Brain tumors associated with epilepsy of long evolution. Experience in the International Center of Neurological Restoration

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the pathological diagnoses, surgical procedure and postoperative clinical evolution of patients with brain tumors associated with epilepsy of long evolution included in the epilepsy surgery program of the International Center of Neurological Restoration.

METHODS: From 47 operated patients, we selected cases with brain tumor diagnosis, evaluating the findings found in magnetic resonance images. Guided electrocorticography resections were made. The histopathological diagnosis of brain tumor was performed according to the classification of the World Health Organization.

RESULTS: At the time of the histological analysis confirmed the presence of tumor in 6 patients (3 gangliogliomas, 2 pilocytic astrocytomas and 1 dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor). Of these, 3 were associated with focal cortical dysplasia (2 gangliogliomas and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor). The postsurgical evolution was satisfactory, while seizure freedom 5 of 6 patients in its last assessment (9 and 7 years operated range). The remaining patient achieved a considerable reduction of crises (5 and a half years operated).

CONCLUSIONS: Resection of epileptogenic area guided by electrocorticography allowed achieving a good clinical evolution, regardless of the histological tumor type and association or not with focal cortical dysplasia.