Synthetic MRI to Assess Neurological Injury in Recovered COVID-19 Patients / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo assess the microstructural involvement of gray matter in recovered COVID-19 patients using Synthetic MRI. MethodsThis study was conducted in 29 recovered COVID-19 patients， including severe group （SG， n=11） and ordinary group （OG， n=18）. Healthy volunteers matched by age， sex， BMI and years of education were selected as a healthy control group （HC=23 cases）. Each subject underwent synthetic MRI to generate quantitative T1 and T2 maps， and the T1 and T2 maps were segmented into 90 regions of interest （ROIs） using automatic anatomical labeling （AAL） mapping. T1 and T2 values for each ROI were obtained by averaging all voxels within the ROIs. The T1 and T2 values of the 90 brain regions between the three groups were compared. ResultsRelative to HC， the SG had significantly higher T2 values in bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus， bilateral parahippocampal gyrus， bilateral putamen， bilateral middle temporal gyrus， bilateral Inferior temporal gyrus， left orbital superior frontal gyrus， left orbital inferior frontal gyrus， left gyrus rectus， left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri， right median cingulate and paracingulate gyri， left posterior cingulate gyrus， and left supramarginal gyrus （P＜0.05）； Relative to OG， SG showed significantly increased T2 values in the left rectus gyrus， left parahippocampal gyrus， bilateral middle temporal gyrus， and bilateral inferior temporal gyrus （P＜0.05）. Relative to HC， the T1 values of SG were significantly increased in bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus， left rectus gyrus， left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri， right posterior cingulate gyrus， left parahippocampal gyrus， left lingual gyrus， left putamen， left thalamus（P＜0.05）； Relative to OG， the T1 values of SG were significantly higher in the right posterior cingulate gyrus， right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex， and left putamen （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsEven after recovering from COVID-19， patients may still have persistent or delayed damage to their brain gray matter structure， which is correlated with the severity of the condition. SyMRI can serve as a sensitive tool to assess the extent of microstructural damage to the central nervous system， aiding in early diagnosis of the disease.

Risco de recorrência em Sistema Nervoso Central de Linfoma Difuso de grandes células B e sua profilaxia em Serviço Público de Saúde em dois centros no Brasil / Risk of recurrence in the Central Nervous System of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and its prophylaxis in a Public Health Service in two centers in Brazil

