Tools

Albert Sufianov1, Keith Simfukwe2, Iurii A. Iakimov3, Rinat A. Sufianov2, Marcio S. Rassi4, Luciano Mastronardi5, Luis A. B. Borba6, Alvaro Campero7, Carlos Castillo Rangel8, Matias Baldoncini9
  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Federal Center of Neurosurgery, Tyumen, Russian Federation
  2. Department of Neurosurgery, First Moscow Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
  3. Department of Neurosurgery, First Moscow Medical University, Tyumen, Russian Federation,
  4. Department of Neurosurgery, Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil,
  5. Department of Neurosurgery, San Filippo Neri Hospital/ASLRoma1, Roma, Italy,
  6. Department of Neurosurgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil,
  7. Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Padilla de Tucuman, Tucuman, Mexico
  8. Department of Neurosurgery, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Mexico City, Mexico,
  9. Department of Neurosurgery, San Fernando Hospital, San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Correspondence Address:
Matias Baldoncini, Department of Neurosurgery, San Fernando Hospital, San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

DOI:10.25259/SNI_926_2022

Copyright: © 2023 Surgical Neurology International This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, transform, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

How to cite this article: Albert Sufianov1, Keith Simfukwe2, Iurii A. Iakimov3, Rinat A. Sufianov2, Marcio S. Rassi4, Luciano Mastronardi5, Luis A. B. Borba6, Alvaro Campero7, Carlos Castillo Rangel8, Matias Baldoncini9. Usefulness of Intraoperative ultrasound for cortical dysplasia type I treatment - A single-center experience. 24-Feb-2023;14:62

How to cite this URL: Albert Sufianov1, Keith Simfukwe2, Iurii A. Iakimov3, Rinat A. Sufianov2, Marcio S. Rassi4, Luciano Mastronardi5, Luis A. B. Borba6, Alvaro Campero7, Carlos Castillo Rangel8, Matias Baldoncini9. Usefulness of Intraoperative ultrasound for cortical dysplasia type I treatment - A single-center experience. 24-Feb-2023;14:62. Available from: https://surgicalneurologyint.com/surgicalint-articles/12171/

Date of Submission
08-Oct-2022

Date of Acceptance
13-Dec-2022

Date of Web Publication
24-Feb-2023

Abstract

Background: Focal cortical dysplasias (FCD) cause a subgroup of malformations of cortical development that has been closely linked to cause drug intractable epilepsy. Attaining adequate and safe resection of the dysplastic lesion has proved to be a viable option to archive meaningful seizure control. Of the three types of FCD (types I, II, and III), type I has the least detectable architectural and radiological abnormalities. This makes it challenging (preoperatively and intraoperatively) to achieve adequate resection. Intraoperatively, ultrasound navigation has proven an effective tool during the resection of these lesions. We evaluate our institutional experience in surgical management of FCD type I using intraoperative ultrasound (IoUS).

Methods: Our work is a retrospective and descriptive study, where we analyzed patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy who underwent IoUS-guided epileptogenic tissue resection. The surgical cases analyzed were from January 2015 to June 2020 at the Federal Center of Neurosurgery, Tyumen, only patients with histological confirmation of postoperative CDF type I were included in the study.

Results: Of the 11 patients with histologically diagnosed FCD type I, 81.8% of the patients postoperatively had a significant reduction in seizure frequency (Engel outcome I-II).

Conclusion: IoUS is a critical tool for detecting and delineating FCD type I lesions, which is necessary for effective post-epilepsy surgery results.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Intraoperative ultrasound, Lesion resection

INTRODUCTION

Proliferation of undifferentiated cells in the neuro-epithelium, migration of neuroblasts, cell differentiation, and cortical organization highlights the hallmark phases in the organization of the cortical mantel. Impairment of any of these processes usually results in malformations of cortical developments (MCDs) which may manifest a form of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD).[ 1 - 9 ] Between 30% and 50% of pediatric patients, with intractable epilepsy, have been attributed to histologically diagnosed FCD.[ 5 ] After two unsuccessful anti-epileptic drug (AED) trials, neurosurgical resection has shown to be an effective option in patients diagnosed with FCDs. It has been observed that 75% of FCD patients are rendered seizure-free after surgery.[ 10 ]

