Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor in a Child: Case Report / Tumor teratóide rabdóide atípico emuma criança: relato de caso

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare and aggressive type of embryonal tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) occurring in childhood. The present study aims to describe the case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with an occipital mass lesion that was diagnosed as ATRT.We present a brief review of the current knowledge of the treatment of this rare neoplasm. A previously healthy 16-year-old girl was referred after two episodes of partial complex seizure 2 weeks before admission. MRI showed a right parieto-occipital lesion with homogeneous contrast-enhancing and significant surrounding brain edema. The patient underwent uneventful surgical resection of the lesion and was discharged home on the fifth postoperative day. Pathologic examination revealed it to be ATRT. The patient was referred to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient remains free of seizure and disease progression. ATRT is a rare and aggressive disease. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment may improve the patient's prognosis and quality of life.

O tumor teratoide rabdoide atípico (TTRA) é um tipo de neoplasia rara, com comportamento maligno, que atinge o sistema nervoso central (SNC) de crianças. O objetivo do presente estudo é relatar o caso de uma paciente de 16 anos de idade admitida no nosso serviço com uma lesão occipital que revelou tratar-se de TTRA em estudo anatomopatológico. Uma paciente previamente hígida foi admitida no nosso serviço referindo ocorrência de dois episódios de crises convulsivas nas últimas 2 semanas. A ressonância magnética de crânio mostrou a presença de lesão occipital direita com captação homogênea do meio de contraste. A paciente foi submetida a cirurgia de ressecção da lesão expansiva sem intercorrências. A análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica revelou tratar-se de TTRA. A paciente foi encaminhada para a realização de quimioterapia e radioterapia complementares ao tratamento cirúrgico. Após 6 meses de seguimento ambulatorial, a paciente encontra-se assintomática, sem recorrência das crises convulsivas e/ou progressão radiológica da doença. TTRA é uma doença rara e agressiva. Com isso, diagnóstico e tratamento antecipados podem aprimorar prognóstico e qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Efficacy of Surgical Treatment for Brain Metastasis in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and simultaneously having brain metastases at the initial diagnosis, presenting symptoms related brain metastasis, survived shorter duration and showed poor quality of life. We analyzed our experiences on surgical treatment of brain metastasis in patients with NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single-center, retrospective review of 36 patients with NSCLC and synchronous brain metastases between April 2006 and December 2011. Patients were categorized according to the presence of neurological symptoms and having a brain surgery. As a result, 14 patients did not show neurological symptoms and 22 patients presented neurological symptoms. Symptomatic 22 patients were divided into two groups according to undergoing brain surgery (neurosurgery group; n=11, non-neurosurgery group; n=11). We analyzed overall surgery (OS), intracranial progression-free survival (PFS), and quality of life. RESULTS: Survival analysis showed there was no difference between patients with neurosurgery (OS, 12.1 months) and non-neurosurgery (OS, 10.2 months; p=0.550). Likewise for intracranial PFS, there was no significant difference between patients with neurosurgery (PFS, 6.3 months) and non-neurosurgery (PFS, 5.3 months; p=0.666). Reliable neurological one month follow up by the Medical Research Council neurological function evaluation scale were performed in symptomatic 22 patients. The scale improved in eight (73%) patients in the neurosurgery group, but only in three (27%) patients in the non-neurosurgery group (p=0.0495). CONCLUSION: Patients with NSCLC and synchronous brain metastases, presenting neurological symptoms showed no survival benefit from neurosurgical resection, although quality of life was improved due to early control of neurological symptoms.