O linfoma difuso de grandes células B (LDGCB) é o subtipo mais comum de linfoma não Hodgkin. A recaída em sistema nervoso central (SNC) é um evento raro, variando de 5% a 10%, de acordo com fatores de risco previamente definidos através do Índice Prognóstico Internacional do SNC (CNS-IPI) e sítios extranodais específicos. Apresenta desfechos insatisfatórios, com sobrevida global mediana de dois a cinco meses. Ao longo dos anos, diversas estratégias para reduzir a recaída em SNC foram avaliadas, e são cada vez mais controversas. As profilaxias para evitar recaída em SNC frequentemente utilizadas diferem na forma de administração, baseados em metotrexato intratecal (IT-MTX) ou de forma sistêmica em altas doses (HD-MTX), associado ou não a outros agentes quimioterápicos. Os estudos até então disponíveis foram realizados em países de alta renda e é questionado se limitações encontradas em países de transição econômica, com maior dificuldade de acesso a métodos diagnósticos e terapêuticos, trariam impacto ou poderiam justificar profilaxia para recaída em SNC. Realizamos um estudo retrospectivo em dois centros de saúde pública em Belo Horizonte, Brasil, entre janeiro de 2018 e julho de 2022, para avaliar a incidência de recaída em SNC em pacientes acometidos por LDGCB. Estimamos sobrevida livre de progressão e sobrevida global. Um total de 120 pacientes, com idade média de 54,4 ± 15,4 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino (60,0%) foram avaliados no estudo. Destes, apenas sete (5,8%) receberam IT-MTX e quatro (3,3%) receberam HD-MTX. Não houve pacientes que receberam as duas vias de profilaxia. O escore prognóstico para risco inicial de recaída do SNC pelo CNS-IPI foi estimado como: baixo [0-1; 37 (30,8%)], moderado [2-3; 53 (44,2%)] ou alto [≥ 4; 27 (22,5%)]. A recaída em SNC foi confirmada em quatro (3,3%) pacientes. Apesar do estudo ter sido realizado em centros de referência oncohematológicas, o n disponível foi pequeno ao considerar a raridade do evento. Não conseguimos demonstrar se há benefício ou não de profilaxia específica para recaída em SNC. Considerando a morbimortalidade desta complicação, sugere-se realizar mais estudos e investigar acometimento oculto de SNC em LDGCB ao diagnóstico.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Central nervous system (CNS) relapse is a rare event, varying from 5% to 10%, according to risk factors previously defined through the CNS International Prognostic Index(CNS-IPI) and specific extranodal sites. It presents unsatisfactory outcomes, with a median overall survival of two to five months. Over the years, several strategies to reduce CNS relapse have been evaluated, and they are increasingly controversial. Prophylaxis to prevent CNS relapse frequently used differs in the form of administration, based on intrathecal methotrexate (IT-MTX) or high-dose systemic (HD-MTX), associated or not with other chemotherapeutic agents. The studies available so far were carried out in high-income countries and it is questioned whether limitations found in economic transition countries, with greater difficulty in accessing diagnostic and therapeutic methods, would have an impact or could justify prophylaxis for CNS relapse. We carried out a retrospective study in two public health centers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between January 2018 and July 2022, to evaluate the incidence of CNS relapse in patients affected by DLBCL. We estimated progression-free survival and overall survival. A total of 120 patients, with a mean age of 54.4 ± 15.4 years and a predominance of males (60.0%) were evaluated in the study. Of these, only seven (5.8%) received IT-MTX and four (3.3%) received HD-MTX. There were no patients who received both routes of prophylaxis. The prognostic score for initial risk of CNS relapse by CNS-IPI was estimated as: low [0-1; 37 (30.8%)], moderate [2-3; 53 (44.2%)] or high [≥ 4; 27 (22.5%)]. CNS relapse was confirmed in four (3.3%) patients. Although the study was carried out in oncohematological reference centers, the number available was small considering the rarity of the event. We were unable to demonstrate whether or not there is benefit from specific prophylaxis for CNS relapse. Considering the morbidity and mortality of this complication, it is suggested to carry out further studies and investigate occult CNS involvement in DLBCL at diagnosis.

Metronidazole: A culprit to balance and speech

In a country like India, oral metronidazole is the commonly prescribed drug of choice for entities such as amebiasis and visceral abscesses. Oral such cases, it is usually well tolerated and safe but can cause serious neurological adverse events. Peripheral neuropathy commonly encounters in practice but central nervous system toxicity is also well documented as it crosses the blood–brain barrier easily. Neurological toxicity of metronidazole may be due to prolonged administration, high doses, or high cumulative doses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain is the modality of choice to evaluate brain involvement. In the brain, the splenium of the corpus callosum, dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, and posterior pons involvement are commonly seen and diagnostic. Here, we have an interesting case report of a patient who was on oral metronidazole treatment for his large liver abscess, presenting with a complaint of neurological symptoms of unsteady gait, vertigo, dysdiadochokinesia, and difficulty in speech. Moreover, thus suspected as metronidazole drug toxicity and further investigated for the same, and MRI typically shows cerebellar and posterior corpus callosal involvement

Metabolic adverse drug reactions in geriatric patients in Odisha

Background: Geriatric patients are at a greater risk of developing adverse drug reaction (ADR) because of changed metabolic activity and renal status associated with aging. As most of the elderly patients suffer from multiple chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, Arthritis, constipation, peptic ulcer disease, etc.), they are under polypharmacy and the risk of ADRs is exacerbated by multiple medications. Metabolic ADRs include weight gain, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and the endocrinal abnormality are the frequent cause of hospital admission in geriatric patients. Most metabolic ADRs due to drugs are treatable. There are few such studies conducted in India regarding metabolic ADR in geriatric patients. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the metabolic ADRs encountered in geriatric patients with the following objectives in Odisha. Aim and Objectives: The prevalence and spectrum of metabolic ADRs in geriatric population were studied. The causality assessment, severity assessment, and preventability were done using standard scales. Materials and Method: This was a prospective and observational study conducted from September 2016 to September 2018 in Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with Department of Geriatric Medicine and Department of Medicine of SCB Medical College and Hospital. All geriatric patients (?60 years) with ADR, reporting to the above departments, were included in the study. The detailed information of type of ADRs and its characteristics was filled up in Suspected ADR Reporting Form designed by Indian pharmacopeia commission version 1.3. The incidence and spectrum of metabolic ADRs were observed. Their causality, severity, and preventability were evaluated by the WHO-UMC System, Hartwig’s Severity Scale, and Schumock Thornton Preventability Scale, respectively. Result: A total of 236 ADRs were reported in 2 years, out of which 28.8% were metabolic ADRs. Metabolic ADRs were more reported in young old patients and often encountered ADR was hypoglycemia 73.5% due to use of oral anti diabetics. About 29% of the metabolic ADRs had a causal relation of probable association. About 94.2% were moderate in severity and 89.7% metabolic ADRs could be probably preventable. Conclusion: There was a probable causal association of metabolic ADR with the drug used and they were moderate verity. The metabolic ADRs found in our study can be preventable with appropriate means.

