Expanded Endoscopic Transnasal Approach to the Chordoid Glioma of the Third Ventricle : The First Case Ever Reported

Chordoid glioma of the third ventricle is a rare and challenging tumor to surgery because of its unique anatomical location and its close juxtaposition to the neurovascular structures and hypothalamus. The authors report a case of chordoid glioma of the third ventricle in a 43-year-old woman, who presented with headache and somnolence. The tumor was approached by endoscopic transnasal technique with a favorable result. Histopathologic examination disclosed a neoplastic tissue composed of eosinophilic epithelioid cells, mucinous, periodic acid Schiff-diastase positive, extracellular matrix, and scattered lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. The best treatment option remains controversial. Customarily, the surgical route to remove chordoid glioma is transcranial; however, the undersurface of the optic chiasm and optic nerves preclude an adequate surgical visualization. In contrast, an expanded endoscopic transnasal approach provides a direct midline corridor to this region without any brain retraction.

Case report: combination therapy with mesenchymal stem cells and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in a case of spinal cord injury

Introduction: Various neuroregenerative procedures have been recently employed along with neurorehabilitation programs to promote neurological function after Spinal Cord Injury [SCI], and recently most of them have focused on the acute stage of spinal cord injury. In this report, we present a case of acute SCI treated with neuroprotective treatments in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation program

Methods: A case of acute penetrative SCI [gunshot wound], 40 years old, was treated with intrathecal bone marrow derived stem cells and parenteral Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor [G-CSF] along with rehabilitation program. The neurological outcomes as well as safety issues have been reported

Results: Assessment with American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA], showed neurological improvement, meanwhile he reported neuropathic pain, which was amenable to oral medication

Discussion: In the acute setting, combination therapy of G-CSF and intrathecal Mesenchymal Stem Cells [MSCs] was safe in our case as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation programs. Further controlled studies are needed to find possible side effects, and establish net efficacy