MRI‑guided laser interstitial thermal therapy in epilepsy: indications, technique and outcome in an adult population. A single‑center data analysis

Acta Neurochirurgica (2025) 167:39

• MRI-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (MRIgLITT) is explored as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), offering a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery.

• The study conducted a retrospective analysis of 32 MRIgLITT procedures at a single center, focusing on seizure control and cognitive outcomes.

• Patient Demographics: 28 patients with various pathologies, including hippocampal sclerosis (HS), hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD).

• Outcomes: High rates of seizure freedom were observed, particularly in HS and HH patients, with Engel I outcomes achieved in a significant portion.

• Cognitive Changes: 71.44% of patients showed cognitive stability or improvement one year after the procedure.

• Advantages of MRIgLITT: Offers quicker recovery, better cognitive preservation, and is effective for deep or complex epileptic foci.

• Challenges: The relationship between clinical factors and outcomes remains unclear, necessitating further large-scale studies.

• Methodology: The procedure involves precise trajectory planning and real-time MRI monitoring to ensure accurate ablation with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.