Histopathological-spectrum-of-brain-lesions-in-patients-attending-to-rims-ranchi—a-retrospective-study

Background- The CNS space occupying lesions cause grave life-threatening outcomes irrespective of their nature as they grow in a confined space and are present close to vital structures Hence, it is of great importance to establish the accurate diagnosis for proper and timely neurosurgical intervention Tumours of central nervous system (CNS) are reported to be less than 2 % of all malignancies. In India, CNS tumours constitute about 1.9 % of all tumours. - AMethod retrospective study carried out in RIMS hospital for all the brain tissue specimen that have come for the histopathological examination, for a duration of one year (February2021 - January2022) among 78 cases of CNS lesions collected from archives of Department of Pathology. Astrocytoma was the most common entity followed by Meningioma whileResults- 2.56% cases were metastatic in this study sample. The present study helps to provide informationConclusion- regarding the disease burden in our area. This study attempts to categorise various CNS neoplasms as per recent WHO classification (2016) which has not only diagnostic implication but also has significant prognosis and predictive value

Plasma exchange in inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system: reasonable use in the clinical practice / Plasmaférese em doenças inflamatórias desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central: uso coerente na prática clínica

Abstract Plasma exchange (PLEX) is a therapeutic apheresis modality in which the plasma is separated from inflammatory factors such as circulating autoreactive immunoglobulins, the complement system, and cytokines, and its therapeutic effect is based on the removal of these mediators of pathological processes. Plasma exchange is well established for various neurological disorders, and it is applied successfully in central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases (CNS-IDD). It mainly modulates the humoral immune system; thus, it has a greater theoretical effect in diseases with prominent humoral mechanisms, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO). However, it also has a proven therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks. Several studies have suggested that patients with severe attacks of CNS-IDD have poor response to steroid therapy but show clinical improvement after the PLEX treatment. Currently, PLEX is generally established only as a rescue therapy for steroid unresponsive relapses. However, there are still research gaps in the literature regarding plasma volume, number of sessions, and how early the apheresis treatment needs to started. Thus, in the present article, we summarize the clinical studies and meta-analyses, especially about MS and NMO, outlining clinical data regarding the experience with therapeutic PLEX in severe attacks of CNS-IDD, the clinical improvement rates, the prognostic factors of a favorable response, and highlighting the likely role of the early apheresis treatment. Further, we have gathered this evidence and suggested a protocol for the treatment of CNS-IDD with PLEX in the routine clinical practice.

Resumo Plasmaférese (PLEX) é um procedimento em que o plasma é separado de fatores inflamatórios como imunoglobulinas autorreativas circulantes, sistema complemento e citocinas, e seu efeito terapêutico se baseia na remoção desses mediadores de processos patológicos. A PLEX está bem estabelecida no tratamento de diversos distúrbios neurológicos, e é utilizada com sucesso em surtos de doenças desmielinizantes inflamatórias do sistema nervoso central (CNS-IDD). A PLEX modula principalmente o sistema imunológico humoral; assim, tem efeito teórico maior em doenças com mecanismos patológicos humorais proeminentes, como a neuromielite óptica (NMO). No entanto tem também efeito terapêutico comprovado em surtos de esclerose múltipla (EM). Estudos sugerem que a corticoterapia é pouco eficaz em pacientes com surtos graves de CNS-IDD, e que estes apresentam melhora clínica após o tratamento com PLEX. Atualmente, a PLEX está geralmente estabelecida apenas como terapia de resgate para surtos não responsivos a corticosteroides. No entanto, há lacunas na literatura sobre a quantidade de troca de volume plasmático, o número de sessões, e o tempo de início da aférese terapêutica. Dessa forma, resumimos neste artigo estudos clínicos e metanálises, especialmente sobre EM e NMO, e delineamos os dados clínicos sobre a experiência com o uso de PLEX em surtos graves de CNS-IDD, as taxas de melhora clínica, os fatores prognósticos para uma resposta favorável, e destacamos o provável papel do tratamento precoce nestes casos. Em um segundo momento, reunimos essas evidências em uma sugestão de protocolo de tratamento de CNS-IDD com PLEX na prática clínica rotineira.