Anestesia para craniotomia em paciente acordado: relato de caso / Anesthesia for awake craniotomy: case report / Anestesia para craneotomía en paciente despierto: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Alguns procedimentos intracranianos são possíveis com pacientes acordados e os desafios vão da cooperação do paciente até a homeostasia. O objetivo é apresentar um caso de cirurgia intracraniana para exérese de tumor em lobo parietal esquerdo com o paciente em estado vígil. RELATO DE CASO: Após seleção do paciente e preparo psicológico, foi esclarecida e aceita a proposta de exérese de lesão parietal esquerda em estado vígil. Administraram-se propofol e remifentanil em perfusão contínua para manter o escore de Ramsay entre 2-3. Foi feito um bloqueio bilateral do escalpo com ropivacaína. Foi instalado o fixador de Mayfield e os campos cirúrgicos foram ajustados para manter vias aéreas e olhos acessíveis para o mapeamento com eletroestimulação e exérese da lesão. Para incisão da dura-máter foi aplicada uma compressa com lidocaína 2% por três minutos. A cirurgia transcorreu sem intercorrências. O paciente recebeu alta hospitalar no sétimo dia de internação sem apresentar complicação. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de ser um desafio manter analgesia e estabilidade hemodinâmica com o paciente acordado, a infusão alvo-controlada do propofol estabeleceu o nível de consciência desejado; a do remifentanil titulou a analgesia e a sedação sem o acúmulo da droga e o bloqueio com a ropivacaína, uma analgesia satisfatória. Concluímos que a técnica anestésica foi satisfatória para nosso paciente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Some intracranial procedures are achievable with patients awake, however, there are challenges ranging from patient compliance to homeostasis. The aim of this study is to present a case of intracranial surgery for removal of a tumor in the left parietal lobe with the patient awake during the procedure. CASE REPORT: After patient selection and psychological preparation, the proposed excision of the left parietal lobe lesion in the waking state was clarified and accepted. Continuous infusion of propofol and remifentanil was administered to maintain a Ramsay score of 2-3. The bilateral scalp blockade was performed with ropivacaine. The Mayfield head fixation device was installed and drapes adjusted to maintain the airway and eyes accessible for mapping with electrical stimulation and tumor excision. For dura mater incision, a pad with 2% lidocaine was applied for 3 minutes. The surgery was uneventful. The patient was discharged on the seventh day of hospitalization without presenting complication. CONCLUSION: Although the maintenance of analgesia and hemodynamic stability was a challenge with the patient awake, the target-controlled infusion of propofol provided the desired level of consciousness, remifentanil titrated analgesia and sedation without drug accumulation, and the blockade with ropivacaine provided satisfactory analgesia. We conclude that the anesthetic technique was satisfactory for our patient.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Algunos procedimientos intracraneales se pueden hacer con pacientes despiertos y los retos van desde la cooperación del paciente hasta la homeostasia. El objetivo aquí, es presentar un caso de cirugía intracraneal para la exéresis de tumor en el lobo parietal izquierdo con el paciente en estado de vigilia. RELATO DE CASO: Después de la selección del paciente y dela preparación psicológica, se aclaró y aceptó la propuesta de exéresis de lesión parietal izquierda en estado de vigilia. Se administraron propofol y remifentanilo en perfusión continua para mantener la puntuación de Ramsay entre 2-3. Se hizo un bloqueo bilateral del escalpo con ropivacaína. Se instaló el fijador de Mayfield y los campos quirúrgicos se ajustaron para mantener las vías aéreas y los ojos accesibles para el mapeo con la electroestimulación y la exéresis de la lesión. Para la incisión de la dura madre se aplicó una compresa con lidocaína al 2% durante tres minutos. La cirugía transcurrió sin intercurrencias. El paciente recibió alta hospitalaria al séptimo día del ingreso sin presentar complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de ser un reto mantener la analgesia y la estabilidad hemodinámica con el paciente despierto, la infusión objeto controlada del propofol estableció el nivel de consciencia deseado; la del remifentanilo tituló la analgesia y la sedación sin la acumulación de la droga y el bloqueo con la ropivacaína, una analgesia satisfactoria. Concluimos por tanto, que la técnica anestésica fue satisfactoria para nuestro paciente.

Gliossarcoma: um desafio clínico e terapêutico / Gliosarcoma: a clinical and therapeuctic challenge

O Gliossarcoma (GSa) é uma neoplasia primária rara do sistema nervoso central, caracterizada por padrão histológico bifásico que inclui os componentes glial e sarcomatoso. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente masculino, de 49 anos de idade, que apresentou cefaleia como manifestação clínica predominante. O diagnostico foi suspeitado devido à arquitetura microscópica e confirmado pelo estudo imuno-histoquímico. Na terapêutica, foi submetido à craniotomia com microcirurgia para ressecção do tumor e tratamento radioterápico complementar. Dados epidemiológicos, histogênese e achados frequentes em exames de imagem são discutidos, assim como o tratamento e prognóstico.

