Gross Total Resection Of Tumor Research Articles

Resection of Intraventricular Tumors in Children by Purely Endoscopic Means

Neuroendoscopy is increasingly being used in the management of intraventricular brain tumors. The role of endoscopy in diagnostic biopsy is well established. Expansion of these techniques may allow for definitive resection of intraventricular tumors. We report the feasibility and outcomes of endoscopic resection of select intraventricular tumors in children. The clinical characteristics of 11 children with solid intraventricular tumors who underwent tumor resection were reviewed. Twelve procedures were performed. Gross-total resection was achieved in 11 of 12 cases (92%). Maximal tumor diameter ranged from 9 to 26 mm (mean, 16.6 mm). Pathologic results included subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, ependymomas, nongerminomatous germ cell tumors, and pilocytic astrocytomas. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range, 10-109 months). All patients returned to their neurologic baselines after surgery. Local tumor recurrence occurred in 1 patient and distant recurrence in another. In 1 patient, a transitory intraoperative increase of intracranial pressure without clinical implications occurred. There was no permanent morbidity or mortality in this series. Hydrocephalus was present preoperatively in 5 cases and was treated either with tumor removal alone or with an additional endoscopic third ventriculostomy. No patient required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Neuroendoscopic gross-total resection of solid intraventricular tumors is a safe and efficacious procedure in carefully selected pediatric patients.

Extended orbital exenteration for sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension: surgical technique and clinical analysis.

The majority of sinonasal malignancies present with advanced disease, and cure rates are generally poor. Surgical extirpation remains the mainstay of treatment. In cases of sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension, gross-total tumor resection requires orbital exenteration and bony skull base resection around the orbital apex to provide sufficient margins. In this retrospective study, the authors describe their surgical strategy in and technique for orbital exenteration with orbital apex resection in patients at Tokyo Medical and Dental University who had sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension. They also analyzed the clinical features of and the results in these patients. Between February 2001 and August 2012 at the authors' institution, sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension was treated using craniofacial tumor resection with orbital exenteration including skull base bone around the orbital apex. The authors describe this technique and analyze the surgical indications, extent of resection, primary tumor location, outcome, pathological findings, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies of the patients who underwent the technique. The patients consisted of 12 men and 3 women with a mean age of 47.7 years (range 14-79 years). The longest postoperative follow-up was 9.5 years, and the shortest was 0.67 year (mean 3.0 years). Tumor originated at the ethmoid sinus in 6 patients (40%), maxillary sinus in 5 (33%), nasal cavity in 2 (13%), and orbital cavity and maxillary bone in 1 patient each (7%). Histological analysis of tumor specimens revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 9 patients (60%), rhabdomyosarcoma in 2 (13%), and small cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and Ewing sarcoma in 1 patient each (7%). Two patients experienced recurrences at 1 and 5 months after treatment; these patients died at 5 and 10 months after surgery, respectively. Estimated 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 86.7%, and estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 86.2%; there was no perioperative mortality. None of the patients had new neurological deficits as a result of the surgery, but 5 patients suffered infectious complications from the graft transplanted into the cavity after resection. There were no other perioperative complications. These authors are the first to describe a technique for extended orbital exenteration with orbital apex skull base resection. The technique provided sufficient margins for gross-total resection of the sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension. The estimated 5-year OS and RFS rates were high, and the perioperative complication rate was acceptably low, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of this technique.

“Extraoperative” MRI (eoMRI) for Brain Tumor Surgery: Initial Results at a Single Institution

There is accumulating evidence that extent of resection (EOR) in intrinsic brain tumor surgery prolongs overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). One of the strategies to increase EOR is the use of intraoperative MRI (ioMRI); however, considerable infrastructure investment is needed to establish and maintain a sophisticated ioMRI. We report the preliminary results of an extraoperative (eoMRI) protocol, with a focus on safety, feasibility, and EOR in intrinsic brain tumor surgery. Ten patients underwent an eoMRI protocol consisting of surgical resection in a conventional operating room followed by an immediate MRI in a clinical MRI scanner while the patient was still under anesthesia. If findings of the MRI suggested residual safely resectable tumor, the patient was returned to the operating room. A retrospective volumetric analysis was undertaken to investigate the percentage of tumor resected after first resection and if applicable, after further resection. Six of 10 (60%) patients were thought to require no further resection after eoMRI. The EOR in these patients was 97.8% ± 1.8%. In the 4 patients who underwent further resection, the EOR during the original surgery was 88.5% ± 9.5% (P = 0.04). There was an average of 10.1% more tumor removed between the first and second surgery. In 3 of 4 (75%) of patients who returned for further resection, gross total resection of tumor was achieved. An eoMRI protocol appears to be a safe and practical method to ensure maximum safe resections in patients with brain tumors and can be performed readily in all centers with MRI capabilities.

