Selective posterior cerebral artery amobarbital test: a predictor of memory following subtemporal selective amygdalohippocampectomy.
Department
Neurosurgery
Document Type
Article
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The selective posterior cerebral artery (PCA) amobarbital test, or PCA Wada test, is used to predict memory impairment after epilepsy surgery in patients who have previously had a failed internal carotid artery (ICA) amobarbital test.
METHODS: Medical records from 2012 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for all patients with seizures who underwent a selective PCA Wada test at our institution following a failed or inconclusive ICA Wada test. Standardized neuropsychological testing was performed before and during the Wada procedure and postoperatively in patients who underwent resection.
RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent a selective PCA Wada test, with no complications. Twenty-six patients with medically refractory epilepsy had a seizure focus amenable to selective amygdalohippocampectomy (AHE). Six patients (23%, n=26) had a failed PCA Wada test and did not undergo selective AHE, seven (27%) declined surgical resection, leaving 13 patients who underwent subtemporal selective AHE. Hippocampal sclerosis was found in all 13 patients (100%). Twelve patients (92%) subsequently underwent formal neuropsychological testing and all were found to have stable memory. Ten patients (77%) were seizure-free (Engel Class I), with average follow-up of 13 months.
CONCLUSION: The selective PCA Wada test is predictive of memory outcomes after subtemporal selective AHE in patients with a failed or inconclusive ICA Wada test. Furthermore, given the low risk of complications and potential benefit of seizure freedom, a selective PCA Wada test may be warranted in patients with medically intractable epilepsy who are candidates for a selective AHE and who have a prior failed or inconclusive ICA Wada test.
Publication Date
2-1-2020
Publication Title
J Neurointerv Surg
ISSN
1759-8486
Volume
12
Issue
2
First Page
165
Last Page
169
PubMed ID
31320550
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1136/neurintsurg-2019-014984
Recommended Citation
Catapano, Joshua S; Whiting, Alexander C; Wang, Derrick J; Hlubek, Randall J; Labib, Mohamed A; Morgan, Clinton D; Brigeman, Scott; Fredrickson, Vance L; Cavalcanti, Daniel D; Smith, Kris A; Ducruet, Andrew F.; and Albuquerque, Felipe C., "Selective posterior cerebral artery amobarbital test: a predictor of memory following subtemporal selective amygdalohippocampectomy." (2020). Neurosurgery. 576.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurosurgery/576