The gliosarcoma (GSA) is a rare primary neoplasm of the central nervous system characterized by a biphasic histological pattern that includes the glial and sarcomatous components. Here the authors report the case of a 49-year-old male patient who presented headache as predominant clinical manifestation. The diagnosis was suspected on account of microscopic architecture and confirmed by immunohistochemical study. The patient underwent craniotomy with microsurgery for tumor resection and additional radiotherapy. Epidemiological data, histogenesis and common findings on imaging are discussed, as well as treatment and prognosis.

Neuroimaging in stroke and non-stroke pusher patients / Análise de neuroimagens de pacientes com síndrome do empurrador decorrente de AVC e outras etiologias

Pusher behavior (PB) is a disorder of postural control affecting patients with encephalic lesions. This study has aimed to identify the brain substrates that are critical for the occurrence of PB, to analyze the influence of the midline shift (MS) and hemorrhagic stroke volume (HSV) on the severity and prognosis of the PB. We identified 31 pusher patients of a neurological unit, mean age 67.4±11.89, 61.3 percent male. Additional neurological and functional examinations were assessed. Neuroimaging workup included measurement of the MS, the HSV in patients with hemorrhagic stroke, the analysis of the vascular territory, etiology and side of the lesion. Lesions in the parietal region (p=0.041) and thalamus (p=0.001) were significantly more frequent in PB patients. Neither the MS nor the HSV were correlated with the PB severity or recovery time.

A síndrome do empurrador (SE) é um distúrbio de controle postural que acomete indivíduos com lesões encefálicas. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar as estruturas encefálicas envolvidas na SE, analisar a influência dos desvios de linha média (DLM) e volume do hematoma (VH) na gravidade e duração da SE. Dentre os pacientes internados na enfermaria de neurologia, foram identificados 31 pacientes com SE, idade média 67,4±11,89, 61,3 por cento homens. Foram realizados exames neurológico e funcional. As análises das neuroimagens incluíram medidas de VH em pacientes com doença cerebrovascular (DC) hemorrágica, DLM, análise do território vascular, etiologia e lado da lesão. Lesão nas regiões parietal (p=0,041) e talâmica (p=0,001) foram significativamente mais frequentes nos pacientes com SE. Não foi observada correlação dos DLM e volume do hematoma com a gravidade e duração da SE.

Impact of the combined use of tractography, functional magnetic resonance imaging and brain neuronavigation on high grade glioma extent of resection / Impacto del uso combinado de la tractografía, resonancia magnética funcional y la neuronavegación cerebral en el grado de resección de gliomas de alto grado

Introduction: Maximal surgical resection of brain high grade glioma, involves the risk of damaging either eloquent cortical areas or efferent subcortical white matter tracts. Identification of the anatomical and functional relation between the tumor and adjacent functional cortical areas or eloquent white matter bundles may provide critical information to guide tumor resection and prevent surgical morbidity. The main objective of this study was to assess the combined use of diffusion tensor (DT) tractography and functional magnetic resonance (fMR) imaging to assist in the extent of resection of brain high grade glioma (HGG) with preservation of eloquent areas. Material and methods: 42 consecutive patients harboring brain HGG underwent surgery with the purpose of maximal resection. Patients were randomly divided in two groups: Group A (22 cases): control group, and group B (20 cases), where surgery was performed with navigation and combined use of DT imaging and fMR imaging. Results: Extent of resection in group A was 81.5 percent and 90.5 percent in group B (ANOVAs test p=0, 03). We did not observed differences in postoperative neurological deficit and surgical time between both groups. Conclusion: The combined use of tractography, functional MRI and neuronavigation may provide critical information to guide brain high grade glioma resection without increasing surgical morbidity or surgical time.

Introducción: La resección radical de los gliomas cerebrales de alto grado (GCAG) comporta el riesgo de afectación tanto de áreas corticales elocuentes como de los tractos subcorticales de sustancia blanca. La identificación de la relación anatómica y funcional entre el tumor y las áreas corticales o los tractos de sustancia blanca elocuentes, puede proporcionar una información fundamental para guiar la resección quirúrgica y contribuir a reducir la morbilidad postquirúrgica. El principal objetivo del estudio es el análisis del uso combinado de la tractografía y la resonancia magnética funcional (RMf) en el grado de resección de gliomas cerebrales de alto grado con preservación de áreas elocuentes. Material y métodos: Presentamos 42 pacientes con diagnóstico de GCAG y localización próxima a córtex motor o áreas del lenguaje, que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente con el objetivo de llevar a cabo una resección radical de la lesión. Los pacientes se distribuyeron de forma aleatoria en 2 grupos: el grupo A (22 pacientes) fue el grupo control y el grupo B (20 casos) fue también intervenido pero utilizando la neuronavegación y el uso combinado de tractografía y RMf. Resultados: El grado de resección en el grupo A fue de un 81,5 por ciento y del 90,5 en el grupo B (test de ANOVA p=0,03). No observamos diferencias en la incidencia de morbilidad postquirúrgica o del tiempo de cirugía entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: El uso combinado de la tractografía, RMf y neuronavegación proporciona una información funcional que facilita la cirugía de los GCAG sin incrementar la morbilidad o el tiempo de cirugía.

