Aim: Mesial temporal extraventricular neurocytoma (mtEVN) is a rare cause of refractory complex focal seizures. The characteristics of this clinical entity are discussed in this article.
Methods: We report two cases of mtEVN and review the related literature, with particular emphasis on radiological characteristics, clinical features, and operative techniques.
Results: After successful surgery, our two cases of mtEVN achieved excellent outcome. Including the cases presented here, a total of three cases of mtEVNs and 11 of neocortical temporal extraventricular neurocytoma (ntEVNs) are reported in the literature. mtEVNs are distinct from ntEVNs with regards to demographics, aetiology, radiological features, and operative techniques.
Conclusion: mtEVNs and ntEVNs exhibit distinguishing features. Under electrocorticographic monitoring, tailored resection of the neocortical epileptogenic focus, as well as the entire tumour and mesial temporal structures, can yield excellent outcome and satisfactory seizure control.
Keywords: complex partial seizure; mesial temporal extraventricular neurocytoma (mtEVN); neocortical temporal extraventricular neurocytoma (ntEVN); refractory/intractable epilepsy; surgical treatment.