Role of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in central nervous system: a review / 生物工程学报

There are a variety of post-transcriptional modifications in mRNA, which regulate the stability, splicing, translation, transport and other processes of mRNA, followed by affecting cell development, body immunity, learning and cognition and other important physiological functions. m6A modification is one of the most abundant post-transcriptional modifications widely existing in mRNA, regulating the metabolic activities of RNA and affecting gene expression. m6A modified homeostasis is critical for the development and maintenance of the nervous system. In recent years, m6A modification has been found in neurodegenerative diseases, mental diseases and brain tumors. This review summarizes the role of m6A methylation modification in the development, function and related diseases of the central nervous system in recent years, providing potential clinical therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.

The Structure and Function of Glial Networks: Beyond the Neuronal Connections / 神经科学通报·英文版

Glial cells, consisting of astrocytes, oligodendrocyte lineage cells, and microglia, account for >50% of the total number of cells in the mammalian brain. They play key roles in the modulation of various brain activities under physiological and pathological conditions. Although the typical morphological features and characteristic functions of these cells are well described, the organization of interconnections of the different glial cell populations and their impact on the healthy and diseased brain is not completely understood. Understanding these processes remains a profound challenge. Accumulating evidence suggests that glial cells can form highly complex interconnections with each other. The astroglial network has been well described. Oligodendrocytes and microglia may also contribute to the formation of glial networks under various circumstances. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of glial networks and their pathological relevance to central nervous system diseases. We also highlight opportunities for future research on the glial connectome.

Mielopatias inflamatórias / Inflammatory myelopathies / Mielopatías inflamatorias

Mielopatia inflamatória ou mielite transversa é uma síndrome neurológica potencialmente incapacitante com uma variedade de etiologias. Episódios únicos ou recorrentes podem resultar em dependência de cadeira de rodas. O quadro clínico de fraqueza, alteração de sensibilidade e disfunção autonômica de início agudo ou subagudo é marca dessa síndrome. Esse cenário é comum às diferentes etiologias, que podem ser de natureza desmielinizante, por doença autoimune sistêmica, paraneoplásica ou infecciosa. A ressonância magnética de coluna é o exame de neuroimagem de escolha. Exames complementares como avaliação do líquido cefalorraquidiano, testes sorológicos e pesquisa de anticorpos dão suporte à investigação. A depender da etiologia, há tratamentos específicos a fim de reduzir incapacidade e chance de novos surtos, além de diferentes prognósticos. Este trabalho objetiva uma revisão de literatura sobre mielopatias inflamatórias e suas principais etiologias, a partir de dados obtidos na plataforma eletrônica PubMed. Para a discussão, foram revisadas as etiologias desmielinizantes (encefalomielite disseminada aguda, esclerose múltipla, doença do espectro, neuromielite óptica e neurite óptica, encefalite e mielite associadas ao MOG-IgG); doenças autoimunes (lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e síndrome de Sjögren); síndromes paraneoplásicas e mielopatias infecciosas (neuroesquistossomose, mielite por HIV e por HTLV-1 e neurossífilis). Concluiu-se com este estudo que a mielopatia inflamatória é uma condição de gravidade variável que produz potencial incapacidade, causada por diferentes etiologias, porém com quadro clínico comum entre elas. Por isso, é importante conhecer cada uma dessas causas, a fim de promover o melhor e mais precoce tratamento e reduzir sequelas.