Resección de lesiones cerebrales con asistencia de mapeo cortical intraoperatorio / Intraoperative cortical mapping in surgery for brain lesions

Introducción: Se ha demostrado que la resección extensa de tumores intracraneanos intra-axiales malignos mejora la sobrevida. Esto no siempre es posible dada la eventual ubicación de estos tumores en o cercanos a áreas elocuentes, como corteza motora primaria o de lenguaje. En estas circunstancias, el desafío es evitar secuelas neurológicas. Uno de los métodos para disminuir dicho riesgo es el mapeo cortical intraoperatorio (MCI). El presente trabajo describe la técnica de mapeo cortical intraoperatorio de áreas elocuentes, al igual que su factibilidad y complementariedad con otras técnicas de localización tumoral. Método: Se analizan 7 pacientes operados, portadores de lesiones cercanas a áreas elocuentes. Se utilizó neuronavegación y MCI (estimulación directa de corteza y registro de potenciales evocados somatosensoriales). Se analizó la localización, tamaño y tipo de la lesión, grado de resección y estado neurológico pre y postoperatorio. Resultados: En todos los pacientes el MCI fue efectivo en localizar corteza motora primaria. Hubo 6 pacientes en los que se pudo resecar el área tumoral no asociada a funcionalidad, logrando en 5 de ellos resección completa o superior al 90 por ciento. En un paciente la lesión correspondió a una malformación arteriovenosa profunda ubicada en corteza motora primaria en que el MCI permitió una vía de abordaje por corteza no elocuente para su resección completa. No hubo déficit neurológico agregado postoperatorio con seguimiento de 12 meses. Conclusión: El MCI es útil y localiza en forma efectiva, simple y reproducible áreas de corteza funcional, haciendo posible realizar resecciones extensas de tumores en áreas elocuentes. Esta técnica es complementaria a otros métodos de ubicación anatómica y fisiológica pudiendo contribuir a una cirugía más segura y efectiva.

Introduction: Extensive resection for malignant intraaxial intracranial tumors has been demonstrated to improve survival. This is not always possible due to potential tumor location in or next to eloquent brain regions, like primary motor cortex or speech areas. In this case, avoiding neurological deficits is challenging. One of the tools for minimizing that risk is intraoperative cortical mapping (ICM). This report describes the ICM technique of eloquent brain regions, feasibility and complementariness with other methods for tumor localization. Methods: Seven patients with brain lesions near eloquent regions operated on were analyzed. Frameless stereotaxis (neuronavigation) and intraoperative cortical mapping (direct cortical stimulation and monitoring of somatosensory evoked potentials) were used. The location, size, type of lesion, amount of resection, pre and postoperative neurological status were studied. Results: ICM was effective in localizing primary motor cortex in all patients. In 6 patients the tumor area without functionality was removed, achieving complete or greater than 90 percent resection in 5 of them. In one patient the lesion was a deep arteriovenous malformation located below the primary motor cortex. In this case ICM made feasible an approach from non-eloquent cortex to achieve total resection. No new postoperative deficit was found in a 12 month follow-up period. Conclusion: ICM is useful and localize functional cortical regions effectively, simply and reliably, making possible to perform extensive tumor resections in eloquent regions. This technique is complementary to other tools for anatomical or physiological localization and could contribute to a safer and more effective surgery.

