Unsupervised Graph Neural Network Reveals Spatiotemporal Subtypes in Focal Epilepsy

Poster No:

1354 

Submission Type:

Late-Breaking Abstract Submission 

Authors:

Yafei Liu1, Ke Dong2, Xueqi Wei1, Yue Zhang1, Zhongyi Xie3, Tianjun Wang1, Chunyan Cao4, Limin Sun1

Institutions:

1Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, Shanghai, 2Shanghai University, shanghai, Shanghai, 3China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 4Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China

First Author:

Yafei Liu  
Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, Shanghai

Co-Author(s):

Ke Dong  
Shanghai University
shanghai, Shanghai
Xueqi Wei  
Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, Shanghai
Yue Zhang  
Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, Shanghai
Zhongyi Xie  
China Medical University
Shenyang, Liaoning
Tianjun Wang  
Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, Shanghai
Chunyan Cao  
Ruijin Hospital
Shanghai, China
Limin Sun  
Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, Shanghai

Late Breaking Reviewer(s):

Sylvain Baillet  
Montreal Neurological Institute
Montreal, Quebec
Rosanna Olsen  
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education
Toronto, Ontario
Sofie Valk  
Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Leipzig, Saxony

Introduction:

Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are critical biomarkers for diagnosing, monitoring and treatment of focal epilepsy[1,2]. However, despite their importance, the classification of IEDs and their role in revealing the underlying spatial-temporal mechanisms of epilepsy remains largely unexplored[3,4].

Methods:

This study introduces 4 unsupervised graph embedding models - DeepWalk, Node2Vec, graph convolutional network and graph attention-based network- combined with 2 clustering methods (k-means and sepctural clustering) to identify IEDs subtypes in source-level magnetoencephalography (MEG) data [5]. 55 patients with focal epilepsy were enrolled in this study. Resting-state MEG data and T1-weighted MRI were collected through the clinical routine examination for each subject. 8059 IEDs were identified and extracted manually. The source-level networks for each IED were computed by using 3-layer BEM head model and phase locking values. Global and nodal level network features were represented by graph theory[6], including degree, path length, clustering coefficient and efficiency[7,8].
Supporting Image: Figure1.png
   ·Fig. 1 General data processing
 

Results:

Unsupervised clustering analysis identified four IED subtypes based on source-level MEG networks using the graph attention-based network with k-means algorithm, supported by optimal clustering indices (highest Silhouette Score and Calinski-Harabasz Index, lowest Davies-Bouldin Index). Subtype-specific differences in global and nodal network efficiency were observed: Subtype 3 exhibited the highest global efficiency, Subtype 2 the lowest, and Subtype 1 outperformed Subtype 4. Nodal analysis identified unique hub regions for each subtype: Subtype 1 was characterized by the left temporal transverse gyrus and the left posterior dorsal cingulate gyrus; Subtype 2 by the left middle posterior cingulate gyrus and the left orbital H-shaped sulcus; and Subtype 3 by the bilateral subcallosal gyri. Subtype 4 lacked distinctive nodal features. Furthermore, subtype frequency correlated with cortical thickness and age, revealing significant age-related patterns. 
Supporting Image: Figure2.png
   ·Fig. 2 Unique nodes for each subtype
 

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that leveraging the spatiotemporal dynamics of IEDs through unsupervised clustering enhances the understanding of shared network features across focal epilepsy types. Our findings provide a foundation for developing treatment strategies and highlight the potential of IED classification in advancing epilepsy research and clinical practice.

Disorders of the Nervous System:

Neurodegenerative/ Late Life (eg. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) 2

Modeling and Analysis Methods:

EEG/MEG Modeling and Analysis 1

Neuroanatomy, Physiology, Metabolism and Neurotransmission:

Anatomy and Functional Systems

Novel Imaging Acquisition Methods:

MEG

Keywords:

Data analysis
Epilepsy
MEG
Other - Graph Neural Network; Interictal Epileptiform Discharges

1|2Indicates the priority used for review

Abstract Information

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Please indicate below if your study was a "resting state" or "task-activation” study.

Resting state

Healthy subjects only or patients (note that patient studies may also involve healthy subjects):

Patients

Was this research conducted in the United States?

No

Were any human subjects research approved by the relevant Institutional Review Board or ethics panel? NOTE: Any human subjects studies without IRB approval will be automatically rejected.

Not applicable

Were any animal research approved by the relevant IACUC or other animal research panel? NOTE: Any animal studies without IACUC approval will be automatically rejected.

Not applicable

Please indicate which methods were used in your research:

MEG
Structural MRI

For human MRI, what field strength scanner do you use?

3.0T

Which processing packages did you use for your study?

Free Surfer

Provide references using APA citation style.

1.Dahal, P.,(2019). Interictal epileptiform discharges shape large-scale intercortical communication. Brain, 142(11), 3502–3513.
2.Ung, H.,(2017). Interictal epileptiform activity outside the seizure onset zone impacts cognition. Brain, 140(8), 2157–2168.
3.Royer, J.,(2022). Epilepsy and brain network hubs. Epilepsia, 63(3), 537–550.
4.Conrad, E. C.,(2020). Spatial distribution of interictal spikes fluctuates over time and localizes seizure onset. Brain, 143(2), 554–569.
5.Abadal, S.,(2025). Graph neural networks for electroencephalogram analysis: Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy use cases. Neural Networks, 181, 106792.
6.Vetkas, A.,(2022). Identifying the neural network for neuromodulation in epilepsy through connectomics and graphs. Brain Communications, 4(3), fcac092.
7.Liu, Y.,(2023). Neuromorphic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (nTENS) induces efficient tactile-related cortical networks in forearm amputees. Science China Technological Sciences, 66(5), 1451–1460.
8.Liu, Y., (2022). Effect of neuromorphic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (nTENS) of cortical functional networks on tactile perceptions: An event-related electroencephalogram study. Journal of Neural Engineering, 19(2), 026017.
9.Finn, E. S.,(2023). Functional neuroimaging as a catalyst for integrated neuroscience. Nature, 623(7986), 263–273.
10.Kural, M. A.,(2020). Criteria for defining interictal epileptiform discharges in EEG. Neurology, 94(20), e2139–e2147.

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