In the recent past, studies have shown a strong correlation between: (1) different histological subtypes and (2) MRI positivity of FCD lesions to the surgical outcome.[ 3 ] Most authors have proven that MRI positive FCD with balloon cells (Taylor type, Palmini type 2b) has the most favorable outcome.[ 2 , 3 , 10 , 11 ] However, very little has been done to correlate FCD type I lesions to the surgical outcome.[ 6 ] This could be because FCD type I can affect multiple lobes, has prominent lobar hypoplasia, and is associated with less prominent gray/ white matter junction blurring and signal changes primarily in white matter, all of which make preoperative surgical screening and intraoperative procedure very challenging.[ 4 , 7 ] In this article, we evaluate and describe our – single-center experience in applying intraoperative ultrasound (IoUS) navigation in aiding the surgical management of FCD type I with regard to the surgical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data collection

We sought institutional approval (Federal Center of Neurosurgery, Tyumen, Russia) for the use of IoUS as our neuronavigational tool during epilepsy surgery. The study model was to retrospectively analyze and descriptively report the patients who had been diagnosed with refractive epilepsy and underwent IoUS-guided epileptogenic tissue resection from January 2015 to June 31, 2020 with subsequent postoperative histological confirmation of FCD type I. In instances where histological results were inconclusive, specimens were sent to an independent histology laboratory for confirmation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients included had to satisfy the following criteria: (1) be confirmed with drug-resistant epilepsy, following correctly prescribed and adherently taken two AEDs; (2) seizures, depicted by either scalp or invasive electro-encephalogram (EEG), the latter employing either subdural or invasive electrodes; (3) have had brain MRI imaging; (4) histologically confirmed FCD type I; and (5) postoperative follow-up ≥6 months.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion from this study was based on the following: (1) the patients had other subtypes of histologically-confirmed FCD (either II or III); (2) had other lesions that could cause epilepsy; and (3) were lost to follow-up.

Imaging

MRI

Our epilepsy surgery team evaluated the MRI images in conjunction with an experienced neuro-radiologist and neuro-epileptologist. Characteristic elements on MRI that was sought for included: decreased T1 or moderately increased T2/Flair white matter signal changes; blurring of the gray-white matter junction; cortical and hippocampal atrophy (may or may not manifest in FCD Type I); and any signal changes in anatomical zones that correspond with EEG findings. 3T MRI was also implored in the event initial MRI images which were void of the latter elements. In the event, 3T MRI did not highlight any pathological findings; it was regarded as “MR negative.”

EEG

Invasive sphenoidal, cortical, or in-depth electrodes were placed in individual patients for localization and lateralization when deemed necessary. All patients underwent long-term video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, using either a Nicolet One 32-channel device (stationary) (USA), bedside EEG system Nicolet ONE 16-channel and 32-channel (USA) device, a BE Plus (128-channel) EBNeuro/ Ates (Italy) device, a Cadwell Easy III 64-channel device (USA), or invasive video-ECOG-monitoring.

Neuro-epileptologist and pediatric reviews

All patients were reviewed by a neuro-epileptologist. In the pediatric population, a pediatrician was implored to review the patients.

Surgery

We employed navigational (FlexFocus 800 Ultrasound Machine BK Medical, Denmark) IoUS in all patients. Surgery was led by the first author. Implementation was IoUS conducted after the craniotomy in phases (duration in time on average); a) before dural opening (duration 30 s—1 min), after dural opening (duration 30 s), post lesion resection (duration 30 s–1 min). The application of IoUS was intended to: (1) localize dysmorphic brain tissue before and after opening the dura mater, thereby circumventing brain shift once the dura is opened; (2) localize the pathological focus; (3) determine the structure and echogenicity of dysplastic tissue in relation to the surrounding normal brain; (4) delineate the contours of the abnormal/pathological tissue; (5) measure the dimensions of dysplasia; and (6) evaluate the effectiveness of IoUS to accurately delineate the area of resection, to optimize postoperative outcome.

