International Consensus on the Evaluation and Management of Hypothalamic Hamartomas: Results From a Modified Delphi Survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are rare brain lesions associated with epilepsy and numerous comorbidities. Worldwide treatment is varied. There is a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide treatment. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the evaluation and management of HH.

METHODS: A modified Delphi survey was designed by the Medical Advisory Board of Hope for Hypothalamic Hamartomas and was conducted among 17 International League Against Epilepsy level II epilepsy surgery centers. The survey included 257 questions in round 1 and 81 refined questions in round 2, covering domains of diagnosis, imaging, medical and surgical treatment, neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluation, and care. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement using a 9-point Likert scale.

RESULTS: Consensus was achieved on 82% of the questions. Key findings include the following: Diagnosis: Gelastic and dacrystic seizures are strongly associated with HH; 3T epilepsy protocol MRI is essential. Evaluation: Preoperative neuropsychological and endocrinologic assessments are important. Evaluation with further imaging (PET, SPECT, and magnetoencephalography) and intracranial EEG is not useful. Treatment: No consensus was achieved on first-line, second-line, or third-line antiseizure medications (ASMs). Surgical evaluation should begin at the start of the first ASM, with surgery recommended after failure of 2 ASMs. LITT is preferred for Delalande II and III HH. Postoperative care: MRI follow-up at 6-12 months recommended. Preoperative and postoperative cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, and endocrinologic evaluations are emphasized. Domains: IQ, language, attention, executive function, academic achievement, adaptive function, and behavior (tantrums, rage, anxiety, and depression) are important.

DISCUSSION: This Delphi process highlights an international consensus on aspects of HH management. Gelastic/dacrystic seizures are important at diagnosis. A 3T epilepsy protocol MRI is essential. Early epilepsy surgery evaluation is advised. Surgery should be pursued either by disconnective, ablative, or resective techniques. HH location, size, and surgical experience are essential for good outcomes. Postoperative MRI should be obtained 6-12 months and/or if ongoing seizures. Neuropsychological testing should be obtained at baseline, and 6-12 months postsurgically. Findings support a multidisciplinary, protocol-driven approach to optimize outcomes in patients with HH. Areas lacking consensus, such as specific endocrine testing and timing of certain interventions, warrant further research and standardization.