Delayed effective connectivity characterizes the epileptogenic zone during stereo-EEG

Abstract

ObjectiveSingle-pulse electrical stimulations (SPES) can elicit normal and abnormal responses that might characterize the epileptogenic zone, including spikes, high-frequency oscillations and cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs).In this study, we investigate their association with the epileptogenic zone during stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) in 28 patients with refractory focal epilepsy. MethodsCharacteristics of CCEPs (distance-corrected or -uncorrected latency, amplitude and the connectivity index) and the occurrence of spikes and ripples were assessed. Responses within the epileptogenic zone and within the non-involved zone were compared using receiver operating characteristics curves and analysis of variance (ANOVA) either in all patients, patients with well-delineated epileptogenic zone, and patients older than 15 years old. ResultsWe found an increase in distance-corrected CCEPs latency after stimulation within the epileptogenic zone (area under the curve = 0.71, 0.72, 0.70, ANOVA significant after false discovery rate correction). ConclusionsThe increased distance-corrected CCEPs latency suggests that neuronal propagation velocity is altered within the epileptogenic network. This association might reflect effective connectivity changes at cortico-cortical or cortico-subcortico-cortical levels. Other responses were not associated with the epileptogenic zone, including the CCEPs amplitude, the connectivity index, the occurrences of induced ripples and spikes. The discrepancy with previous descriptions may be explained by different spatial brain sampling between subdural and depth electrodes. SignificanceIncreased distance-corrected CCEPs latency, indicating delayed effective connectivity, characterizes the epileptogenic zone. This marker could be used to help tailor surgical resection limits after SEEG.