The Value of Intraoperative Ultrasound in Brain Surgery.

Favorable clinical outcomes in adult and pediatric neurosurgical oncology generally depend on the extent of tumor resection (EOR). Maximum safe resection remains the main aim of surgery in most intracranial tumors. Despite the accuracy of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in the detection of residual intraoperatively, it is not widely implemented worldwide owing to enormous cost and technical difficulties. Over the past years, intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has imposed itself as a valuable and reliable intraoperative tool guiding neurosurgeons to achieve gross total resection (GTR) of intracranial tumors.Being less expensive, feasible, doesn't need a high level of training, doesn't need a special workspace, and being real time with outstanding temporal and spatial resolution; all the aforementioned advantages give a superiority for IOUS in comparison to iMRI during resection of brain tumors.In this chapter, we spot the light on the technical nuances, advanced techniques, outcomes of resection, pearls, and pitfalls of the use of IOUS during the resection of brain tumors.

The diagnosis and management of abusive head injuries in infancy in Egypt.

Child death owed to abuse and negligence is not uncommon, and its real incidence is unknown. The most common cause of fatal child abuse is head trauma. Abusive head injuries (AHI) most often involve brain injury of infants and young children. The outcomes of AHI vary from complete recovery to severe brain damage and death. This article highlights the diagnosis and management of AHI in infancy in Egypt, with a special focus on the social, medical, and legal aspects. The authors emphasize the importance of reporting cases suspected of AHI to the relevant authorities; this will guard against the recurrence of abuse to the child and will have a positive impact on the community.

Surgical outcome of children with medulloblastoma: a retrospective study of a 405-patient series from Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE-57357).

PURPOSE: To analyze the impact of increasing the extent of resection (EOR) on the survival rates and on the surgical outcome of children with medulloblastoma. METHODS: A series of consecutive 405 children operated for medulloblastoma between July 2007 and April 2018 was identified. The details of pre-operative data, surgical interventions, post-operative complications, and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis showed no advantage of gross total resection (GTR) over near and subtotal resection regarding over all (OS) (p=0.557) and progression free survival (PFS) (p=0.146). In the same time, increasing the EOR was not associated with higher morbidity. Tumor dissemination at onset correlated to worse OS (KM: p=0.003, OR 1.999, 95% CI: 1.242-3.127; p = 0.004) and PFS (KM: p<0.001, Cox: OR 2.171, 95% CI: 1.406-3.353; p<0.001). OS was significantly affected in patients < 3 years old (KM: p=0.011, OR 2.036, 95% CI: 1.229-3.374; p = 0.006), while PFS was worse among patients who had pre-op seizures (KM: p=0.036, Cox: OR 2.852, 95% CI: 1.046-7.773; p=0.041) or post-op pseudomeningocele (KM: p=0.021, Cox: OR 2.311, 95% CI: 1.123-4.754; p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical excision of medulloblastoma is the standard of care, there was no significant benefit for GTR over near or subtotal resection on the OS or PFS rates that are mainly influenced by the patient's age and tumor dissemination. However, GTR should be targeted, as it is not associated with increased incidence of mutism or other surgery-related complications.

Benefits of endoscope-assisted microsurgery in the management of pediatric brain tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Microsurgical and endoscopic techniques are vastly utilized in brain tumor surgery. Combining both techniques in the same procedure has different forms and applications. The aim of this work was to discuss the usefulness and describe the technical benefits of endoscope-assisted microsurgery (EAMS) in treating pediatric brain tumors in various anatomical locations. METHODS: The medical records of 106 children who had undergone EAMS for brain tumors at Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE-57357) between January 2009 and January 2017 were reviewed. The patients' ages ranged from 1 to 16 years (mean age 7.5 years). Technical variations, difficulties, complications, strategies, and extent of resection were addressed according to anatomical location. RESULTS: In general, EAMS enabled closer inspection of tumor extension and surrounding vital structures, especially in the hidden corners not appreciable by the microscope alone, such as tumors in the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle contents in 14 cases, all of which were totally excised, and the undersurface of the optic apparatus in 65 craniopharyngiomas. Total excision was achievable in 51 of the 65 craniopharyngiomas; residual tumor was intentionally left behind under endoscopic guidance in the remaining 14 patients to ensure better hypothalamic function. Vision improved in 15 of 16 patients who initially presented with visual defects. Only 4 patients had new-onset postoperative endocrinopathies. For intraventricular tumors, EAMS allowed earlier recognition of tumor pedicle and, hence, earlier control of the blood supply of the tumor and safer total excision of 12 lateral ventricle, 6 pineal and third ventricle, and 9 fourth ventricle tumors. The tandem use of the endoscope and microscope enabled safer tumor dissections that were performed with more confidence in situations in which pure microscopic excision was either not achievable or less safe. Technical strategies, pitfalls, difficulties, and precautions were categorized and described per tumor location. CONCLUSIONS: EAMS of pediatric brain tumors is a promising, user-friendly tool that complements microsurgery in the management of these complex lesions. The benefits of 2D endoscopy are added to the benefits of stereoscopic perception. EAMS is especially helpful during the removal of different complex pediatric brain tumors. Simultaneous or tandem endoscopic and microscopic approaches may have the potential for better functional outcomes through better visualization and preservation of vital structures in corners that are hidden from the microscope.

