The promise of subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI for improved seizure localization in pediatric epilepsies: Affecting factors and relationship to the surgical outcome

Higher Validity, Lower Radiation: A New Ictal Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Framework

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether arterial spin labeling perfusion images of healthy controls can enhance ictal single-photon emission computed tomography analysis and whether the acquisition of the interictal image can be omitted.

METHODS

We developed 2 pipelines: The first uses ictal and interictal images and compares these to single-photon emission computed tomography and arterial spin labeling of healthy controls. The second pipeline uses only the ictal image and the analogous healthy controls. Both pipelines were compared to the gold standard analysis and evaluated on data of individuals with epilepsy who underwent ictal single-photon emission computed tomography imaging during presurgical evaluation between 2010 and 2022. Fifty healthy controls prospectively underwent arterial spin labeling imaging. The correspondence between the detected hyperperfusion and the postoperative resection cavity or the presumably affected lobe was assessed using Dice score and mean Euclidean distance. Additionally, the outcomes of the pipelines were automatically assigned to 1 of 5 concordance categories.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met by 43 individuals who underwent epilepsy surgery and by 73 non-surgical individuals with epilepsy. Compared to the gold standard analysis, both pipelines resulted in significantly higher Dice scores and lower mean distances (p < 0.05). The combination of both provided localizing results in 85/116 cases, compared to 54/116 generated by the current gold standard analysis and the ictal image alone produced localizing results in 60/116 (52%) cases.

INTERPRETATION

We propose a new ictal single-photon emission computed tomography protocol; it finds relevantly more ictal hyperperfusion, and halves the radiation dose in about half of the individuals. ANN NEUROL 2024.

SPECT postprocessing for epileptogenic focus localization: SISCOM versus ISAS

OBJECTIVE

Ictal SPECT can be used as an estimate for the epileptogenic zone in people with focal epilepsy. Subtraction of ictal and interictal SPECT scans reveals the area with significant ictal hyperperfusion. Some methods use a control database to also correct for physiological variance. This control database is ideally scanner specific, but it is not trivial to obtain such a database because of ethical issues. In this study, we used a publicly available control database to compare ictal-interictal SPECT analyzed by SPM (ISAS) with the most commonly used subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM).

METHODS

Ictal and interictal SPECTs of 26 patients (age range: 7-50 years, 15 adults, 11 children) with focal drug resistant epilepsy in workup for epilepsy surgery were retrospectively analyzed using both SISCOM and ISAS. The control database for ISAS was obtained from the ISAS website. Two groups of blinded reviewers determined the location of ictal hyperperfusion in all datasets. Results were compared between subtraction algorithms and with the resected area (if available) or the suspected epileptogenic zone. The number of significant clusters and the locations of maximum hyperperfusion were compared between algorithms.

RESULTS

The location of ISAS and SISCOM hyperperfusion was the same in 14 patients (54%). ISAS localized in 6 patients where SISCOM did not. Compared to the resected area or suspected epileptogenic zone, SISCOM correctly localized in 55%, while ISAS did in 65% (not significantly different). ISAS shows significantly less clusters than SISCOM. The maximum hyperperfusion was in the reviewer's location in 65% for ISAS and 38% for SISCOM.

SIGNIFICANCE

ISAS using a publicly available control database gives comparable or better results than SISCOM. ISAS results are easier to interpret than SISCOM results. We show that ISAS is a reliable alternative for SISCOM, which could easily be implemented in epilepsy surgery clinics.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

We explored the effectiveness of ISAS as an alternative to the widely used SISCOM for assessing SPECT scans in epilepsy surgery candidates. Utilizing a publicly available control database, we compared the two methods in 26 patients. The results indicate that ISAS might offer increased accuracy and interpretability, making it a promising option, especially for centers without access to a specific control dataset.

Ictal and interictal SPECT with 99m Tc-HMPAO in presurgical epilepsy. I: Predictive value and methodological considerations

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study investigates the predictive value of ictal subtraction single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) co-registered to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (SISCOM) for successful epilepsy surgery.

METHODS

57 patients examined with SISCOM as a part of epilepsy surgery evaluation were divided into two groups based on seizure duration after tracer injection (group 1: Seizure duration above or equal to 30 s, group 2: Seizure duration under 30 s). SISCOM was compared to the surgical site and categorized as good or poor concordance. Subsequently, Odds ratios (ORs) and positive predictive values (PPVs) were calculated for each group for good surgical outcome, freedom from disabling seizures.

