Optimized Stereo-Electroencephalography-Guided Three-Dimensional Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Hypothalamic Hamartomas-Related Epilepsy: A Single-Center Experience in 69 Patients

Background

The high risk of resection surgery for hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) epilepsy drives interest in minimally invasive treatment. Stereo-electroencephalography-guided three-dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SEEG-3D RFTC) offers an alternative option. We investigated this technology's efficacy, safety, and prognostic risk factors.

Methods

Patients with HH who underwent SEEG-3D RFTC were retrospectively analyzed. A high-density focal stereo-array electrode implantation was adopted. SEEG-3D RFTC was performed between two contiguous contacts of the same electrode or adjacent contacts of different electrodes. Outcomes were separately evaluated for clinical seizures, gelastic seizures (GS), and non-gelastic seizures (nGS). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess treatment effectiveness. Risk factors were analyzed using log-rank tests and Cox regression analyses.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were enrolled. The mean follow-up was 41.00 ± 18.19 months. Seizure freedom was obtained by 48/69 (69.57%) patients for clinical seizures, 50/62 (80.65%) patients for GS, and 41/54 (75.93%) patients for nGS. Surgical procedures were well tolerated. In this study, the proportion of patients experiencing long-term complications was 10.14%. The percentages of HH ablation (p = 0.003; hazard ratio 0.956, 95% confidence interval 0.928–0.985) and HH attachment ablation (p = 0.001; hazard ratio 0.931, 95% confidence interval 0.892–0.970) were significantly associated with seizure outcomes.

Conclusions

Optimized SEEG-3D RFTC is an effective and safe option for HH-related epilepsy and is especially suitable for use where laser interstitial thermal therapy is unavailable. Complete ablation of the HH and attachment site is essential for good outcomes.