Management of pediatric craniopharyngioma: 10-year experience from high-flow center.

PURPOSE: To report our experience and management strategies during 10 years for 137 childhood craniopharyngiomas treated at a single institution. METHODS: Medical records of children with craniopharyngioma treated at Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE-57357) from July 2007 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Beta-catenin as an immunohistochemical marker was assessed also in available specimens. RESULTS: Our registry included 137 patients. Headache (n = 122), visual failure (n = 118), and hypothyroidism(n = 78) were the most common findings on presentation. Three management protocols were identified; 65 patients were primarily followed up after surgery, 71 patients had radiotherapy after surgery, and one patient underwent surgery for Ommaya insertion with intracystic interferon injection. Overall, gross total resection/near total resection was achieved in 48 cases (35.04%), subtotal resection was achieved in 58 patients (42.33%), 29 (21.16%) had biopsy and Ommaya reservoir, and two patients with calcified lesions had no operations. Fifty-four patients showed recurrence/progression of their lesions. Allover, 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 52.3%, while it was 34.49% and 72.25% for the follow-up group and the radiotherapy group, respectively. Beta-catenin mutations were positive in 61/95 patients; 5-year PFS for beta-catenin negative and positive cases was 65.5% and 39.4% respectively (p = 0.087). Mortality was reported in eight patients. Intraoperative endoscopy-assisted assessment was the cornerstone of tailored decision-making. CONCLUSION: The concepts of conservative surgery and multimodal management should be applied to reach the perfect balance between the quality of life and the best tumor control rates. Beta-catenin mutations more than 5% are associated with statistically trending aggressive clinical behavior. The CCHE-57357 algorithm of individualized management protocol was presented.

Management of pediatric CNS meningiomas: CCHE-57357 experience in 39 cases.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to present our experience in the management of pediatric meningiomas in the largest referral center in Egypt for pediatric tumors focusing on variables including clinical picture, anatomic location, histopathology, treatment strategies, and outcome together with their possible correlation to prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 39 pediatric patients who were treated for CNS meningiomas in Children's Cancer Hospital-Egypt (CCHE-57357) 2007-2017. RESULTS: The prevalence of pediatric meningioma was 1.42%. Four cases had type 2 neurofibromatosis (NFII). The mean age was 8.19 years. The presence of NFII was associated with challenging multiple lesions, older age of presentation and poorer prognosis and functional outcome. Convexity was the commonest location. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 28 cases, subtotal resection (STR) in 8 cases, and biopsy was decided in 3 patients. Histopathological examination revealed WHO grade I in 16 patients and higher grades in 23 patients (59%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 87.8% while the 5-years event-free survival (EFS) rate was 85.6%. Tumor location, histopathology, and clinical presentation were not statistically correlated to prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric CNS meningiomas are uncommon pediatric tumors but of an aggressive clinical and pathological behaviors as compared to adult meningiomas. The presence of NFII is associated with a poorer prognosis and functional outcomes. Although being challenging, the maximum and safe surgical excision should be exercised even in recurrent cases in order to achieve the best outcome. Adjuvant radiotherapy provides good tumor control for inoperable residual atypical or anaplastic meningiomas.

Treatment and Outcome in 65 Children with Optic Pathway Gliomas.

