Volumetric analysis of the piriform cortex before and after temporal lobe epilepsy surgery

• Grant number: 24/02770-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Enrico Ghizoni
• Grantee: Bernardo Miranda Feuerschuette
• Host Institution: Hospital de Clínicas (HC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: TLE is a common form of focal epilepsy in adults, and is frequently associated with hippocampal sclerosis. The inicial treatment involves antiepileptic drugs, but nearly 30% of patients do not respond to this treatment, in which case surgery may be considered. The piriform cortex, that has recently received considerable attention in ELT research, shows significant atrophy in patients with this condition, and surgical resection of this area has shown promising results in reducing epileptic seizures.Justification: The investigation of the piriform cortex's role in TLE seeks to identify if the removal of this structure during surgery results in better outcome for patients. Volumetric analyses before and after TLE surgery are made to support the prospective recommendation of giving a greater attention to the resection of the piriform cortex in TLE treatment.Objectives: Examine the correlation between the extent of piriform cortex resection and clinical outcomes in patients who underwent TLE surgery.Materials and Methods: The study is an observational retrospective cohort study conducted at the Hospital das Clínicas da Unicamp in the Neuroimaging Labs. The studied population will comprise of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who have undergone resection surgery and have consented to participate. The data will be collected from MRI scans taken before and after surgery, as well as from the patients' records.