Staged Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Hypothalamic Hamartoma: Analysis of Ablation Volumes and Morphological Considerations

Abstract

This large series of patients confirms the safety and efficacy of MRgLITT for pediatric HH and describes morphological considerations that predict success. Our data suggest that complete ablation of the lesion is not necessary, and that the focus should be on appropriate disconnection of the epileptogenic network. We have found that a staged approach to hamartoma ablation allows adequate disconnection of the hamartoma while mitigating risk to surrounding structures.