callosotomy reduces falls in patients with epileptic drop attacks.

The antiepileptic activity of JSTX-3 is mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in human hippocampal neurons.

We analyzed the effect of the acylpolyaminetoxin JSTX-3 on the epileptogenic discharges induced by perfusion of human hippocampal slices with artificial cerebrospinal fluid lacking Mg2+ or N-methyl-D-aspartate. Hippocampi were surgically removed from patients with refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy, sliced in the surgical room and taken to the laboratory immersed in normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Epileptiform activity was induced by perfusion with Mg2+-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid or by iontophoretically applied N-methyl-D-aspartate and intracellular and field recordings of CA1 neurons were performed. The ictal-like discharges induced by Mg2+-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid and N-methyl-D-aspartate were blocked by incubation with JSTX-3. This effect was similar to that obtained with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist DL (-)2-amino-5 phosphonovaleric acid. Our findings suggest that in human hippocampal neurons, the antiepileptic effect of JSTX-3 is mediated by its action on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.

Cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point as a reliable landmark to place the corticectomy and reach the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus approach.

OBJECTIVE: To establish preoperatively the localization of the cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point (ICP) and use it as a reliable landmark when approaching the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus access. To review relevant anatomical features regarding selective amigdalohippocampectomy (AH) for treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). METHOD: The cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point was used in more than 300 surgeries by one authors as a reliable landmark to reach the temporal horn. In the laboratory, forty cerebral hemispheres were examined. CONCLUSION: The cortical projection of the ICP is a reliable landmark for reaching the temporal horn.

Cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point as a reliable landmark to place the corticectomy and reach the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus approach / Projeção cortical do ponto coroideo inferior como uma referência anatômica confiável para a realização da corticectomia e abordagem do corno temporal através do giro temporal médio.

Objective To establish preoperatively the localization of the cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point (ICP) and use it as a reliable landmark when approaching the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus access. To review relevant anatomical features regarding selective amigdalohippocampectomy (AH) for treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Method The cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point was used in more than 300 surgeries by one authors as a reliable landmark to reach the temporal horn. In the laboratory, forty cerebral hemispheres were examined. Conclusion The cortical projection of the ICP is a reliable landmark for reaching the temporal horn. .

Objetivo Estabelecer a projeção cortical do ponto coiroideo inferior e usá-la como referência para realizar a corticectomia e a abordagem do corno temporal do ventrículo lateral em cirurgias para o tratamento da epilepsia temporal mesial. Método A projeção cortical do ponto coroideo inferior foi utilizada por um dos autores seniors em mais de 300 casos de epilepsia temporal mesial para atingir o corno temporal do ventrículo lateral. Conclusão A projeção cortical do ponto coroideo inferior foi útil e confiável na abordagem do corno temporal do ventrículo lateral e ela está geralmente localizada na margem inferior do giro temporal médio, em média, a 4,52 cm posterior ao polo temporal. .

Pre- and post-operative Wisconsin card sorting test performance in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis.

Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis (TLE/HS) have a distinct neuropsychological profile, but there is still debate on whether executive dysfunction is part of this profile and also whether temporal lobe surgery can modify this dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To study the presence and reversibility of executive dysfunction in patients with unilateral TLE/HS. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with refractory seizures due to TLE/HS underwent presurgical evaluation which included the application of the Wiconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Nineteen were re-evaluated in follow up, at least 6 months after selective amygdalo-hippocampectomy (SAH). Twenty-two control subjects matched for age and education also performed the WCST. RESULTS: Sixteen of the 25 patients (64%) completed fewer than four categories in the WCST whereas only 4 of the 22 controls (18%) did not complete at least four categories (p<0.005). In addition, the performance of the patients involved significantly more perseverative responses and errors compared to controls. The patient group demonstrated significant post-operative improvement in many measures of the WCST following SAH. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the presence of executive dysfunction in patients with TLE/HS and suggest that such dysfunction can be partially reversed by selective resection of epileptogenic mesial temporal structures.

