Cross, Madeline R.

AbstractObjectiveStereoelectroencephalography‐guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SEEG‐guided RFTC) has been increasingly used as diagnostic and therapeutic approach for drug‐resistant focal epilepsies (DREs). We aimed to describe seizure outcomes of RFTC before and after further neurosurgical intervention.MethodsRetrospective single‐institution case series of patients who underwent SEEG‐RFTC. The primary outcome was Engel class I–IV classification ([responders Engel I–III and non‐responders Engel IV]) at last follow‐up after RFTC and prior to further neurosurgical intervention (open surgical resection, laser ablation, and neuromodulation).ResultsTwenty‐five patients (median age 18.9 years) with DRE were included. The median follow‐up time after RFTC was 7.2 months, including 20 patients who underwent further intervention (median follow‐up time of 7.3 months) and 5 without intervention (median of 3.5 months). From the patients who had further intervention, 17 (85%) underwent surgical procedure (laser ablation 53%, open surgical resection 47%) (median 4.4 months) and 3 (15%) had responsive neurostimulators placed (median 6.9 months). Prior to further intervention (median follow‐up 3.5 months after RFTC), 12 (48%) patients were classified as responders (12% Engel class I, 16% class II, and 20% class III) and 13 (52%) as non‐responders. Following neurosurgical intervention, 17 (68%) patients were followed for a median time of 2.7 months and 3 were lost to follow‐up. Of eight initial RFTC responders, 87.5% and 12.5% had Engel classes I and III, respectively. Of nine who were non‐responders, 33% had Engel class I, 22% II and III, and 44% IV outcomes following further intervention. No neurologic complications were reported.SignificanceSEEG‐guided RFTC is a well‐tolerated procedure and a beneficial diagnostic approach prior to further neurosurgical interventions in patients with DRE.Plain Language SummarySEEG‐guided RFTC is a well‐tolerated procedure and in the patients who experienced initial seizure reduction (n = 8), subsequent neurosurgical intervention (surgery or neuromodulation) led to favorable seizure outcomes (87.5% seizure freedom and 12.5% worthwhile seizure improvement).