Microsurgical removal of epileptogenic tissue was performed, under the guide of IoUS following the boundaries of the lesion. When dysplastic tissue was close to eloquent areas, mapping of the cerebral cortex and tracts was performed by neuro-stimulation, using motor and somatosensory evoked potentials. Dysplastic lesion was, then, resected within the mapped parameters to preserve motor and sensory function. Residual dysplastic tissue in close engulfing eloquent areas was purposefully left to avoid possible undesired postoperative neurological deficit.

Postoperatively, all resected brain tissues were sent for histological examination by an experienced pathologist within our institution and classified according to the scheme published by the International League Against Epilepsy. On discharge, patients were followed up in the outpatient clinic after 1 month, in the 3rd month, then the 6th and finally yearly. In special instances, reviews could be carried out through online, mobile phone, or email inquiries.

RESULTS

Demographics

All patients that were admitted had intractable epilepsy and had not undergone prior epilepsy surgery. Eleven patients with histologically diagnosed FCD type I met inclusion criteria. The median age of the patients who underwent surgery was 12-years-old (2–35 years of age). Focal seizures were most frequent (63.6%) and generalized spasms presented in 36.4% of the patients. During the median follow-up period of 18 months (11–60 months), 81.8% of the patients postoperatively had a significant reduction in seizure frequency (Engel outcome I–II) [ Table 1 ]. Patients that had preoperative neurological deficits on presentation had either symptomatic improvement postoperatively or non-progressive sequelae.


Table 1:

Demographics and post-operative outcome.

 

Table 2:

Anatomical location, Radiological and Ultrasound characteristics of lesion of individual patients. Intraoperative ultrasound (IoUS).

 

EEG

On scalp EEG recordings, interictal abnormalities were characterized by rhythmic spike and polyspike discharge’s mimicking “ictal-like” activity which increased during sleep. Interictal and ictal discharges were focal, regional, and bilateral. Sphenoidal electrodes were placed in 4 patients, while subdural electrodes were implanted in four patients and in-depth electrodes in 3.

MRI

MRI characteristics for each of the included patients were evaluated. Contrast enhancement or mass effect was not seen in any of the patients. Nine of the 11 patients had absent transmantle sign, cortical focal thickening and hyper intensity, cortical–subcortical prolongation in T2WI, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery. These patients were deemed as MRI “Negative.” Three patients were deemed MRI “Positive.” The MRI anatomical positive distribution patterns were in the occipital, temporal lobe, and frontal lobes.

IoUS

Appreciation of the images depicted on IoUS was largely by the ability to highlight hyper echoic abnormalities. Anatomical location of these ultrasound abnormalities was closely linked to depicted “EEG patterns” and in some circumstances with “MRI positive images.” Two patients, in whom FCD type Ic was histologically diagnosed, had clearly defined normal brain- lesion interphase. In these patients, there was a clear presence of increased cortical thickening and subcortical hyper intensity. Once the lesion was located, it was resected while real time sonography rechecks were conducted to reassess for residual tumor.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, at the time of writing, this is the first review describing IoUS features in FCD type I. Patients with FCD type I and its subtypes (types Ia, Ib and Ic) rarely exhibit frequent and severe seizure patterns in comparison to FCD types II and FCD types III.[ 13 ] Radical and safe removal of dysplastic brain tissue is an effective method of the treatment that achieves stable remission in patient with intractable epilepsy secondary to FCD type Ia.[ 8 ]

However, the MRI-negative FCD proportion of FCD type I is higher than MRI-positive FCD Type I.[ 12 ] This poses a considerable challenge for neurosurgeons (preoperative planning and intraoperative surgery) to appropriately appreciate MRI-negative FCD type I lesion location, and in the event located, demarcate brain-lesion junction. This is made especially difficult if the suspected lesion is within the vicinity of eloquent areas. Our experience in implementing IoUS during the resection of FCD type I is such that, taking note of the subtle sonographic (hyperechoic and hypoechoic) changes between normal and dysplastic tissue helped in achieving maximum yet safe resection. By depicting these subtitle changes on MRI and IoUS, we developed, “Signs and Characteristics “to heighten suspicion of these lesions [ Table 3 ] [ Figures 1 - 3 ].