Adiposity in childhood cancer survivors: insights into obesity physiopathology / Adiposidade em pacientes tratados por câncer na infância: entendendo a fisiopatologia da obesidade

As childhood cancer treatment has become more effective, survival rates have improved, and a number of complications have been described while many of these patients reach adulthood. Obesity is a well-recognized late effect, and its metabolic effects may lead to cardiovascular disease. Currently, studies concerning overweight have focused on acute lymphocytic leukemia and brain tumors, since they are at risk for hypothalamic-pituitary axis damage secondary to cancer therapies (cranial irradiation, chemotherapy, and brain surgery) or to primary tumor location. Obesity and cancer have metabolic syndrome features in common. Thus, it remains controversial if overweight is a cause or consequence of cancer, and to date additional mechanisms involving adipose tissue and hypothalamic derangements have been considered, comprising premature adiposity rebound, hyperinsulinemia, leptin regulation, and the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. Overall, further research is still necessary to better understand the relationship between adipogenesis and hypothalamic control deregulation following cancer therapy.

Os avanços do tratamento contra o câncer infantil têm resultado no aumento da sobrevida e das complicações, à medida que os pacientes atingem a maioridade. A obesidade é um evento reconhecido, e seus efeitos metabólicos levam à doença cardiovascular. Atualmente, o estudo da obesidade tem enfocado a leucemia linfocítica aguda e os tumores cerebrais, já que ambos têm risco para lesões hipotalâmicas, secundárias às terapias (irradiação cranial, quimioterapia, e cirurgia) ou à localização do tumor. Obesidade e câncer têm em comum fatores para síndrome metabólica. Entretanto, a relação de causa e efeito entre obesidade e câncer permanece controversa, sendo que são considerados outros mecanismos envolvendo o tecido adiposo e lesões hipotalâmicas, como o rebote precoce de adiposidade, hiperinsulinemia, regulação da leptina, e o papel do receptor ativado por proliferadores de peroxissoma γ. Concluindo, mais estudos são necessários para entender a relação entre adipogênese e descontrole hipotalâmico em sobreviventes de câncer.

Interictal electroencephalographic findings in children and adults with temporal lobe tumors

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os aspectos eletrencefalográficos interictais e clínicos de crianças e adultos com epilepsia do lobo temporal secundária a lesões tumorais. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva dos aspectos clínicos e eletrencefalográficos interictais de 16 crianças (64 exames) e 12 adultos (78 exames) com lesões tumorais no lobo temporal. RESULTADOS: As etiologias mais freqüentes foram gangliogliomas e DNETs, seguidos por astrocitomas. As auras ocorreram em ambos os grupos, sendo a sensação epigástrica a mais comum. Outros achados tais como mioclonias, parada comportamental e vômitos foram mais freqüentes em crianças. Atividade epileptiforme e não epileptiforme temporal, principalmente unilateral, foi encontrada nos dois grupos. Atividade epileptiforme extra temporal (frontal, parietal, central, occipital e generalizada) foi também igualmente detectada em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Crianças e adultos com epilepsia do lobo temporal secundária a lesões tumorais apresentam padrão eletrencefalográfico semelhante.

Brain metastasis--evidence based management.

Advances in cancer management have resulted in a significant increase in median survival of number of diseases. Consequently we are seeing more patients living long enough to develop symptomatic brain metastases. The management of such patients will be discussed here. The most important definitive investigation is contrast enhanced MRI scan of brain. Management consists of supportive care and disease directed treatment. Surgical resection remains the gold standard for the treatment of solitary brain metastases. Whole brain radiotherapy is considered standard treatment for all patients with brain metastases. The role of chemotherapy was limited in the past. Recently several new agents have been identified as potentially useful. Preliminary results indicate that drugs like temozolomide and topotecan have antitumor activity against the brain metastases as well as the primary systemic malignancies. The goal of multimodality treatment for brain metastases is to palliate local symptoms and prevent consequences of neurological involvement.

Bifrontal decompressive craniotomy for malignant edema

To review the outcome of bifrontal decompressive craniotomy used for the treatment of malignant brain edema due to different etiologies. The study was carried out at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from January 2000 to June 2005, and included all patients who had malignant brain edema due to different etiology and were treated with bifrontal decompressive craniotomy after failure of aggressive medical treatment. Ten patients were included in the study, 6 males and 4 females; the mean age was 24 years. Seven patients had severe head injury, 2 had aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one had large calcified olfactory groove meningioma. Clinically, all patients, except one, had Glasgow coma scores more than 3 before surgery, and operation was performed in all patients once clinical deterioration was observed and diagnosis confirmed by CT brain scan. The outcome of surgery was good in 70%, poor in 20%, and mortality was 10%. The mean hospital stay was 85 days. Bifrontal decompressive craniotomy offers immediate reduction of intracranial pressure to its normal levels, and improves the outcome of malignant brain edema whatever its cause, it should be performed once clinical deterioration is observed

Bizarre behavior during intracarotid sodium amytal testing (Wada test): are they predictable?