Pacientes com epilepsia de lobo temporal associada à esclerose hipocampal (ELT/EH) têm um perfil neuropsicológico em sua maior parte bem reconhecido, embora discuta-se se manifestações de disfunção executiva acompanham este perfil e se esta disfunção poderia ser modificada por cirurgia da epilepsia de lobo temporal. OBJETIVO: Estudar a presença e reversibilidade da disfunção executiva em pacientes com ELT/EH unilateral. MÉTODOS: Vinte e cinco pacientes com crises refratárias associadas à ELT/EH foram submetidos à avaliação pré-cirúrgica que incluiu a aplicação do Teste de Seleção de Cartas de Wisconsin (TSCW). Dezenove foram reavaliados um mínimo de 6 meses após amígdalo-hipocampectomia seletiva (AHS). O TSCW foi também aplicado a 22 indivíduos controles pareados por idade e nível educacional. RESULTADOS: Dezesseis dos 25 pacientes (64%) completaram menos de quatro categorias no TSCW, enquanto que apenas 4 dos 22 indivíduos do grupo controle (18%) tiveram este mesmo nível e disfunção (p<0.005). Além disto, a performance dos pacientes aresentava significativamente mais respostas e erros perseverativos do que os controles. Analisados como um grupo, os pacientes apresentaram melhoras significativas em várias medidas do TSCW após AHS. CONCLUSÃO: Estes achados apontam para a presença de disfunção executiva em pacientes com ELT/EH e sugerem que esta disfunção pode ser parcialmente revertida pela ressecção seletiva das estruturas temporais mesiais epileptogênicos.

Anatomia microcirúrgica do hipocampo na Amígdalo-hipocampectomia seletiva sob a perspectiva da técnica de Niemeyer e método pré-operatório para maximizar a corticotomia / Hippocampal microsurgical anatomy regarding the selective amygdalohippocampectomy in the Niemeyer’s technique perspective and preoperative method to maximize the corticotomy

O conhecimento da anatomia microcirúrgica do hipocampo tem importância fundamental na cirurgia da epilepsia do lobo temporal. Uma das técnicas mais utilizadas na cirurgia da epilepsia é a técnica de Niemeyer. OBJETIVO: Descrever em detalhes a anatomia do hipocampo e mostrar uma técnica na qual pontos de referências anatômicos pré-operatórios visualizados na RNM são usados para guiar a corticotomia. MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 20 hemisférios cerebrais e 8 cadáveres para dissecções anatômicas microcirúrgicas do lobo temporal e hipocampo para identificação e descrição das principais estruturas do hipocampo. Foram estudados prospectivamente 32 pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal refratários ao tratamento clínico submetidos a amígdalo-hipocampectomia seletiva pela técnica de Niemeyer três parâmetros anatômicos foram mensurados na RNM pré operatória e transferidos para o ato cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: O hipocampo foi dividido em cabeça, corpo e cauda e sua anatomia microcirúrgica descrita em detalhes. As medidas adquiridas são apresentadas e discutidas. CONCLUSÃO: A complexa anatomia do hipocampo pode ser entendida de uma forma tridimensional durante dissecções microcirúrgicas. As medidas pré-operatórias mostraram-se guias anatômicos úteis para corticotomia na técnica de Niemeyer.

The deep knowledge of hippocampal microsurgical anatomy is paramount in epilepsy surgery. One of the most used techniques is those proposed by Niemeyer. PURPOSE: To describe the hippocampal anatomy in details and to present a technique which preoperative anatomical points in MRI are identified to guide the corticotomy. METHOD: Microsurgical dissections were performed in twenty brain hemispheres and eight cadaveric heads to identify temporal lobe and hippocampus structures. Thirty two patients with drug-resistent temporal lobe epilepsy underwent a selective amygdalohippocampectomy with Niemeyer’s technique being measured three preoperative MRI preoperative distances to guide the corticotomy. RESULTS: The hippocampus was divided in head, body and tail and its microsurgical anatomy described in details. The MRI measurements are presented and discussed. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the complex anatomy of the hippocampus can be achieved in a three-dimensional way during microsurgical dissections not. The preoperative MRI measurement is a reasonable guide to perform temporal corticotomy in Niemeyer’s techinique.