Inflammatory myelopathy or transverse myelitis is a potentially disabling neurological syndrome with various etiologies. Single or recurrent episodes can result in wheelchair dependence. A clinical picture of weakness, altered sensitivity, and autonomic dysfunction with acute or subacute onset is characteristic of this syndrome. This scenario is common to different etiologies, which can be of a demyelinating nature, due to systemic, paraneoplastic, or infectious autoimmune disease. Spine MRI is the neuroimaging test of choice. Complementary tests such as cerebrospinal fluid evaluation, serological tests and antibody research support the investigation. Depending on the etiology, there are specific treatments to reduce disability and the chance of new episodes, and different prognoses. This study is a literature review on inflammatory myelopathies and their main etiologies, based on data obtained from the PubMed database. Demyelinating etiologies (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optic spectrum disease and optic neuritis, MOG-IgG-associated encephalitis and myelitis), autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome), paraneoplastic syndromes and infectious myelopathies (neuroschistosomiasis, HIV and HTLV-1 myelitis, and neurosyphilis) were reviewed for discussion. In conclusion, inflammatory myelopathy is a condition of variable severity that produces potential disability, caused by different etiologies, but with a common clinical picture between them. Thus, knowledge on each of these causes is important to promote the best and earliest treatment and reduce sequelae.

La mielopatía inflamatoria o mielitis transversa es un síndrome neurológico potencialmente incapacitante con una variedad de etiologías. Los episodios únicos o recurrentes pueden tener como consecuencia dependencia de silla de ruedas. El cuadro clínico de debilidad, sensibilidad alterada y disfunción autonómica de inicio agudo o subagudo es distintivo de este síndrome. Esto es común a diferentes etiologías, que pueden ser de naturaleza desmielinizante, debido a enfermedades autoinmunes sistémicas, paraneoplásicas o infecciosas. La resonancia magnética de columna es la prueba de neuroimagen de elección. Las pruebas complementarias, como la evaluación del líquido cefalorraquídeo, las pruebas serológicas y la investigación de anticuerpos respaldan la investigación. Dependiendo de la etiología, existen tratamientos específicos para reducir la discapacidad y la posibilidad de nuevos brotes, además de diferentes pronósticos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo revisar la literatura sobre mielopatías inflamatorias y sus principales etiologías desde los datos obtenidos de la base de datos electrónica PubMed. Se revisaron las etiologías desmielinizantes (encefalomielitis aguda diseminada, esclerosis múltiple, enfermedad del espectro, neuromielitis óptico y neuritis óptica, encefalitis y mielitis asociadas a MOG-IgG), las enfermedades autoinmunes (lupus eritematoso sistémico y síndrome de Sjögren), los síndromes paraneoplásicos y mielopatías infecciosas (neurosquistosomiasis, mielitis por VIH y HTLV-1 y neurosífilis). Se concluyó que la mielopatía inflamatoria es una condición de severidad variable, que produce potencial discapacidad causada por diferentes etiologías, pero tiene un cuadro clínico común entre ellas. Por ello, es importante conocer cada una de las causas para promover el mejor y más precoz tratamiento, además de reducir las secuelas.

A study of clinical profile and treatment outcomes in CNS tuberculoma

Worldwide, around 10 million people fall sick every year because of Tuberculosis (TB). In India, the incidence is 2.69 million cases. Central nervous system Tuberculosis (CNS TB), which is one of the most deadly forms of tuberculosis (TB) mainly manifests as TB Meningitis followed by Tuberculoma, Tubercular abscess and other forms. CNS TB is seen in 5 to 10% of extra-pulmonary TB cases, and accounts for 1% of all TB cases and has the highest mortality. They usually present with symptoms such as headache and seizures. They may have other signs and symptoms based on the size and the location of the lesions. The advent of modern technology such as CT, MRI scans helped to diagnose early. Diagnosis is established by CT/MRI Brain, where a granulomatous lesion with/without perilesional edema is seen. MR Spectroscopy brain is indicated when the diagnosis is doubtful. Presence of lipid peak on MR Spectroscopy is diagnostic of CNS Tuberculomas. Medical management is adequate and there is no role for surgery. A course of ATT for 6 months along with corticosteroids is adequate. Addition of corticosteroids is necessary to reduce the paradoxical response; it also reduces the size of the lesion and perilesional edema. Anti epileptic drugs are not necessary. CNS Tuberculoma is curable if treated properly.

