Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting recurrence in patients with Meige syndrome after radiofrequency ablation.

INTRODUCTION

Radiofrequency ablation targeting the extracranial facial nerve has emerged as an effective therapeutic option for patients with Meige syndrome (MS) presenting predominantly with blepharospasm. However, postoperative recurrence remains a major clinical challenge. This study aimed to develop and internally validate a nomogram for predicting 1-year recurrence after CT-guided facial nerve radiofrequency ablation via bilateral stylomastoid foramen.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed 119 patients with MS who underwent CT-guided facial nerve radiofrequency ablation via bilateral stylomastoid foramen at the Pain Department of Jiaxing University Affiliated Hospital between November 2021 and December 2024. The Lasso regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to identify independent factors associated with postoperative recurrence. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors and internally validated using the bootstrap resampling method.

RESULTS

Our analysis indicates that independent factors influencing recurrence are the Jankovic Rating score (JRS),disease duration, and final temperature. A nomogram was constructed based on these predictors. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the nomogram was 0.932 (95% CI: 0.912-0.958). Calibration curves demonstrated excellent agreement between predicted probabilities and actual observed values. Decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that the nomogram predictive model had a higher net benefit for predicting the risk of postoperative recurrence in MS patients.

CONCLUSION

This study constructed a static and dynamic online nomogram with excellent differentiation, calibration, and accuracy, aiding in the identification of high-risk postoperative patients and assisting physicians in decision-making.