RESULTS

The PPVs and ORs for good surgical outcome was 74.1% and 5.71 for group 1 and 40% and 0.22 for group 2. SISCOM had a similar positive predictive value regardless of whether the focus was in the same or neighboring lobe, but same hemisphere as the resection.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the implementation of a precise definition for a well-executed ictal SPECT scan with respect to seizure duration after injection enhances the positive predictive value (PPV) and odds ratio (OR) for successful surgical outcome, surpassing previous findings, whether the focus in resected lobe or the neighboring.

The Noninvasive Evaluation for Minimally Invasive Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery (MIPES): A Multimodal Exploration of the Localization-Based Hypothesis

Minimally invasive pediatric epilepsy surgery (MIPES) is a rising technique in the management of focal-onset drug-refractory epilepsy. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are based on small, focal interventions (such as parenchymal ablation or localized neuromodulation) leading to elimination of the seizure onset zone or interruption of the larger epileptic network. Precise localization of the seizure onset zone, demarcation of eloquent cortex, and mapping of the network leading to seizure propagation are required to achieve optimal outcomes. The toolbox for presurgical, noninvasive evaluation of focal epilepsy continues to expand rapidly, with a variety of options based on advanced imaging and electrophysiology. In this article, we will examine several of these diagnostic modalities from the standpoint of MIPES and discuss how each can contribute to the development of a localization-based hypothesis for potential surgical targets.

Sequential Semiology of Seizures and Brain Perfusion Patterns in Patients with Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsies: A Perspective from Neural Networks

Ictal semiology and brain single-photon emission computed tomography have been performed in approaching the epileptogenic zone in drug-resistant focal epilepsies. The authors aim to describe the brain structures involved in the ictal and interictal epileptogenic network from sequential semiology and brain perfusion quantitative patterns analysis. A sequential representation of seizures was performed (n = 15). A two-level analysis (individual and global) was carried out for the analysis of brain perfusion quantification and estimating network structures from the perfusion indexes. Most of the subjects started with focal seizures without impaired consciousness, followed by staring, automatisms, language impairments and evolution to a bilateral tonic-clonic seizure (temporal lobe and posterior quadrant epilepsy). Frontal lobe epilepsy seizures continued with upper limb clonus and evolution to bilateral tonic-clonic. The perfusion index of the epileptogenic zone ranged between 0.439-1.362 (mesial and lateral structures), 0.826-1.266 in dorsolateral frontal structures and 0.678-1.507 in the occipital gyrus. The interictal epileptogenic network proposed involved the brainstem and other subcortical structures. For the ictal state, it included the rectus gyrus, putamen and cuneus. The proposed methodology provides information about the brain structures in the neural networks in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsies.

Presurgical Evaluation Strategies for Intractable Epilepsy of Childhood

For children who continue to experience seizures despite treatment with antiseizure medications, epilepsy surgery can be considered. The goals of the presurgical evaluation are to determine the best surgical approach to render a good outcome. In patients with drug resistant focal epilepsy, the epileptogenic zone defines the minimal brain volume which must be resected for surgical success and to delineate the relationship of this region with functional cortex. A number of noninvasive tools for these tasks have emerged over the past decade, and existing technologies have been revised and improved. In this review, we examine the recent published evidence for these techniques, specifically as applied to the pediatric population. Discussed herein are the diagnostic value of methods such as video electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, and supportive neuroimaging techniques including single photon emission tomography, photon emission tomography, and magnetoencephalography. Functional testing including functional magnetic resonance imaging, electrical stimulation mapping, and transcranial magnetic stimulation are considered in the context of pediatric epilepsy. The application of emerging techniques to preoperative testing such as source localization, image post-processing, and artificial intelligence is covered. We summarize the relative value of presurgical testing based on patient characteristics, including lesional or nonlesional MRI, temporal or extratemporal epilepsy, and other factors relevant in pediatric epilepsy such as pathological substrate and age.

