ABSTRACT
We report a case of de novo malignant ganglioglioma. A 61-year-old male presented with a 12-day history of headaches and general malaise. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging revealed an irregular enhancing mass in the left temporal lobe with associated dural enhancement and subacute subdural hematoma. The findings at surgery were of a vascular tumor intimately involving the surrounding white matter, with central necrosis. Histological and immunohistochemical studies showed an anaplastic ganglioglioma with World Health Organization grade IV characteristics. Gangliogliomas of the central nervous system are rare and are typified by a pediatric predilection and indolent behavior. A review of the de novo anaplastic and malignant gangliogliomas is presented.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Ganglioglioma , Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , Brain Neoplasms/surgery , ELAV Proteins/metabolism , Ganglioglioma/diagnosis , Ganglioglioma/surgery , Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism , Humans , Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Neurosurgery , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methodsABSTRACT
Brain injuries are a serious burden of illness to Canada and the US. Advances in managing head trauma have allowed more patients to emerge from decreased levels of consciousness and helped them cope with neurocognitive, neurobehavioural, and neuropsychiatric deficits. In this article, we review the current (1986-2002) evidence surrounding the pharmacological management of arousal states and the aforementioned neurological sequelae of head injury in either acute or chronic conditions. This article will review the evidence for the use of psychostimulants (methylphenidate), antidepressants (amitriptyline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and buproprion), Parkinson's medications (amantadine, bromocriptine, carbidopa/levodopa), anticonvulsants (valproic acid), modafinil (Provigil), lactate, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, electroconvulsive therapy, and transmagnetic stimulation, in patients following a head injury. The review did not include all anticonvulsants, neuroleptics, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, azospirones or cognitive enhancers. Unfortunately, the quality of the evidence is generally poor, and sometimes conflicting, which in turn results in indecisive guidelines for treating patients. Accepting the inherent flaws in the evidence we feel that this paper may serve as a stepping-stone for future researchers to improve data gathering that targets neurocognitive, neurobehavioural and neuropsychiatric symptoms following a head injury.
