Magnetic resonance–guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for pediatric periventricular nodular heterotopia-related epilepsy

OBJECTIVE Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) is a result of disrupted neuronal migration from the ventricular system and can be a rare cause of refractory focal epilepsy. The goal of this case series was to describe the treatment of pediatric PVNH-related epilepsy with MR-guided laser interstitial thermal ablation. METHODS Patients treated at a single institution with MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) for PVNH-related epilepsy were identified. Preoperative and postoperative seizure outcomes and procedural information were evaluated. RESULTS Five children with PVNH treated with MRgLITT were reviewed; 1 child was treated twice. Three patients were female; the median age was 10.9 years. Five of 6 treatments were preceded by stereoelectroencephalography phase II monitoring. Three children experienced unilateral PVNH, and 2 had bilateral seizures. The median number of seizures recorded during phase II monitoring was 2; the median number of ablation targets was 2 (range 1–4). All patients experienced a decrease in seizure frequency; 4 patients (80%) had an Engel class ≤ III at the last follow-up (range I–IV). One child experienced right hemianopia posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS This case series investigation has illustrated a novel, minimally invasive approach for treating pediatric PVNH-related epilepsy. Further study of this technique with comparison with other surgical techniques is warranted.