Advances in Brain Imaging Techniques for Patients With Intractable Epilepsy

Intractable epilepsy, also known as drug resistance or refractory epilepsy, is a major problem affecting nearly one-third of epilepsy patients. Surgical intervention could be an option to treat these patients. Correct identification and localization of epileptogenic foci is a crucial preoperative step. Some of these patients, however, have no abnormality on routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Advanced imaging techniques, therefore, can be helpful to identify the area of concern. Moreover, a clear delineation of certain anatomical brain structures and their relation to the surgical lesion or the surgical approach is essential to avoid postoperative complications, and advanced imaging techniques can be very helpful. In this review, we discuss and highlight the use of advanced imaging techniques, particularly positron emission tomography (PET)–MRI, single-photon emission computed tomography, functional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging–tractography for the preoperative assessment of epileptic patients.

Subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) patterns in children with temporal lobe epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated SISCOM patterns and their relationship with surgical outcome in children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who had undergone a temporal lobe surgery.

METHODS

This was an observational study evaluating SISCOM patterns in 40 children with TLE. We classified SISCOM patterns into 4 categories; (i) unilateral anteromesial and/or anterolateral temporal pattern; (ii) unilateral anteromesial and/or anterolateral temporal plus posterior extension pattern; (iii) bilateral anteromesial and/or anterolateral temporal pattern; and (iv) atypical pattern. Determinants of SISCOM pattern and correlation between postoperative outcomes and SISCOM patterns were evaluated.

RESULTS

Pattern (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) were identified in 10 (25%), 14 (35%), 0 (0%), and 16 (40%) patients, respectively. There was no significant correlation between patterns and postoperative outcomes. SISCOM patterns significantly associated with the presence of hippocampal sclerosis and type of focal cortical dysplasia (p-value = 0.048 and 0.036, respectively). Patients with HS had 5 times the odds of having unilateral temporal pattern, compared to patients with other neuropathology (OR = 5, 95% CI 0.92 to 27.08). Patients with FCD type 2 had 9.71 times the odds of having atypical pattern, compared to patients with other types of FCD (OR = 9.71, 95% CI 0.92 to 103.04). Lobar concordance of SISCOM and ictal and interictal scalp EEG significantly correlated with postoperative outcomes (p-value = 0.018 and 0.013, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Three SISCOM patterns were seen. Patients with HS had increased odds of having unilateral temporal pattern while patients with FCD type 2 had increased odds of having atypical pattern. However, there was no significant correlation between SISCOM patterns and postoperative outcomes. Lobar concordance of SISCOM and ictal and interictal scalp EEG significantly correlated with postoperative outcome.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows that the distribution of SISCOM patterns and their relationship with postoperative outcomes in children with TLE are different from adult population. Besides, SISCOM may add only limited diagnostic and prognostic information in children with drug-resistant TLE undergoing epilepsy surgery. Further evaluation to identify patient populations that may benefit from SISCOM is desirable.

Impact of ictal subtraction SPECT and PET in presurgical evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relative contribution of ictal subtraction single-photon emission computed tomography (ISSPECT) and ¹⁸ F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET) in epilepsy surgery decision making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective 3-year study of consecutive patients with resistant focal epilepsy who underwent ISSPECT and PET to evaluate to what extent these modalities influence decisions in epilepsy surgery and outcomes. ISSPECT imaging was performed in 106 patients and 58 (55%) had PET also. The clinical consensus (ClinC) was the final arbiter for decisions. Post-surgical outcomes were collected from follow-up clinics. Non-parametric statistics were used to assess association and logistic regression to evaluate prediction of outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 106 patients, 60 were males (57%). MRI was non-lesional in 46 (43%). Concordance with ClinC was seen in 80 patients (76%) for ISSPECT, in 46 patients (79%) for PET, and in 37 patients (64%) for ISSPECT + PET. Fifty-six patients (53%) were planned for intracranial video-electroencephalography monitoring (IVEM). Those with ClinC-PET concordance were likely to proceed to IVEM (p = 0.02). ClinC-PET concordance and ClinC-ISSPECT concordance did not predict decision to proceed to surgery, but VEM-MRI concordance did in lesional cases (p = 0.018). Forty-five (42%) underwent surgery of which 29 had minimum follow-up for 1 year (mean, 20 months; SD, 8) and 22 (76%) had Engel class I outcomes. ClinC-ISSPECT concordance (p = 0.024) and VEM-MRI concordance (p = 0.016) predicted Engel class I outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Those with ClinC-PET concordance were more likely to proceed with IVEM. ClinC-ISSPECT concordance and VEM-MRI concordance predicted good surgical outcomes.