INTRODUCTION: Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are rare neoplasms in children with an unpredictable clinical course. There is significant controversy regarding the optimal management and outcome of these patients. METHODS: Charts of all patients with OPG diagnosed and treated at Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt between July 2007 and July 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the roles of surgical, ophthalmologic, endocrinologic, neurologic, and treatment aspects of care. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 5.3 years. OPGs were chiasmatic (n = 25), optic nerve (n = 18), hypothalamic (n = 7), and chiasmatic/hypothalamic (n = 7). Extensive involvement of the optic pathway was seen in an additional 8 patients. Twenty cases had neurofibromatosis type 1. Four cases underwent surgical debulking, and 28 were biopsied (16 open, 11 stereotactic, and 1 endoscopic). Nine of the 18 optic nerve tumors were managed by total excision. Twenty-four patients did not undergo any surgical intervention. Forty-five patients received chemotherapy. Histopathology revealed pilocytic (n = 20), pilomyxoid (n = 15), fibrillary astrocytoma (n = 4), and grade I papillary-glioneuronal tumor (n = 1). Nonrepresentative sample (n = 1). The 4-year overall survival rate was 86.3% with mean follow-up period of 32.2 months. CONCLUSION: The initial role of surgery in newly developed OPG is biopsy for tissue diagnosis and relief of the hydrocephalus, if present, followed by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy decreases or stabilizes the tumor size in most cases, leading to preservation of both visual and endocrinal functions. The most significant prognostic factor confirmed in this study was the age of the patient.

Surgical and clinical aspects of cerebellar pilomyxoid-spectrum astrocytomas in children.

BACKGROUND: Cerebellar pilomyxoid astrocytomas (PMAs) and intermediate pilomyxoid astrocytomas (IPAs) are collectively called "pilomyxoid-spectrum astrocytomas (PMSAs)." Cerebellar PMSAs are thought to behave more aggressively than pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs). Our objective is to compare PMSAs to PAs in terms of surgical and clinical profiles. METHODS: This retrospective study included 66 cases (35 males and 31 females) with cerebellar astrocytomas treated between July 2007 and December 2012 at Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE 57357) with a mean age of 7 (±1.5) years. Cases were divided into three subgroups as follows: 44 PAs, 10 IPAs, and 12 PMAs. Comparison between all groups was focusing on brain stem invasion, intrinsic necrotic cavitation, extent of resection, recurrence, leptomeningeal dissemination (LD), metastases, need for CSF diversion, and cerebellar mutism (CM). RESULTS: Cerebellar PMAs and IPAs separately and collectively had higher incidence of brain stem invasion, intrinsic necrotic cavitation, tumor recurrence, and LD when compared to PAs (P < 0.001). Gross total resection was 13.6 % in PMSAs versus 90.9 % in PAs (P < 0.001). PMAs had a higher incidence of tumor recurrence than IPAs (66.7 versus 20 %, P < 0.001). Incidence of recurrence in PAs was 9.1 % in partially resected cases. Mean interval to recurrence was 9 (±1.5) months in PMSAs and 42 (±2) months in PAs. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebellar PMSAs express an aggressive clinical behavior and impose more operative challenges than PAs. These tumors may represent a clinical spectrum-at its benign end lies PA, while PMA lies at the aggressive end, with IPA lying just behind. Such concepts could be used to guide management in the future.

The benefits of navigated intraoperative ultrasonography during resection of fourth ventricular tumors in children.

BACKGROUND: Safe and radical excision of pediatric fourth ventricular tumors is by far the best line of management. Pediatric fourth ventricular tumor surgery is a challenge for neurosurgeons. The aim of the study is to present the authors' experience and to evaluate the possible benefits of neuro-navigated intraoperative ultrasonography (NIOUS) during the surgery of fourth ventricular tumors in children. METHODS: Nonrandomized clinical trial study was conducted on 60 children with fourth ventricular tumors who were treated at Children's Cancer Hospital-Egypt. Mean age was 5.2 (±2.6) years. Thirty cases were operated upon utilizing the conventional microneurosurgical techniques. Another 30 cases were operated upon utilizing the NIOUS technique. RESULTS: Total tumor excision was achieved in 29 cases (96.7%) of NIOUS group versus 24 cases (80%) in the conventional group. Mean operative time NIOUS group was 150 min [standard deviation (SD) = 18.28) versus 140.6 min (SD = 18.6) in the conventional group (p value = 0.055). The mean operative blood loss was 67.5 ml (SD = 17) in NIOUS group versus 71 ml (SD = 15.4) in the conventional group. Postoperative cerebellar mutism occurred in one case (3.3%) of NIOUS group versus in six cases (20%) of the conventional group. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of navigated intraoperative ultrasonography in surgery of pediatric fourth ventricular tumors is a useful technology. It safely monitors maximum stepwise tumor excision. It is associated with less operative morbidity without significantly added operative time. It is a real-time, cost-effective, easily applicable, and easily interpretable tool that could substitute the use of intraoperative MRI especially in pediatric neurosurgery.