A review on phyto-nanotechnology for therapy of alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common chronic neurodegenerative disease (ND) that is mainly investigated nowadays because of its increased incidence and burden on the elderly population. It leads to atrophy of the brain. Clinical features of AD include loss of memory with impaired cognition and behaviour, which leads to mood instability and death. Aggregation of beta-amyloid protein(A?) and neurofibrillary tangles within the neuronal cells are the accepted pathophysiological process of AD. Studies have demonstrated that medicinal plants and herbs could improve memory and cognitive function affected by AD. The bioavailability of active herbal components is affected by rapid metabolism, less permeability, and decreased stability within the CNS. Many studies have reported that the application of nanotechnology to plant extracts enhances the efficacy of extracts. Adding herbal extracts into the nanoparticle system could improve the action of extracts, promote the sustained release of bioactive components, decrease the required dose, and lower the side effects. Using published articles from trustworthy resources like PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library, with keywords like "natural products," "Alzheimer's disease," and "nanotechnology," herein we reviewed and summarized recent nano-drug delivery treatment strategies for AD using natural products.

Overview of recent advances in the classification of ependymomas in WHO CNS5 classification: Simplified approach to their integrated diagnosis

Ependymomas can arise along the entire neuraxis; however, they possess site-specific unique molecular alterations and a methylome pattern which is directly related with the prognostic outcomes. Since 2016, when the updated fourth edition of World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the central nervous system was published, it has been emphasized to classify ependymomas by anatomic site and molecular signatures associated genetic alterations so that classification of the disease reflects its underlying biology. In continuation, the fifth edition of the WHO classification of CNS tumors introduces major changes, including site-specific molecular profiles as the basis of classifying ependymomas. Furthermore, an integrated tier system of reporting is recommended for better clinical correlation and predicting outcomes. WHO grading can still be included in a specific tier, along with molecular markers.

Glioblastoma: Changing concepts in the WHO CNS5 classification

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumor in adults. Acute common clinical symptoms include headache, seizure, behavior changes, focal neurological deficits, and signs of increased intracranial pressure. The classic MRI finding of glioblastoma is an irregularly shaped, rim-enhancing or ring-enhancing lesion with a central dark area of necrosis. This constellation of features correlates with microscopic findings of tumor necrosis and microvascular proliferation. Besides these common features, several well-recognized histological subtypes include giant cell glioblastoma, granular cell glioblastoma, gliosarcoma, glioblastoma with a primitive neuronal component, small cell glioblastoma, and epithelioid glioblastoma. While glioblastoma was historically classified as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype and IDH-mutant groups, the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy (cIMPACT-NOW) and the fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System clearly updated the nomenclature to reflect glioblastoma to be compatible with wildtype IDH status only. Therefore, glioblastoma is now defined as “a diffuse, astrocytic glioma that is IDH-wildtype and H3-wildtype and has one or more of the following histological or genetic features: microvascular proliferation, necrosis, Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation, Epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification, +7/?10 chromosome copy-number changes (CNS WHO grade 4).”

Perinatal and Fetal Autopsies in Neuropathology: How I do it

Fetal and perinatal autopsies are useful to identify the accurate cause of death and in the process recognize disorders which may require counselling for future pregnancies. Abnormalities of the CNS are an important cause of fetal loss and perinatal deaths. Most of these are structural abnormalities of the CNS, however a smaller portion show changes pertaining to prematurity, infections and even congenital tumors. In this review we evaluate CNS abnormalities of the fetus and the newborn as detected in autopsy series. We also describe our experience in a tertiary care hospital with a specialized neonatology unit over the last 8 years and discuss some of the newer methods like virtual autopsy.

A review of adult-type diffuse gliomas in the WHO CNS5 classification with special reference to Astrocytoma, IDH-mutant and Oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted

The fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (WHO CNS5) features several changes in the classification, diagnostic criteria, nomenclature, and grading of diffuse gliomas. Adult-type diffuse gliomas are genetically defined and include astrocytoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant, oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted, and glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype. This review briefly discusses two tumor types: astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, and oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted, with emphasis on relevant changes in their classification and defining molecular genetic alterations. A simplified approach to the diagnosis of these tumors is provided.