Table 3:

MRI and IoUS signs and characteristics of FCD type I.

 

Figure 1:

FCD TYPE Ia A and B showing MRI Flair in Axial view (original and simulated (intraoperative) position) depicting affected zone of Lt Temporal lobe FCD Type Ia (Dashed lines). C: Highlighting combined MRI and IoUS trajectory to the zone of FCD lesion clearly depicting adjacent anatomical structures. a- Lt Temporal lobe FCD Type Ia., c - Cerebral peduncles, d - Hippocampus, e - Parahypocampus, f- choroid plexus, g – Lt temporal horn of the lateral ventricle, b – amygdala.

 

Figure 2:

FCD TYPE Ib A - MRI Flair in Axial view depicting affected zone of RT frontal FCD Type Ib (Dashed lines). B: Highlighting IoUS FCD Lesion with related anatomical structures: a- Rt anterior horn of lateral ventricle, b- FCD Type Ib, cInterhemispheric Fissure, e Superior frontal gyrus.

 

Figure 3:

A. FCD TYPE Ic A, B. MRI Flair in Axial view highlighting Rt Occipital FCD Type Ic (dashed lines). C, D; - depicting combined MRI and IoUS trajectory to the zone of FCD lesion with clearly visualized adjacent anatomical structures. a- FCD Type Ic; b - Rt Occipital lobe; c – Superior Sagittal Sinus. B. FCD TYPE Ic A;- MRI T2WI Coronal and MRI Flair Axial images depicting localization of Left temporal FCD Type Ic (dashed lines). B - highlighting coronal IoUS with combined coronal Mri and IoUS trajectory to the zone of FCD lesion clearly depicting adjacent anatomical structures; a - FCD Type Ic, b - left inferior temporal gyrus, c- middle temporal gyrus, d -cavernous sinus. g-internal carotid artery, e-internal capsule, f- third ventricle.

 

Commonly-encountered explanations for inadequate resection include: (1) inaccurate localization of diseased tissue and (2) brain shift that may happen at different stages during surgery – from the opening of dura mater, and potentially throughout the surgery – as tissue is resected. This often renders preoperative images inaccurate. Even intraoperative MRI could be not very useful, because it is a static image. Of the 11 patients with FCD, those particularly with histological type Ib and Ic had more lesion hyper echoic features which correspond to EEG focal epileptogenic interictal pattern.

In a study conducted by Tassi et al., it was observed that patients with FCD I had a worse post-surgical seizure outcome.[ 13 ] In our patient group, the seizure preoperative rate ranged from more than 3–11 times/week. The frequency of seizure rate was unrelated to anatomical location of the FCD (types Ia, Ib, and Ic). During the postoperative follow-up period, there was a considerable reduction in the seizure rates, most noticeably in patients with FCD type Ic – 72.7% of patients within a period of 1–5 years did not have disabling seizures (simple) to rare disabling seizures. This is most likely due to the ability to adequately visualize the offending lesion, its boundaries, and maximally resect it.

This study has not limitations since the study was carried out at a single center with the same team of neurosurgeons. We used the same intraoperative ultrasonography (iUS (FlexFocus 800 Ultrasound Machine BK Medical, Denmark) in all patients. This could offer some level of institutional bias. Second, the study had a small number of included patients to show significantly statistical analysis on the effectiveness of the application of IoUS. In the more optimistic future, it is hoped that a larger prospective study may be done to define the use of intraoperative ultrasound statistically adequately.

CONCLUSION

IoUS is a useful aid in locating and delineating FCD type I lesions. With combinative preoperative EEG patterns (subdural grid and/or deep electrodes placements), recognizable “positive” or unrecognizable “negative” MRI, real-time IoUS, can enhance maximum “safe resection” epileptogenic foci.

Declaration of patient consent

Patients’ consent not required as patients’ identities were not disclosed or compromised.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Journal or its management. The information contained in this article should not be considered to be medical advice; patients should consult their own physicians for advice as to their specific medical needs.

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