Predictors and outcome surgery for posterior cortex epilepsies

Outcome Predictors of Lesional Posterior Cortex Epilepsy Surgery

BACKGROUND

Lesional posterior cortex epilepsy (PCE) is often drug resistant and may benefit from surgical intervention. In this study, we aimed to identify potential predictive factors associated with seizure recurrence after epilepsy surgery in lesional PCE.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with PCE who underwent surgery between 1998 and 2021. They were divided into 2 groups according to seizure outcome; the seizure-free group (group 1) and the non-seizure-free group (group 2). The relationship among clinical factors, electroencephalography (EEG) or cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings, disease, and seizure outcome was investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients, with a mean age of 27.26 ± 12.35 years (range, 9-61 years), were included in the study. There were 31 patients (51.66%) in group 1 (Engel class I) and 29 patients (48.33%) in group 2 (13 [21.66%], 10 [16.66%], and 6 [10%] patients in Engel class II, III, and IV, respectively), with a mean follow-up of 8.95 ± 6.96 years (range, 1-24 years). No difference was observed regarding age, gender, age at seizure onset, operation type, treatment gap, and presence of bilateral lesions between the groups (P > 0.05). However, bilateral findings on interictal EEG and gliosis as the underlying disease were predictors of seizure recurrence (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the patients (including 2 with bilateral magnetic resonance imaging lesions) were seizure free at long-term follow-up. However, patients with bilateral findings on interictal EEG and gliosis were more likely to have recurrent seizures after surgery. Because lesional PCE is almost always drug resistant and has a potential for favorable outcomes, epilepsy surgery should be considered early.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 combined with thyroid neoplasm: A case report and review of literatures

BACKGROUND

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare hereditary tumor syndrome inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and presents mostly as parathyroid, endocrine pancreas (such as gastrinoma) and anterior pituitary tumors. At present, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and nodular goiter are not regarded as components of MEN1.

CASE SUMMARY

A 35-year-old woman presented with MEN1 accompanied by coinstantaneous PTC and nodular goiter. The pathological diagnosis was PTC with cervical lymph node metastasis, nodular goiter, parathyroid cyst and adenomatoid hyperplasia. Genetic testing was performed and a MEN1 gene mutation was detected. The patient underwent unilateral lobectomy of the thyroid gland and surgical removal of the parathyroid tumors. At 18 mo of follow-up, ultrasonic examination of the neck showed no abnormality. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were normal. No new MEN1-associated tumors were detected.

CONCLUSION

The role of inactivating mutations of MEN1 gene in tumorigenesis of PTC and/or nodular goiter remains to be determined by more case reports and further research.

Outcome of epilepsy surgery in lesional epilepsy: Experiences from a developing country

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to report the postoperative seizure outcome and associated factors in patients with lesional epilepsy, in a low-income setting.

METHODS

This longitudinal prospective study included patients who underwent epilepsy surgery at Kashani Comprehensive Epilepsy Center between 2014 and 2019. Post-surgical outcomes were reported according to the Engel score, and patients were classified into two groups of seizure free (SF) and not-seizure free (NSF).

RESULTS

A total of 148 adult patients, with a mean age of 30.45 ± 9.23 years were included. The SF outcome was reported in 86.5% of patients and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were reduced or discontinued in 45.9%. The mean follow-up duration was 26.7 ± 14.9 months. Temporal lobe lesions (76.3%) and mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) (56.7%) were the most frequent etiologies. Temporal lesion (Incidence relative risk (IRR): 1.76, 95% CI [1.08-2.87], p = 0.023), prior history of CNS infection (IRR:1.18, 95% CI [1.03-1.35], p = 0.019), use of intra-operative ECoG (IRR:1.73, 95% CI [1.06-2.81], p = 0.028), and absence of IEDs in postoperative EEG (IRR: 1.41, 95% CI [1.18-1.70], p < 0.001) were positive predictors for a favorable outcome.

CONCLUSION

Many patients with drug-resistant lesional epilepsy showed a favorable response to surgery. We believe that resective epilepsy surgery in low-income settings is a major treatment option. The high frequency of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in developing countries is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Hence, strategies to increase access to epilepsy surgery in these settings are urgently needed.