Non invasive tests for diagnosis of parasitic infections of CNS

Central nervous system (CNS) infections are among the most devastating diseases with high mortality and morbidity. In the pre-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) era, the occurrence of CNS infections was very infrequent. However, in the past four decades or so, with a global increase in the immunocompromised population, the incidence of opportunistic infections of the CNS has changed. This includes a global increase in the incidence of parasitic infections such as Toxoplasma gondii. Infections such as neurocysticercosis and cerebral malaria are quite prevalent in developing countries. Early diagnosis of these infections is crucial for instituting accurate therapy and preventing mortality and morbidity. Despite advances in neuroimaging techniques, laboratory diagnosis remains the mainstay for confirmation of diagnosis. We present an update on the noninvasive tests available for laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections of the CNS.

Liquid biopsy in CNS tumors: Current status & future perspectives

Precise classification of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies is vital for the treatment and prognostication. Identification of noninvasive markers can be of importance to guide treatment decisions and in monitoring treatment response. CNS tumors are classified based on morphology with an essential complement of molecular changes, including mutations, amplifications, and methylation. Neuroimaging is the mainstay for initial diagnosis and monitoring tumor response with obvious limitations of imprecise tumor typing and no information on diagnostic, predictive and prognostic markers. Liquid biopsy has evolved as a diagnostic tool in body fluids and is being investigated as a surrogate for tissue biopsy in managing primary and metastatic brain tumors. Liquid biopsy refers to analyzing biological fluids such as peripheral blood, urine, pleural effusion, ascites, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); however, peripheral blood remains the primary source of fluid biopsy. The analytes include cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating micro RNAs (miRNAs), circulating proteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Analysis of these components is actively used for early cancer detection, auxiliary staging, prognosis assessment, detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), and monitoring drug resistance in various solid tumors. In recent years, liquid biopsy has been studied in CNS tumors, and analysis of CTCs and cfDNA have become relevant research topics. In the current review, we have explained the clinical potential of liquid biopsy in CNS tumors to assist in diagnosing and predicting prognosis and response to treatment.

Evaluating neurosurgical biopsies for CNS tumor diagnoses: An algorithmic and pattern based approach

The 2016 and 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Classifications of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS) reflect the importance of integrating molecular analysis into CNS tumor diagnosis and classification, adding to the complexity of any surgical neuropathology practice. On the other hand, our evolving understanding of genomic alterations across the spectrum of CNS tumors highlights the importance of utilizing traditional histological and immunohistochemical approaches to first establish as accurate a diagnosis as possible. Such an approach is also essential to recognizing the most appropriate ancillary test(s) needed for accurate classification and grading of CNS tumors. Here, we present an algorithmic approach to be considered while evaluating surgical neuropathology biopsies, which includes a recognition of main histological patterns, and incorporates clinical and radiologic features, to assist with accurate diagnosis and optimal selection of subsequent ancillary testing

Miscellaneous newly recognized types of CNS tumors in the WHO CNS5 classification (other than gliomas, glioneuronal and embryonal tumors)

In this review, we describe salient features of a few of the newer entities recognized in the fifth edition of World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. While most of these have been offshoots of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation profiling of CNS tumors with distinct profiling such as desmoplastic myxoid tumor (DMT) of the pineal region, SMARCB1-mutant, these also demonstrate subtle, distinct morphological features, which should be carefully searched for to diagnose them.

World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System 5th Edition (WHO CNS5): What's new?

The latest fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors (WHO CNS5) has been built on the prior WHO 2016 classification as well as recommendations put forward by seven updates of the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy (cIMPACT). Various new tumor types and subtypes have been recognized which are of clinical significance. Tumor groups have been restructured and the nomenclature of some tumor types has also been revised. The use of terms 'entity' and 'variant' have been replaced by 'type' and 'subtype'. Significant changes have been introduced in the grading of tumors viz. use of Arabic numerals, grading within individual tumor types and combined histological and molecular grading. The terms 'Not otherwise specified' and 'Not elsewhere classified' can now be used for all tumor types. WHO CNS5 also for the first time endorses the use of DNA methylation profiling for the diagnosis of some tumor types/subtypes. Finally, the importance of combining histology with molecular parameters is emphasized for the “layered reporting” and “integrated diagnosis”, which will provide valuable diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information, as well as for some entities, suggest targeted therapies.