Visualizing prolonged hyperperfusion in post-stroke epilepsy using postictal subtraction SPECT

Diagnosis of post-stroke epilepsy is often challenging because of a low incidence of epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG). Hence, this study evaluated whether postictal subtraction single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) could visualize epileptic activity and act as a diagnostic modality in post-stroke epilepsy. Fifty post-stroke epilepsy patients, who had undergone Tc-99m-ECD SPECT twice (postictal and interictal), were enrolled. The postictal hyperperfusion area was identified by subtraction (postictal-interictal) SPECT and classified into two distribution types: superficial or deep-seated. Laterality and distribution of postictal hyperperfusion on subtraction SPECT were compared with stroke lesions, seizure symptoms, and epileptiform EEG findings. Forty-three of the 50 patients (86%) had hyperperfusion on subtraction SPECT and 26 (52%) had epileptiform EEG findings. Subtraction SPECT showed prolonged postictal hyperperfusion despite the relatively long interval between seizure end and postictal SPECT (median: 19.1 h, range: 2.2-112.5 h). The laterality of the hyperperfusion area had a high concordance rate with the laterality of stroke lesions (97.7%), seizure symptoms (91.9%), and epileptiform EEG findings (100%). Scalp EEG identified epileptiform activity more frequently in superficial type of SPECT, but less frequently in deep-seated type (both, P = 0.03). Postictal SPECT can be complementary to scalp EEG in endorsing the diagnosis and location of post-stroke epilepsy.

Arterial spin-labelling and magnetic resonance spectroscopy as imaging biomarkers for detection of epileptogenic zone in non-lesional focal impaired awareness epilepsy

Background

The proper identification of an epileptic focus is a pivotal diagnostic issue; particularly in non-lesional focal impaired awareness epilepsy (FIAE). Seizures are usually accompanied by alterations of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and metabolism. Arterial spin labeling-MRI (ASL-MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) are MRI techniques that can, non-invasively, define the regions of cerebral perfusion and metabolic changes, respectively. The aim of the current study was to recognize the epileptogenic zone in patients with non-lesional FIAE by evaluating the interictal changes in rCBF and cerebral metabolic alterations, using PASL-MRI and 1H-MRS.

Results

For identification of the epileptogenic zone, increased ASLAI% assessed by PASL-MRI (at a cut-off value ≥ 5.96%) showed 95.78% accuracy, and increased %AF (at a cut-off value ≥ 9.98%) showed 98.14% accuracy, while decreased NAA/(Cho + Cr) ratio estimated by multi-voxels (MV) 1H-MRS (at a cut-off value ≥ 0.59) showed 97.74% accuracy. Moreover, the combined use of PASL-MRI and MV 1H-MRS yielded 100% sensitivity, 98.45% specificity and 98.86% accuracy.

Conclusion

The combined use of PASL-MRI and MV 1H-MRS can be considered as in-vivo proficient bio-marker for proper identification of epileptogenic zone in patients with non-lesional FIAE.

Effect of automatic injectors on the injection latency, safety, and seizure onset zone localization of ictal single photon emission computed tomography studies in adult epilepsy monitoring unit

BACKGROUND

Ictal Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (iSPECT) is one of the established tools utilized in the presurgical evaluation of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Timely isotope injection for an iSPECT is critical for optimal yield but poses logistical challenges when done manually. We aim to evaluate the added value of automatic iSPECT injectors (ASIs) in overcoming such challenges.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all cases admitted to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Epilepsy Monitoring Unit from Jan 1, 2010, through Dec 31, 2016, who underwent an iSPECT. We compared the manually injected iSPECTs with those performed with ASIs.

RESULTS

A total of 123 iSPECTs were reviewed. The manually injected iSPECT group consisted of 35 patients (median age, 35 years; and 19 males). The automatically injected iSPECT group consisted of 88 patients (median age, 36 years; and 46 males). The two groups were comparable in age, gender, epilepsy treatment, focal features on neuropsychological testing (NPT), EEG, and MRI, and temporal origin of seizures (p > 0.05). Compared to manually injected iSPECTs, automatically injected ISPECTs' median injection latency (IL) was shorter (18.5 vs. 60 s, p < 0.001); the ratio of IL/total duration of seizure was lower (0.395 vs. 0.677, p < 0.001); postictal injections were less frequent (4 (4.5 %) vs. 7 (20 %), p = 0.007); the number of isotope spills was less (zero vs. 3, p = 0.022); and successfully localizing iSPECTs were more prevalent (81.8 % vs. 62.9 %, p = 0.025), even after adjusting for focal features on NPT, EEG, and MRI, the temporal origin of seizures, and seizure duration (OR of 5.539, 95 %CI = 1.653-18.563, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of ASIs leads to a significant shortening of iSPECT IL with less postictal injections, provides a safer injection option for the EMU staff, and leads to a significant improvement in the number of successfully localizing iSPECTs.

