BACKGROUND: Thalamic size and shape vary significantly across patients - with changes specific to the anterior thalamus occurring with age and in the setting of chronic epilepsy. Such ambiguity raises concerns regarding electrode position and potential implications for seizure outcomes. METHODS: MRIs from 6 patients from a single center underwent quantitative analysis. In addition to direct measurements from postimplantation MRIs, the CRAnialVault Explorer suite was used to normalize electrode position to a common reference system. Relationships between thalamic dimensions, electrode location, and seizure outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Although this study group was too small to sufficiently power statistical analysis, general trends were identified. There was a trend towards smaller thalamic volumes in nonresponders. Electrode locations demonstrated more variation after normalization. There was a trend towards a more lateral, posterior, and inferior electrode position in nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in thalamic shape and volume necessitate direct targeting. Given that changes occur to thalamic anatomy with age and in the setting of epilepsy, improved methods for visualizing and targeting the anterior nucleus are necessary. Pronounced thalamic atrophy may preclude proper electrode placement and serve as a poor prognostic indicator. A greater understanding of thalamic anatomy and connectivity is necessary to optimize deep brain stimulation for epilepsy.
BACKGROUND: Thalamic size and shape vary significantly across patients - with changes specific to the anterior thalamus occurring with age and in the setting of chronic epilepsy. Such ambiguity raises concerns regarding electrode position and potential implications for seizure outcomes. METHODS: MRIs from 6 patients from a single center underwent quantitative analysis. In addition to direct measurements from postimplantation MRIs, the CRAnialVault Explorer suite was used to normalize electrode position to a common reference system. Relationships between thalamic dimensions, electrode location, and seizure outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Although this study group was too small to sufficiently power statistical analysis, general trends were identified. There was a trend towards smaller thalamic volumes in nonresponders. Electrode locations demonstrated more variation after normalization. There was a trend towards a more lateral, posterior, and inferior electrode position in nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in thalamic shape and volume necessitate direct targeting. Given that changes occur to thalamic anatomy with age and in the setting of epilepsy, improved methods for visualizing and targeting the anterior nucleus are necessary. Pronounced thalamic atrophy may preclude proper electrode placement and serve as a poor prognostic indicator. A greater understanding of thalamic anatomy and connectivity is necessary to optimize deep brain stimulation for epilepsy.
Authors: Pierre-François D'Haese; Srivatsan Pallavaram; Rui Li; Michael S Remple; Chris Kao; Joseph S Neimat; Peter E Konrad; Benoit M Dawant Journal: Med Image Anal Date: 2010-08-01 Impact factor: 8.545
Authors: Pierre-François D'Haese; Srivatsan Pallavaram; Chris Kao; Joseph S Neimat; Peter E Konrad; Benoit M Dawant Journal: Stereotact Funct Neurosurg Date: 2013-02-27 Impact factor: 1.875
Authors: E H Middlebrooks; R A Domingo; T Vivas-Buitrago; L Okromelidze; T Tsuboi; J K Wong; R S Eisinger; L Almeida; M R Burns; A Horn; R J Uitti; R E Wharen; V M Holanda; S S Grewal Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2020-08-13 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Frédéric L W V J Schaper; Birgit R Plantinga; Albert J Colon; G Louis Wagner; Paul Boon; Nadia Blom; Erik D Gommer; Govert Hoogland; Linda Ackermans; Rob P W Rouhl; Yasin Temel Journal: Neurosurgery Date: 2020-09-01 Impact factor: 4.654