ABSTRACT
Oropharyngeal neuroglial choristomas are exceptionally rare head and neck tumours that contain mature neuroglial tissue. We report a case of neuroglial choristoma centred in the oropharynx and extending into the parapharyngeal space that, to the best of our knowledge, is the only case whose appearance simulated brain cortical gyri with an apparent differentiation between white and grey matter. We illustrate and detail the magnetic imaging findings of oropharyngeal choristoma that might help to establish a correct preoperative diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Choristoma , Brain , Choristoma/diagnostic imaging , Choristoma/pathology , Humans , Neuroglia/pathology , Oropharynx/pathology , Parapharyngeal SpaceABSTRACT
Los coristomas neurogliales orofaríngeos son tumores de cabeza y cuello excepcionalmente raros que contienen tejido neuroglial maduro. Presentamos un caso de coristoma neuroglial centrado en la orofaringe y con extensión al espacio parafaríngeo que, hasta donde sabemos, es el único caso cuya apariencia simulaba circunvoluciones corticales cerebrales con una aparente diferenciación entre sustancia blanca y gris. Ilustramos y detallamos los hallazgos de imágenes por resonancia magnética del coristoma orofaríngeo que podrían ayudar a establecer un diagnóstico preoperatorio correcto.(AU)
Oropharyngeal neuroglial choristomas are exceptionally rare head and neck tumours that contain mature neuroglial tissue. We report a case of neuroglial choristoma centred in the oropharynx and extending into the parapharyngeal space that, to the best of our knowledge, is the only case whose appearance simulated brain cortical gyri with an apparent differentiation between white and grey matter. We illustrate and detail the magnetic imaging findings of oropharyngeal choristoma that might help to establish a correct preoperative diagnosis.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Choristoma , Oropharyngeal Neoplasms , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Oropharynx , Pharynx , Neuroglia , Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein , Encephalocele , Ultrasonography , Radiology , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Oropharyngeal neuroglial choristomas are exceptionally rare head and neck tumours that contain mature neuroglial tissue. We report a case of neuroglial choristoma centred in the oropharynx and extending into the parapharyngeal space that, to the best of our knowledge, is the only case whose appearance simulated brain cortical gyri with an apparent differentiation between white and grey matter. We illustrate and detail the magnetic imaging findings of oropharyngeal choristoma that might help to establish a correct preoperative diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Astrocytes have been considered mere supporting cells in the CNS. However, we now know that astrocytes are actively involved in many of the functions of the CNS and may play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. DEVELOPMENT: This article reviews the roles astrocytes play in CNS development and plasticity; control of synaptic transmission; regulation of blood flow, energy, and metabolism; formation of the blood-brain barrier; regulation of the circadian rhythms, lipid metabolism and secretion of lipoproteins; and in neurogenesis. Astrocyte markers and the functions of astrogliosis are also described. CONCLUSION: Astrocytes play an active role in the CNS. A good knowledge of astrocytes is essential to understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