O teste do amital sódico intracarotídeo (TASI ou teste de Wada) é procedimento comum na avaliação de pacientes portadores de epilepsia clinicamente refratária candidatos a cirurgia de epilepsia. Tem por objetivo promover interrupção seletiva e temporária da função hemisferial, definindo lateralização de linguagem e risco de comprometimento de memória no pós-operatório. São esperadas mudanças comportamentais durante o teste, as quais podem durar vários minutos, porém, em geral, são sutis e facilmente manejáveis. Relatamos uma série de casos em que ocorreram comportamentos pouco usuais, bizarros, incluindo agitação e agressividade. Estes comportamentos comprometem o teste (paciente deve ser contido), podendo levar a atrasos ou mesmo abortamento do mesmo, além de produzir dados menos confiáveis. Os casos foram revisados, visando a definição de preditores de sua ocorrência. Estas reações são raras (5% dos casos). Efeito barbitúrico, perfil psiquiátrico, dominância cerebral e seletividade da injeção não puderam ser validados como preditores. Explicações detalhadas, repetição e simulações podem ser utéis na prevenção deste tipo de ocorrência.

Cerebral blood flow velocity changes under nitrous oxide halothane anesthesia in patients with frontotemporal gliomas: a comparison of the normal and abnormal cerebral hemispheres.

BACKGROUND: Regional differences in vascular response to anesthetic agents in brain areas with and without tumors have not been investigated till now. The existence of such differences may influence the regional distribution of cerebral blood flow under anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 8 patients with frontotemporal gliomas, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (VMCA), pulsatality index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were determined in the normal and pathological cerebral hemispheres before and after stable nitrous oxide-halothane anesthesia. RESULTS: During halothane anesthesia, there was an increase in VMCA both in the normal cerebral hemisphere (69 +/- 11 to 100 +/- 38 cm/s; P = 0.05) and the hemisphere with tumor (65 +/- 17 to 83 +/- 28 cm/s; P = 0.04). A significant decrease in the pulsatality index and the resistance index was also observed in both the hemispheres (P < 0.05). The percentage changes of VMCA, PI and RI in both the hemispheres after anesthesia were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cerebral tumors, nitrous oxide-halothane anesthesia causes comparable changes of cerebral blood flow velocities in the hemisphere with tumor and the normal hemisphere.

Morphological Pattern and Frequency of Intacranial Tumours in Adults and Children in Tanzania

Objective: The objective of the present study was to study the histopathological pattern of intracranial tumours and to provide a comprehensive data about their frequency in adults and children less than 16 years and to correlate the site with histological diagnosis.Design: A descriptive studyPlace and duration of study: The study was carried out at the departments of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy; Muhimbili National Hospital and Neurosurgery; Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Tanzania; over a period of seven years (1998- October 2004).Patients and Methods: The histopathological data of 104 brain tumours of all adults and children less than 16 years histopathologically evaluated was performed on H et E stained sections of paraffin embedded tissue. Special stains were performed whenever indicated.Results: The ages ranged from 2 to 90 years with an overall mean of 34.4 years while that of children below 16 years was 9.5 years and in adults was 41.9 years. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Meningiomas comprised the largest category (51.9) and Glial tumours ranked the second (21.4) of primary brain tumours and among all gliomas astrocytomas were the commonest comprising of 16.4 of all intracranial neoplasms. Out of 104 brain tumours; 83(79.8) were supratentorial and 21(20.2) were infratentorial in location while in adults 72(84.7) were in supratentorial region and 13(15.3) were in infratentorial region. In children below 16 years; 11(57.9) and 8(42.1) were in supratentorial and infratentorial in location respectively. The most common tumour overall in both supratentorial and infratentiorial regions were meningiomas (53) and all were in WHO grade I. When age was taken in consideration; meningiomas remained the commonest supratentorial tumours in adult (56.9) while in children below 16 years; cranioparyngioma was the commonest supratentorial neoplasm (45.4). In children less than 16 years medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma were the commonest neoplasms in the infratentorial region (37.5 of each).Conclusion: Meningioma was the commonest intracranial tumour overall in both supratentorial and infratentorial locations. However medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma were the most common tumours in the infratentorial region in children below 16 years of age

Brain metastasis from parathyroid carcinoma.

