High frequency oscillations in relation to interictal spikes in predicting postsurgical seizure freedom

We evaluate whether interictal spikes, epileptiform HFOs and their co-occurrence (Spike + HFO) were included in the resection area with respect to seizure outcome. We also characterise the relationship between high frequency oscillations (HFOs) and propagating spikes. We analysed intracranial EEG of 20 patients that underwent resective epilepsy surgery. The co-occurrence of ripples and fast ripples was considered an HFO event; the co-occurrence of an interictal spike and HFO was considered a Spike + HFO event. HFO distribution and spike onset were compared in cases of spike propagation. Accuracy in predicting seizure outcome was 85% for HFO, 60% for Spikes, and 79% for Spike + HFO. Sensitivity was 57% for HFO, 71% for Spikes and 67% for Spikes + HFO. Specificity was 100% for HFO, 54% for Spikes and 85% for Spikes + HFO. In 2/2 patients with spike propagation, the spike onset included the HFO area. Combining interictal spikes with HFO had comparable accuracy to HFO. In patients with propagating spikes, HFO rate was maximal at the onset of spike propagation.