Hallazgos radiológicos en el síndrome de Currarino / Radiological findings in Currarino syndrome

Objetivo. Describir los hallazgos clínicos, radiológicos y genéticos de una familia afecta de síndrome de Currarino (SC) (agenesia del sacro, masa presacra y anomalías anorrectales) y familiarizar al radiólogo con esta entidad que, aunque infrecuente, podemos sospechar por sus imágenes características. Material y métodos. Se estudiaron 8 de los 9 miembros de la familia con sospecha de SC: los padres y 7 hermanos (4 varones y tres mujeres). Se detallaron los hallazgos clínicos y genéticos; y mediante radiografía simple, ecografía y resonancia magnética se investigó la agenesia del sacro y la presencia de masas presacras y anomalías anorrectales. Además, se realizó un análisis del gen HLBX9. No se solicitó el permiso al comité de ética aunque todos los miembros de la familia dieron su consentimiento. Resultados. La madre con un sacro en cimitarra confirmado era la transmisora de la mutación genética. Uno de los 7 hermanos era un SC completo (agenesia sacra, estenosis anorrectal y meningocele anterior). Cuatro hermanos presentaron un SC incompleto, tres con agenesia del sacro y masa presacra (dos meningoceles anteriores y un teratoma) y el cuarto una agenesia sacra y estenosis anorrectal. Un hermano no tenía alteraciones. Tanto la madre como 4 hermanos presentaban la mutación en el gen HLXB9. Conclusión. Ante una agenesia sacra se deberían investigar posibles masas presacras y alteraciones anorrectales. Así mismo, en caso de asociación familiar habría que descartar un SC (AU)

Objective. To describe the clinical, radiological and genetic findings of a family affected by Currarino syndrome (CS) (agenesis of the sacrum, presacral mass, and anal-rectal anomalies), and to familiarise the radiologist with this condition that, although uncommon, could be suspected by its characteristic images. Material and methods. A study was made of 8 out of 9 family members (the parents, 7 siblings; 4 males and 3 females) suspected of having CS. The clinical and genetic findings are described. Using simple X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, the presence of agenesis of the sacrum, a presacral mass and anal-rectal anomalies were investigated. Furthermore, a genetic analysis of the HLBX9 gene was performed. Permission by the Ethics Committee was not requested as all the family members gave their consent by signing a document. Results. The mother with a scimitar-shaped sacrum confirmed that she was the transmitter of the genetic mutation. One of the seven siblings had complete CS (sacral agenesis, anorectal stenosis, and anterior meningocele). Four siblings had an incomplete CS: 3 with sacral agenesis and a presacral mass (two anterior meningoceles and one teratoma) and the fourth with sacral agenesis and anorectal stenosis. One sibling had no anomalies. The mother, as well as four siblings, did not have the HLXB9 gene mutation. Conclusion. When there is sacral agenesis, the possibility of presacral masses and anorectal changes should be investigated. Likewise, if there is familial association, they should be investigated for a CS (AU)

[Radiological findings in Currarino syndrome]. / Hallazgos radiológicos en el síndrome de Currarino.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, radiological and genetic findings of a family affected by Currarino syndrome (CS) (agenesis of the sacrum, presacral mass, and anal-rectal anomalies), and to familiarise the radiologist with this condition that, although uncommon, could be suspected by its characteristic images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study was made of 8 out of 9 family members (the parents, 7 siblings; 4 males and 3 females) suspected of having CS. The clinical and genetic findings are described. Using simple X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, the presence of agenesis of the sacrum, a presacral mass and anal-rectal anomalies were investigated. Furthermore, a genetic analysis of the HLBX9 gene was performed. Permission by the Ethics Committee was not requested as all the family members gave their consent by signing a document. RESULTS: The mother with a scimitar-shaped sacrum confirmed that she was the transmitter of the genetic mutation. One of the seven siblings had complete CS (sacral agenesis, anorectal stenosis, and anterior meningocele). Four siblings had an incomplete CS: 3 with sacral agenesis and a presacral mass (two anterior meningoceles and one teratoma) and the fourth with sacral agenesis and anorectal stenosis. One sibling had no anomalies. The mother, as well as four siblings, did not have the HLXB9 gene mutation. CONCLUSION: When there is sacral agenesis, the possibility of presacral masses and anorectal changes should be investigated. Likewise, if there is familial association, they should be investigated for a CS.

[Ganglion cell tumors]. / Tumores de células ganglionares.

INTRODUCTION: Tumours of ganglion cells are very rare. They include: gangliocytoma, ganglioneuroma, Lhermitte-Duclos disease and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour. All require microscope identification of well differentiated neurons for diagnosis. Their pathogenesis is not fully understood. Some workers consider them to be dysplasias rather than true neoplasias; others refer to them as malformations. OBJECTIVE: We aim to analyze the most characteristic findings of these tumours with regard to the elements of which they are composed, their epidemiology, behavior on imaging investigations (CT and MR) and treatment. CLINICAL CASES: We present two cases: one patient with a gangliocytoma and one with a ganglioglioma. Both were treated surgically, confirmed on histological study and had good clinical results.

The value of high resolution CT in the diagnosis of meniscal lesions of the knee.

We report on 50 patients who had meniscal pathology and were given computed tomographic (CT) scans. Our diagnostic accuracy was approximately 92%. We believe that CT is a good method of screening these patients prior to using a much more expensive method, such as magnetic resonance imaging or diagnostic arthroscopy.