We report an unusual patient of parathyroid carcinoma, who developed lung and cerebral metastasis without having any local recurrence.

In vivo temperature measurements in brain tumors using proton MR spectroscopy.

The chemical shift difference between the water resonance and the methyl resonance of N-acetylaspartate was used to determine the in vivo temperature in 43 patients with histologically proven brain tumors. Temperatures were also estimated from the contralateral side in 15 of these patients. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) ] in temperature between meningiomas and the other tumors viz. low grade astrocytomas, grade IV astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas. Temperature was also significantly different between the contralateral side and the meningiomas (p < 0.05).

Oligodendroglioma: clinical profile and treatment results.

Oligodendrogliomas are rare glial tumors with a long natural history. Radical surgery, postoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy and observation have been suggested as part of primary management. This series reports the presentation and outcome in 34 patients with histologically verified pure oligodendrogliomas treated between 1983 and 1993. All patients were treated at the time of initial diagnosis with surgery, with or without additional radiotherapy. The overall survival and progression free survival rates at five years were 69.8% and 55% respectively. There was no tumor or treatment related factor influencing survival significantly.

Preoperative shunts in thalamic tumours.

Thirty one patients with thalamic glioma underwent a pre-tumour resection shunt surgery. The procedure was uneventful in 23 patients with relief from symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Eight patients worsened after the procedure. The level of sensorium worsened from excessively drowsy state to unconsciousness in seven patients. Three patients developed hemiparesis, 4 developed paresis of extra-ocular muscles and altered pupillary reflexes, and 1 developed incontinence of urine and persistent vomiting. Alteration in the delicately balanced intracranial pressure and movements in the tumour and vital adjacent brain areas could be the probable cause of the worsening in the neurological state in these 8 patients. On the basis of these observations and on review of literature, it is postulated that the ventricular dilatation following an obstruction in the path of the cerebrospinal fluid flow by a tumour could be a natural defense phenomenon of the brain.

Formas clínicas de presentación en tumores cerebrales / Clinical forms of presentation in cerebral tumors

Describe que las neoplasias que comprometen el sistema nervioso central pueden localizarse en el cráneo, coberturas meningeas, componentes vasculares, pituitaria, nervios craneales, plexoss coroideos, y parénquima cerebral, de igual manera depósitos metastásicos de cáncer sistémico, y parasitosis. En edades pediátricas, la mayoría de los tumores intracraneales se presentan en la fosa posterior, y la tasa de malignidad es alta; en contraste con adultos, la mayoríade ellos se localizan en el compartimento supratentorial. Las neoplasias intra-axiales son infiltrantes en el parénquima encefálico, mientras que las extra-axiales producen comprensión y desplazamiento. Usualmente, las neoplasias intracraneales normales, por ejemplo LCR, parénquima encefálico, o componente sanguíneo. La pérdida de este equilibrio origina los síntomas y signos de disfunción neurológica. Los síntomas y signos producen síndromes focales específicos relacionados a la topografía de la neoplasia, de igual manera pueden encontrarse asociados a síndromes no focales como hipertensión endocraneal. Los tumores que frecuentemente producen manifestaciones clínicas específicas son: craneofaringioma, neurinomas acústicos, adenomas hipofisiarios, gliomas del tallo cerebral y germinomas en la región pineal. Realizamos una descripción de las manifestaciones clínicas de disfunción neurológica de las neoplasias mas comunes que comprometen al sistema nervioso.

Tumores del sistema nervioso central / Tumours of the central nervous system

Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de 63 neoplasias del sistema nervioso, procesadas en el servicio de Patologia del Hospital de Clincas de La Paz, en un periodo comprendido entre enero de 1987 a diciembre de 1992. La localizacion mas frecuente fue cerebro con 33.3 por ciento La edad de mayor incidencia fue entre los 31 a 40 años en un 28 por ciento en sexo masculino tuvo mayor porcentaje 65.1 por ciento y los tumores mas freucnets fueron los neurofibromas con un 23 por ciento los meningiomas con un 19 por ciento y retinoblastomas 17.4 por ciento .