Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights into Spinal Glomangioma of a Unique Intradural, Extramedullary Presentation-Systematic Review.

Contemporary literature lacks examples of intradural, extramedullary spinal glomangiomas. Moreover, glomus tumors in general are exceedingly rare among benign spinal tumors and are mostly located within epidural space or within intervertebral foramen, and only a few cases have been documented to date. This report provides a detailed analysis of the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, surgical intervention, and pathological findings of a 45-year-old patient experiencing progressive locomotor deterioration. The tumor was surgically excised, and subsequent histological examination identified it as a representative of glomus tumors-a glomangioma. Notably, this represents a unique case as it was the first example of such a tumor being discovered intradurally. Radical surgical excision remains the modality of choice in most benign spinal tumors of this localization. Although the malignant transformation of glomus tumors within the spine has not been documented thus far, cases have arisen in other areas. Consequently, we will investigate potential oncological treatments for cases with malignant potential and highlight advancements in surgical techniques for benign intradural spinal tumors.

Spinal meningiomas in pediatric patients - A case series and literature review.

Background: Meningiomas are the most frequent intracranial tumors in the adult population; however, they are rare in pediatric patients. In children, meningiomas often require further diagnosis of genetic comorbidities. As many as, 50% of young patients with meningiomas suffer from neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Spinal meningiomas include only 10% of pediatric meningiomas. Case Description: Between 2000 and 2017, three children were hospitalized in the Neurosurgery Department. The patients reported prolonged periods of increasing neurological symptoms. In each case, a total gross tumor resection was performed. Histopathology result in each patient was meningioma psammomatosum. Only one girl required adjuvant radiotherapy (RTH) due to recurrent tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal nerves schwannomas and bilateral vestibular schwannomas in two patients with NF2. Conclusion: A slow tumor growth is characteristic of spinal meningiomas. Back pain is a frequent initial symptom of a slowly growing tumor mass. Subsequently, neurological deficits gradually increase. Patients require a long follow-up period and control MRI-scan. Children with diagnosed spinal meningioma should be strictly controlled because of the high risk of their developing other tumors associated with NF2. Surgical resection is the primary treatment modality of meningiomas. Adjuvant RTH should be recommended only for selected patients.

Anterior odontoid screw fixation extrusion as reason for oesophagus perforation.

BACKGROUND: Type II odontoid fractures are mostly encountered in the elderly. Due to a high risk of non-union fractures in the case of conservative treatment, surgical fixation is widely recommended. Anterior odontoid screw fixation (AOSF) is a method that allows for a wide range of cervical mobility, and it is a relatively safe procedure that is recommended as the method of choice, although rare complications can be fatal when it leads to life-threatening oesophageal perforation. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present potential risk factors which lead to these rare complications, and possible methods of treatment. METHODS: This article presents the case of a patient hospitalised in the Neurosurgery Department of St Lukas Hosital in Tarnów in 2016. A literature review was performed using PubMed; search criteria included the phrases 'odontoid fracture perforation' and 'anterior cervical spine perforation'. The search returned 235 articles, of which 55 publications were in line with the subject of this paper, with only 12 deemed appropriate for consideration. RESULT: The authors present the case of an elderly patient with a history of odontoid fracture. Ten weeks after primary AOSF, the patient came to the Neurosurgery Department due to expectorating screws. This implied the need for further examination and even oesophageal reconstructive surgery or another spinal surgery. In laryngological examination and in gastroscopy there were no signs of fistula. In this case conservative treatment was proceeded. Due to odontoid fracture, non-union cervical posterior stabilisation was necessary. CONCLUSION: Patients with oesophageal perforation should be treated with special care.

Multiple faces of children and juvenile meningiomas: a report of single-center experience and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric meningiomas are extremely rare tumors often associated with various medical conditions. This report is an attempt to analyze the clinical behavior, pathological presentation and recommended management of both isolated and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) related pediatric meningiomas in comparison to their adult counterparts. METHODS: The investigated group consisted of three male and six female patients suffering from meningiomas of the central nervous system, who were hospitalized at our department in years 2001-2012. RESULTS: In our group three children were diagnosed with NF2. Two were released with a suspicion of that disease. Three patients had multiple meningiomas at the first presentation. The most common manifestation were focal neurological deficits (47%). Meningiomas were mostly located at the brain convexity (29%). Histological examination revealed the domination of fibrous type in our group (29%). Apart from surgical management a preoperative embolization of the tumors' vessels was implemented in two children. Another three children underwent postoperative radiotherapy (RTh), one received a chemotherapy (ChTh). CONCLUSION: Meningiomas in children differ from their counterparts in adults. Due to common coexistence of pediatric meningiomas and neurofibromatosis type 2, this group of patients should be taken under strict control, because of high risk of tumor recurrence.