title: Imaging of Laser Therapy in Epilepsy.
abstract: MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is an increasingly popular neuroablative method for the surgical treatment of epilepsy patients. This article intends to demonstrate the utility and pitfalls of imaging in the context of patient care with MRgLITT.
  
  
  
  A retrospective review of the medical records and imaging database with six illustrative cases selected to demonstrate the use of imaging throughout patient management with MRgLITT in diverse clinical situations and pathologies. A review of the knowledge in the literature was applied to the relevant points discussed.
  
  
  
  Imaging findings were described in the setting of laser therapy in nonlesional epilepsy, mesial temporal sclerosis, dual pathology, periventricular nodular heterotopia, and schizencephaly. Discussion of imaging principles, potential pitfalls, as well as its use in the patient work-up and follow-up, is shown.
  
  
  
  MRgLITT is an alternative minimally invasive therapy for refractory epilepsy, which is becoming widely sought for. Imaging plays a crucial role prior to, during, and after the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Lidia M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Nagae
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Honce
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nyberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ojemann
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Aviva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abosch
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Section, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Cornelia N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Drees
mesh_terms: D004827:Epilepsy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: MRI; Seizures; ablation; laser therapy; refractory epilepsy