Clinical Usefulness of SISCOM-SPM Compared to Visual Analysis to Locate the Epileptogenic Zone

Introduction: Subtraction of ictal-interictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) is a quantification tool that can improve the sensitivity and specificity of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) localization. Commercially available image analysis software packages for SISCOM are costly, and Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) could be an alternative free software for the definition of the EZ. There are only a few studies that compare SISCOM using SPM (SISCOM-SPM) with visual analysis.

Aim: To compare SISCOM-SPM vs. visual analysis for localization of the EZ in patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsies.

Materials and methods: We evaluated all our patients with focal epilepsies that underwent ictal and interictal SPECT. We defined the reference standard to locate the EZ by pathology and follow-up (in patients submitted to surgery), or seizure semiology, serial EEG, long-term video-EEG, ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, and MRI (in patients who were not operated). We compared the location of the EZ by visual analysis of SPECT images and by SISCOM-SPM to the reference standard and classified as concordant, discordant, or partially concordant.

Results: We included 23 patients. Visual analysis was concordant with the EZ reference standard in only 13 patients (56.5%), while SISCOM-SPM was concordant in 18 cases (78.3%), providing a 21.8% increase in the location of EZ. However, this difference was not significant due to the small sample size (p = 0.0856).

Conclusion: Our preliminary results demonstrate that, in clinical practice, SISCOM-SPM has the potential to add information that might help localize the EZ compared to visual analysis. SISCOM-SPM has a lower cost than other commercially available SISCOM software packages, which is an advantage for developing countries. Studies with more patients are necessary to confirm our findings.

Subtraction Ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) as a guide in localizing childhood epilepsy

Objective

To assess feasibility and efficacy of subtraction ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) for epilepsy localization in children who are candidates for resective surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients ≤16 years with drug‐resistant epilepsy screened for epilepsy surgery in the University Hospital of Leuven from January 2009 to January 2018. Fifty‐eight hospitalizations for ictal SPECT and 51 SISCOM analyses in 44 patients were included. Mean age was 9.1 years. Hospitalizations for SISCOM were analyzed in terms of multiple variables affecting feasibility and efficacy. The localization of SISCOM was compared with the localization of the presumed epileptogenic zone (PEZ) as determined by video‐EEG.

Results

SISCOM was feasible in terms of chronic medication management, rescue antiepileptic therapy during hospitalization, and operative timings. Radiotracer injection occurred within 30 seconds from seizure onset in 91.4% of the patients. ictal SPECT imaging was performed within two hours from injection in 100% of the patients (mean: 40 minutes). SISCOM was able to localize the PEZ in 51.0% (26/51) and to additionally lateralize the PEZ in 17.6% (9/51), achieving better localizations than ictal SPECT, FDG‐PET, and MRI (P < .01). SISCOM was useful to localize the PEZ in 25% of patients with poorly localizing video‐EEG and in 27.8% of MRI‐negative cases. The occurrence of habitual seizures during injection for ictal SPECT and the temporal localization of the PEZ both correlated with a better SISCOM localization (P < .05). 36.4% (16/44) patients were finally selected for resective surgery, with a 87.5% seizure‐free rate at 12 months. A localizing SISCOM was associated with seizure freedom in 66.7% and with a Engel I‐II in 75.0% of our patients.

Significance

SISCOM is a reliable tool to localize the epileptogenic zone in clinical practice and is both feasible and useful in children, adding precious presurgical information especially in patients with noninformative MRI or a poorly localizing video‐EEG.

EEG lateralization and seizure outcome following peri-insular hemispherotomy for pediatric hemispheric epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether preoperative non-lateralizing scalp electroencephalography (EEG) influences seizure outcome following peri-insular hemispherotomy (PIH) in pediatric hemispheric epilepsy.