Calosotomia em paciente com epilepsia generalizada primária e crises tônico-clônicas generalizadas refratárias: relato de caso / Callosotomy in patients with primary generalized epilepsy and generalized tonic-clonic seizures: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com epilepsia generalizada primária (idiopática) podem, raramente, não responder ao tratamento medicamentoso e assim apresentar crises tônico-clônicas generalizadas (CTCG) recorrentes, incapacitantes e que colocam o paciente em risco de complicações graves. OBJETIVO: Nesse artigo é relatado o caso de um paciente com epilepsia generalizada primária e CTCG semanais, refratárias a diversos esquemas medicamentosos, que foi submetido a uma calosotomia. RESULTADO: No curto espaço de 3 meses de seguimento pós-operatório, o paciente não mais apresentou CTCG. CONCLUSÃO: A calosotomia pode ser um procedimento útil na redução da freqüência de CTCG refratárias, mesmo em pacientes com epilepsia generalizada primária.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with idiophatic generalized epilepsy (IGE) may occasionally have frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) which are not adequantely controlled by antiepileptic drugs. Frequent GTCS pose a significant risk of injury and other complications. In symptomatic generalized epilepsies, corpus callosotomy (CC) has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of generalized seizures. OBJECTIVE: We report a patient with refractory, weekly GTCS in the context of a primary generalized epilepsy syndrome who underwent subtotal CC. RESULT: In the 3 months since operation, no GTCS occurred. CONCLUSION: Corpus callosotomy can be helpful in reducing medically-refractory GTCS, even in patients with primary generalized epilepsies.

Esclerose hipocampal unilateral com registro subdural de crises temporais contralaterais: relato de caso / Unilateral hippocampal sclerosis with subdural strips in seizures from the contralateral temporal lobe: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com epilepsia temporal e esclerose hipocampal unilateral tem, na sua grande maioria das vezes, as suas crises e as alterações eletroencefalográficas interictais originando-se do lado da lesão. Mesmo alguns pacientes nos quais os registros de escalpo mostram as crises originando-se da região temporal contralateral à atrofia do hipocampo, registros invasivos têm mostrado que a região de início das crises é, na realidade, ipsilateral à atrofia. No entanto isso talvez não seja verdadeiro para todos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Nesse artigo é relatado uma paciente com atrofia hipocampal unilateral, mas cujas crises, tanto no escalpo quando com registros subdurais, mostram vir da região temporal contralateral. RESULTADO: A paciente tem atrofia hipocampal à direita mas cujo EEG interictal mostrava predomínio de descargas à esquerda, bem como crises vindo daí. O registro com strips subdurais mostrou origem das crises à esquerda. CONCLUSÃO: Possivelmente alguns pacientes com epilepsia temporal têm as crises vindo do hipocampo menos atrófico.

INTRODUCTION: Most patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis have the seizures and the interictal electroencephalographic abnormalities coming from the side of atrophic hippocampus. Even some patients on whom the seizures seem to arise from the contralateral temporal lobe, invasive recordings have shown that the seizures actually come from that atrophic side. But this may not be always the case. OBJECTIVE: We report a patient with a unilateral hippocampal atrophy and the seizures, seen both on the scalp as well with subdural strips, come from the contralateral temporal lobe. A patient with right hippocampal atrophy had most of the interictal discharges coming from the left temporal lobe, as well her seizures. Invasive recordings with subdural strips also showed seizures arising from the left temporal lobe. CONCLUSION: There might be some patients with temporal lobe epilepsy whose seizures come from the less.

Displasias Corticais / Cortical Dysplasias

Este artigo revisa bases fisiopatológicas e classificação das displasias corticais. Enfocamos a importância do diagnóstico precoce, através dos métodos clássicos e novos. Além disso, abordamos as terapêuticas existentes e as situações em que devem ser utilizadas.

Meningeomas: breve revisão para orientação do médico generalista / Meningiomas: soon revision for orientation of the generalist doctor

Os autores pretendem fazer uma breve revisão sobre meningeomas, enfocando aspectos histopatológicos, clínicos, diagnósticos e cirúrgicos para orientação do médico generalista.

Epilepsia refratária / Refractory epilepsy

Os autores realizam uma revisão bibliográfica sobre epilepsia refratária, abordando a incidência, conceito e classificação dos diversos tipos de epilepsia, dando ênfase às possibilidades terapêuticas, bem como a avaliação dos candidatos à cirurgia.

