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Acta Epileptologica
Published in: Acta Epileptologica 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Hamartoma | Case Report

Adult-onset hypothalamic hamartoma: origin of epilepsy?

Authors: Wenjie Han, Che Jiang, Zijuan Qi, Wei Xiang, Jian Lin, Youtian Zhou, Zhensheng Li, Bingmei Deng

Published in: Acta Epileptologica | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

Hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is a congenital non-progressive lesion of hypothalamus during fetal development. Mass-like lesions in different anatomical locations often develop a variously disabling course presenting with cognitive decline, psychiatric symptoms, as well as multiple seizure types. As a rare disease, HH is relatively common in infants and children, but it is extremely rare in adults.

Case presentation

We reported a case of adult-onset hypothalamic hamartoma, and summarized and analyzed relevant reports and studies of HH worldwide. The patient had clinical manifestations characterized by multiple seizure forms. After stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation and drug treatment, the condition was effectively controlled. The patient was followed up till October 2022, with no recurrence of seizures.

Conclusions

Epilepsy caused by HH can resemble that of temporal lobe seizures, as HH forms a complex epileptogenic network with other regions of the brain through anatomical and functional connections. Early treatment of HH can provide better control of the symptoms of epilepsy, and patients with longer disease courses may have more complications.
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Metadata
Title
Adult-onset hypothalamic hamartoma: origin of epilepsy?
Authors
Wenjie Han
Che Jiang
Zijuan Qi
Wei Xiang
Jian Lin
Youtian Zhou
Zhensheng Li
Bingmei Deng
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Acta Epileptologica / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 2096-9384
Electronic ISSN: 2524-4434
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42494-023-00120-9

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