Clinical treatment of epilepsy caused by AIDS-related encephalopathy

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnostic method of epilepsy caused by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS)-related encephalopathy and the value of surgical treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients with epilepsy caused by AIDS-related encephalopathy admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 2012 to January 2018. Of the 12 patients, 4 had intracranial lymphoma, 4 had intracranial tuberculoma, 2 had cryptococcal meningitis with intracranial hypertension and 2 had Toxoplasma encephalopathy. Three of them had intracranial multiple occupancies. Ten patients underwent pathological excision and 2 of them with hydrocephalus underwent ventriculo-peritoneal shunt simultaneously. Twelve patients received regular drug therapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy treatment before and after operation. Results The symptoms of epilepsy were significantly improved after 6 months to 2 years of follow-up except for 1 case who died of brain edema on the 6th day after operation. Among them, Engel grade Ⅰ was achieved in 7 cases, Engel grade Ⅱ in 3, Engel grade Ⅲ in 1. Conclusions The seizure types and pathogenic factors of AIDS-related epilepsy patients are complex and diverse. Comprehensive treatment should be carried out according to clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging characteristics, electroencephalogram and medical treatment. Under the condition of full preoperative evaluation and mastery of indications, surgery could effectively control AIDS-related epilepsy. Key words: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Epilepsy; Neurosurgical procedures; Treatment outcome; Clinical features