O tratamento do astrocitoma de baixo grau: um desafio à neurocirurgia contemporânea / The treatment of astrocytoma: a challenge to the neurosurgery contemporary

Os autores realizam uma revisão bibliográfica abrangendo as controvérsias, dúvidas e definições a respeito do(s) tratamento(s) mais indicado(s) para o Astrocitoma de baixo grau (astrocitoma WHO grau I e II). As abordagens que sustentam a terapia tumoral aliadas aos novos tratamentos de vanguarda são vistas por foco imparcial e descritivo, baseadas na literatura médica atual

Manejo clínico das complicações da hemorragia subaracnóidea / Clinical handling of the complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Os autores revisam o manejo clínico das complicações mais comuns da Hemorragia Subaracnóidea que são determinantes dos índices de mortalidade e morbidade desta patologia. O correto tratamento destas complicações reverte em melhores resultados tanto na abordagem clínica, quanto no manejo cirúrgico destes pacientes

Distúrbios da consciência / Consciousness disorders

Os autores descrevem o estudo que realizam acerca dos distúrbios da consciência, enfocando aspectos referentes à fisiopatologia, cuidados ao paciente e fatores etiológicos relacionados. No final, os autores realizam breve comentário onde expöem as conclusöes a que chegaram

Traumatismos cranianos fechados: implicaçöes neuropsiquiátricos e clínicas / Closed brain injuries: neuropsychiatric and clinical implications

Os autores apresentam um caso clínico de uma paciente que sofreu traumatismo craniano por concussäo, com perda da consciência, resultante de um acidente automobilístico, e significativa situaçäo estressante. Edema cerebral difuso foi constatado posteriormente. Após várias avaliaçöes neurológicas negativas, que incluíram exames de neuroimagem, a paciente recebeu alta clínica de seu neurocirurgiäo e encaminhada à psiquiatria com os diagnósticos de ser padecente de uma "depressäo violenta" de um "transtorno conversivo". Tratada na psiquiatria para quadro depressivo proeminente, mais tarde, face a permanência de significativas manifestaçöes físicas e psicológicas variadas, foi reavaliada sob o ponto de vista neurológico (exame clínico e ressonância magnética) e submetida a uma bateria de testes neuropsicológicos passados 18 meses de seu acidente. O exame neurológico clínico, com a ressonância magnética normal, foi sugestivo de lesäo pós-trauma do cérebro, e os testes neuropsicológicos revelaram a presença de déficit cognitivo amplo e significativo, caracterizando uma síndrome demencial. Os autores discutem os resultados chamando a atençäo para tais evidências diagnósticas

Tratamento cirúrgico da Doença de Parkinson / Surgical treatment of Parkinson's disease

Os autores apresentam uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tratamento cirúrgico da doença de Parkinson, abordando vantagens e desvantagens dos procedimentos neuroablativos de talamotomia e palidotomia estereotáxicas e da estimulação cerebral profunda

Traumatismos cranianos fechados: implicacoes neuropsiquiatricas e clinicas

Os autores apresentam um caso clinico de uma paciente que sofreu traumatismo craniano por concussao, com perda da consciencia, resultante de um acidente automobilistico, e significativa situacao estressante. Edema cerebral difuso foi constatado posteriormente. Apos varias avaliacoes neurologicas negativas, que incluiram exames de neuroimagem, a paciente recebeu alta clinica de seu neurocirurgiao e encaminhada a psiquiatria com os diagnosticos de ser padecente de uma 'depressao violenta' e de um 'transtorno conversivo'. Tratada na psiquiatria para quadro depressivo preminente, mais tarde, face a permanencia de significativas manifestacoes fisicas e psicologicas variadas, foi reavaliada sob o ponto de vista neurologico (exame clinico e ressonancia magnetica) e submetida a uma bateria de testes neuropsicologicos passados 18 meses de seu acidente. O exame neurologico clinico, com a ressonancia magnetica normal, foi sugestivo de lesao pos-trauma do cerebro, e os testes neuropsicologicos revelaram a presenca de deficit cognitivo amplo e significativo, caracterizando uma sindrome demencial. Os autores discutem os resultados chamando a atencao para tais evidencias diagnosticas.