The study objective is to report 2 cases of endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of hypothalamic hamartomas (HH). This surgical method has not been previously considered in both Russian and foreign publications. Materials and methods. A 16-year-old male patient (R.) was admitted to hospital with complaints of epileptic seizures occurring once every 5–6 days; the disease duration was 9 years. A 23-year-old female patient (M.) was also admitted to hospital with complaints of epileptic seizures occurring once a week; the disease duration was 16 years. Results. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain of patient R. revealed a HH (1.5 cm × 1.4 cm × 1.4 cm) and focal cortical dysplasia in the right occipital lobe. During a 3-day video electroencephalogram monitoring, we registered 3 secondary generalized complex partial seizures. Patient R. underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of the HH. After surgery, he experienced no epileptic seizures during the next 18 months, even though he continued to receive the same doses of antiepileptic drugs. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain of patient M. demonstrated a HH (2.44 cm × 2.79 cm × 2.68 cm). During a 4-day video electroencephalogram monitoring, we registered 2 secondary generalized complex partial seizures. The patient underwent transsphenoidal removal of the HH. During the next 8 months, the patient experienced no seizures. Conclusion. Our results suggest that transnasal removal of HH is a highly effective and safe procedure for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Surgical removal of HHs ensures effective control of the disease, which was previously resistant to pharmacotherapy.
A clinical study to identify the possible etiology of complex partial seizures using magnetic resonance imaging brain findings and its implications on treatment