METHODS

Retrospective data was collected on all 45 pediatric patients who underwent PIH between 2005 and 2016. All underwent a basic pre-surgical evaluation consisting of detailed history and examination, neuropsychological assessment, MRI, and EEG. SPECT/PET, fRMI, or Wada testing were done in only eight patients. Seizure outcome was assessed using the Engel classification.

RESULTS

Among those who underwent hemispherotomy, 20 (44%) were females. Mean age at surgery was 8 ± 4.3 years and mean duration of symptoms was 5.2 ± 3.7 years. The most common etiologies of hemispheric epilepsy were hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia epilepsy syndrome, Rasmussen encephalitis, and post-encephalitic sequelae, together comprising 27 (60%) patients. Among the 44 patients with follow-up data (mean duration 48 ± 33 months), seizure freedom (Engel class I) was attained by 41 (93.2%). Anti-epileptic medications were stopped or decreased in 36 (82%). Seventeen (38.6%) patients had non-lateralizing EEG. Seizure outcome was not related to lateralization of EEG activity.

CONCLUSIONS

PIH provides excellent long-term seizure control in patients despite the presence of non-lateralizing epileptiform activity, although occurrence of acute postoperative seizures may be higher. Routine SPECT/PET may not be required in patients with a non-lateralizing EEG if there is good clinico-radiological concordance.

PET and ictal SPECT can be helpful for localizing epileptic foci

Purpose of review

Functional neuroimaging with PET and SPECT is a commonly used tool in presurgical evaluation. The following article reviews the literature of PET and SPECT in presurgical assessment of epilepsies published in the last year.

Recent findings

FDG-PET adds concomitant information in temporal and extratemporal lobe epilepsy in adults and children. The pattern of hypometabolism in FDG-PET is a good additional predictor or seizure outcome in TLE with mesial temporal sclerosis or negative MRI. There is growing evidence that diagnostic value of FDG-PET increases with postprocessing. Although several methods were applied in the reviewed literature, all of them seem to outperform the visual analysis. Imaging of the epileptic focus with ictal SPECT is depending on short injection latencies. It is particularly useful in patients with nonlesional MRI and mostly of extratemporal localization. Areas of hyperperfusion remote of SOZ are reflecting the epileptic network. Combining more concordant investigations including PET and SPECT in MRI-negative evaluation adds to better presurgical stratification and therefore, better postsurgical outcome. FET-PET shows increased uptake in status epilepticus.

Summary

PET and SPECT are important investigations to localize the epileptic focus in temporal lobe and nonlesional extratemporal epilepsies. Postprocessing for both modalities is important to increase diagnostic value.

Non-invasive Seizure Localization with Ictal Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography is Impacted by Preictal/Early Ictal Network Dynamics

OBJECTIVE

More than one third of children with epilepsy have medically intractable seizures. Promising therapies, including targeted neurostimulation and surgery, depend on accurate localization of the epileptogenic zone. Ictal perfusion Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) can localize the seizure focus noninvasively, with comparable accuracy to that of invasive EEG. However, multiple factors including seizure dynamics may affect its spatial specificity.

METHODS

Using subtracted ictal from interictal SPECT and scalp EEG from 118 pediatric epilepsy patients (40 of whom had surgery after the SPECT studies), information theoretic measures of association and advanced statistical models, this study investigated the impact of preictal and ictal brain network dynamics on SPECT focality.

RESULTS

Network dynamics significantly impacted the SPECT localization ~30 s before to ~45 s following ictal onset. Distributed early ictal connectivity changes, indicative of a rapidly evolving seizure, were negatively associated with SPECT focality. Spatially localized connectivity changes later in the seizure, indicating slower seizure propagation, were positively associated with SPECT focality. In the first ~60 s of the seizure, significantly higher network connectivity was estimated in an area overlapping with the area of hyperperfusion. Finally, ~75% of patients with Engel class 1a/1b outcomes had SPECTs that were concordant with the resected area.

CONCLUSION

Slowly evolving seizures are more likely to be accurately imaged with SPECT, and the identified focus may overlap with brain regions where significant topological changes occur.

SIGNIFICANCE

Measures of preictal/early ictal network dynamics may help optimize the SPECT localization, leading to improved surgical and neurostimulation outcomes in refractory epilepsy.