Voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging of the optic pathway in primary open-angle glaucoma: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuropathologic studies in experimental and human glaucoma have demonstrated degenerative changes in the optic pathway. The purpose of this study was to assess the optic pathway in POAG by using VBM and DTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients 57.05 ± 11.38 years of age with POAG of 8.30 ± 5.14 years' duration and 18 control subjects underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including quantification of the RNFLT by using Stratus OCT 3, and brain imaging. The imaging protocol consisted of a T1-weighted high-resolution 3D spoiled gradient-echo sequence and a multisection spin-echo- planar diffusion-weighted sequence. Data preprocessing and analysis were performed by using Matlab 7.0 and SPM 5. RESULTS: Left temporal and right nasal RNFLTs were significantly thinner than right temporal and left nasal RNFLTs. In patients, VBM revealed a significant reduction in the left visual cortex volume, the left lateral geniculate nucleus, and the intracranial part of the ONs and the chiasma. In addition, a significant decrease of FA was observed in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, the longitudinal and inferior frontal fasciculi, the putamen, the caudate nucleus, the anterior and posterior thalamic radiations, and the anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule of the left hemisphere (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Neurodegenerative changes of the optic pathway and several brain areas associated with the visual system can be observed by using VBM and DTI in patients with POAG, suggesting that glaucoma is a complex neurologic disease.

Epidemiology of pediatric brain tumors in Greece (1991-2008). Experience from the Agia Sofia Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: We set out to determine the epidemiology of pediatric brain tumors in a single Greek institute. METHODS: We reviewed all cases of brain tumors in children, under the age of 15 years, that were treated surgically in the Neurosurgical Department of Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia", between January 1991 and December 2008. RESULTS: From January 1991 through December 2008, we encountered 335 cases of pediatric brain tumors. The mean age was 7.2 years and there was a slight male predominance. Astrocytomas made up the largest component, with pilocytic astrocytomas accounting for 25.6% of all tumors. The second most common entity was medulloblastoma, accounting for 18% of all tumors, whereas ependymomas were the third most frequent tumor. There was an increase in the total number of brain tumors during the last decade. Furthermore, examining low-grade astrocytoma, medulloblastoma and ependymoma trends over the last 2 decades, we found a trend for a decrease of low-grade astrocytomas and an increase of the more aggressive medulloblastomas and ependymomas. CONCLUSION: This study presents the first epidemiological data of pediatric brain tumors in Greece. Astrocytomas were the most common tumor followed by medulloblastomas and ependymomas. Furthermore, a trend for an increase of malignant tumors over the last decade has been observed.

Malignant progression of a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a child.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a recently recognized rare cerebral neoplasm that predominantly affects young patients. We report on the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with a 2-week history of headaches and seizures. Radiological investigation revealed a lesion in the right parietal-occipital lobe. The lesion was excised and histology disclosed the presence of a PXA with anaplastic features. 1 year later follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed tumor relapse. An MRI of the spine was also performed and demonstrated leptomeningeal dissemination. The patient underwent a second operation. Histology revealed that the presence of a malignant PXA with anaplastic features. The patient received radiotherapy and 9 months later on follow-up MRI a new tumor recurrence was noted. A third craniotomy was performed and the tumor removed. Histological examination revealed dedifferentiation to glioblastoma multiforme. The patient was referred to the oncology department and received chemotherapy with temozolamide. 8 months later the patient was stable without tumor recurrence. PXAs require close follow-up because of their unpredictable biological behaviour.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de mal formaciones arteriovenosas grado V en una niña / Surgical treatment of grade 5 arteriovenous malformation in a girl

Presentamos el caso de una niña de 12 años que fue tratada en nuestro servicio, quejándose de cefalea prolongada acompañada de vómitos y diplopia durante los últimos 10 días. En examinación neurológica se notó tremor en la extremidad superior derecha y rigidez cervical. Lasometimos a TC craneal e IRM, cuyos resultados indicaron la existencia de una lesión frontotemporal gigante. La lesión era heterogénea con calcificaciones y hemosiderina, rodeada de edema y provocando desplazamiento de la media línea. Tras la administración de gadolinio se aumentó un poco la señal. El último hallazgo nos hizo concluir que había una anormalidad vascular. La paciente se operó mediante craneotomía frontotemporal izquierda. Logramos extirpar la lesión totalmente. La histopatología demostró la presencia de una MAV. En el posoperatorio, la paciente estaba neurológicamente intacta, pero se notó una colección subcutánea de líquido cefalorraquídeo que se trató con drenaje sin ningún problema. Aunque el tratamiento quirúrgico de una MAV gigante y situada profundamente en el hemisferio dominante del habla y de las destrezas motoras puede resultar peligroso provocando daño neurológico, una intervención quirúrgica cuidadosa es muy posible que tenga resultado favorable (AU)

We report on a case of a 12-year-old girl that was admitted under our care complaining of headache for over a month which was accompanied by vomiting and diplopia over the last 10 days. On neurological examination a right upper limb tremor and cervical rigidity were noted. CT and MRI scan was performed and revealed a giant left front temporal lesion. The lesion was heterogenous with calcifications and hemosidirin, surrounded by brain swelling and causing midline shift. There was little enhancement after gadolinium administration. The last finding led us to consider the presence of a vascular abnormality as a possible diagnosis. The patient was operated upon via a left fronto-temporal craniotomy. We managed to excise the lesion totally. Histopathology revealed the presence of an AVM. Postoperatively the patient was neurologically intact but a subcutaneous collection of CSF was noted that was successfully treated by drainage. Although surgical treatment of deeply seated giant AVM’s in the dominant hemisphere of speech and motor-sensory area have a relative high proportion of postoperative neurological deficit, careful surgical intervention can produce excellent outcome (AU)

[Surgical treatment of grade 5 arteriovenous malformation in a girl]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de malformaciones arteriovenosas grado V en una niña.

We report on a case of a 12-year-old girl that was admitted under our care complaining of headache for over a month which was accompanied by vomiting and diplopia over the last 10 days. On neurological examination a right upper limb tremor and cervical rigidity were noted. CT and MRI scan was performed and revealed a giant left frontotemporal lesion. The lesion was heterogenous with calcifications and hemosidirin, surrounded by brain swelling and causing midline shift. There was little enhancement after gadolinium administration. The last finding led us to consider the presence of a vascular abnormality as a possible diagnosis. The patient was operated upon via a left fronto-temporal craniotomy. We managed to excise the lesion totally. Histopathology revealed the presence of an AVM. Postoperatively the patient was neurologically intact but a subcutaneous collection of CSF was noted that was successfully treated by drainage. Although surgical treatment of deeply seated giant AVM's in the dominant hemisphere of speech and motor-sensory area have a relative high proportion of postoperative neurological deficit, careful surgical intervention can produce excellent outcome.