Long-term Epilepsy Associated Tumors (LEATs): A Single-centre, Retrospective Series and Review of Literature on Factors Affecting the Seizure Outcome

Abstract Background Tumors presenting with drug-resistant seizures are termed as LEATs. LEATs are more common in the temporal lobe, occur predominantly in paediatric age and focal neurological deficits are rare. In our article, we aim to highlight our surgical experience in terms of seizure outcome among LEATs and discuss the factors affecting outcome. Method ology We have retrospectively analysed all the operated cases of intra-axial brain tumors with seizures (2015 to 2019). The clinical and radiographic data was collected from the hospital record system. For comparison, two groups were made [Group 1 with good seizure control i.e. Engel 1; and Group 2 poor seizure outcome i.e. Engel 2 and 3]. Results 51 cases were included; Temporal lobe was the most common location (n=27); 23 patients had seizure frequency of ‘more than one seizure per week’. Focal unaware seizures/complex partial seizures were the most common type of seizures encountered (n=28). At mean follow-up of 39.60 months, 38 patients had Engel 1 (78.5%) outcome (35 cases (71.05%) had seizure duration of less than or equal to 2 years). The median duration of symptoms [Group 1, 25-months Vs Group 2, 65 months] was significantly different (p =0.002). On comparing patients with seizure duration, we found a statistically significant difference (p Conclusion A shorter duration of symptoms, younger age of the patient, partial/focal seizures and gross total excision were predictors of a good seizure outcome. Histopathology of the tumor does not affect the outcome when one compares GNTs with non-GNTs.