Pediatric intramedullary spinal cord tumors: A single center experience

AimTo evaluate clinical and radiological findings, pathological features and treatment modalities in pediatric patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Patients and methodsThe medical records of 36 patients with intramedullary spinal tumors were reviewed for clinical, radiological and histopathological data, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical resection, treatment responses, events, and final outcome. Survival analyses were performed. ResultsThe median age was 7.9 years (range: 1–16 years; male/female ratio:1.4). Majority of the tumors were histopathologically diagnosed as astrocytomas (n = 16, 44.4%) and ependymomas (n = 19, 52.8%); whereas one was unclassified glioma. Overall, 94% of the astrocytomas and 84% of the ependymomas were low-grade, only three tumors were high-grade. In one patient with ependymoma, histopathological grade was undetermined. The primary tumor was commonly located in thoracic (47%) and cervical segments (28%). All patients had undergone surgery (gross-total resection, 33%; subtotal resection, 45%; biopsy, 22%). Radiotherapy was administered to 26 patients (72%) and chemotherapy to 15 patients (42%). The 3-, 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 72%, 63% and 56%, respectively; and event-free survival rates were 43%, 40% and 40%. Survival did not significantly differ with gender, age groups, lag-time, neurologic status, histopathological tumor type, tumor location, extent of resection, treatment, or treatment responses in univariate survival analyses. Survival rates were significantly higher in patients with low-grade tumors and in ependymoma patients with resected tumors. ConclusionsPatients with low-grade tumors and those who underwent gross-total tumor resection had better prognosis. Surgery remains the main treatment in intramedullary spinal tumors. The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is limited and even controversial in low-grade tumors.

Expanding indications for the extended endoscopic endonasal approach to hypothalamic gliomas: preliminary report.

Object In the last decade the indications for the endoscopic endonasal approach have been progressively expanded to include lesions that have not been traditionally considered amenable to resection through the transsphenoidal route. In this study, the authors analyze their experience with hypothalamic gliomas treated via the endoscopic endonasal approach. Methods Consecutive cases of hypothalamic gliomas treated since 2007 via an endoscopic endonasal approach were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative neuroimaging as well as endocrinological, neurological, and visual symptoms were analyzed to assess the surgical outcome. Signs and symptoms of hypothalamic dysfunction including body mass index (BMI), memory, sleep-wake rhythm, and polyphagia were prospectively collected pre- and postoperatively to assess hypothalamic function. Quality of life was evaluated using the Katz scale. Results In the initial phase the endoscopic endonasal approach was adopted in 3 cases with a palliative intent, to obtain a biopsy sample or for debulking of the mass followed by radio- or chemotherapy. In 2 later cases it was successfully adopted to achieve gross-total tumor resection. Complications consisted of 2 postoperative CSF leaks, which required an endoscopic endonasal reintervention. Visual deficit improved in 3 cases and normalized in the other 2. Four patients developed diabetes insipidus, and 3 an anterior panhypopituitarism. All patients had a moderate increase in BMI. No patients presented with any other signs of hypothalamic damage, and their quality of life at follow-up is normal. Conclusions Despite the limitations of a short follow-up and small sample, the authors' early experience with the endoscopic endonasal approach has revealed it to be a direct, straightforward, and safe approach to third ventricle astrocytomas. It allowed the authors to perform tumor resection with the same microsurgical technique: dissecting the tumor with 2 hands, performing a central debulking, and controlling the bleeding with bipolar coagulation. The main limitations were represented by some anatomical conditions, such as the position of the chiasm and the anterior communicating artery complex and, finally, by the challenge of watertight plastic repair. To definitively evaluate the role of this approach in hypothalamic gliomas, a comparison with transcranial series would be necessary, but due to the rarity of these cases such a study is still lacking. The authors observed that more aggressive surgery is associated with a worse endocrinological outcome; thus they consider it to be an open question (in particular in prepubertal patients) whether radical removal is an advisable goal for hypothalamic gliomas.

The Pterional Port in Dual-Port Endoscopy: A 2D and 3D Cadaveric Study.

Objective We propose a novel dual-port endonasal and pterional endoscopic approach targeting midline lesions of the anterior cranial fossa with lateral extension beyond the optic nerve. Methods Ten dual-port approaches were performed on five cadaveric heads. All specimens underwent an endoscopic transtuberculum/transplanum approach followed by placement of a pterional port. The endonasal port was combined with an endoscopic extradural pterional keyhole craniectomy. The pterional port was placed at the intersection of the sphenoparietal and coronal sutures. The extradural space was explored using two-dimensional and three-dimensional endoscopes. Results The superolateral access provided by the pterional port may improve the ability to achieve a gross total resection of tumors with lateral extensions. The complete opening of the optic canal achieved through the dual-port approach may enable resection of the intracanalicular portion of a tumor, a crucial step in improvement of visual function and reduction of tumor recurrence. Conclusion The pterional port may enhance control of midline anterior skull base lesions with lateral extension beyond the optic nerve and optic canal. Dual-port endoscopy maintains minimally invasiveness and dramatically increases the working limits and control of anatomical structures well beyond what is attainable through single-port neuroendoscopy.

Recurrence after gross-total resection of low-grade pediatric brain tumors: the frequency and timing of postoperative imaging.

Low-grade glial and glioneuronal brain tumors are frequently encountered in the pediatric population and can be effectively treated by resection. The authors aimed to use imaging to evaluate how often tumors recurred and to determine if recurrences were associated with any clinical symptoms, along with the financial costs of imaging, in patients with radiographically proven gross-total resection (GTR) at Boston Children's Hospital. These data were assessed to propose guidelines regarding postoperative surveillance. The authors performed a retrospective cohort analysis of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program database from 1993 to 2003 to identify patients with glial or glioneuronal tumors initially evaluated at Boston Children's Hospital. Among the 888 patients evaluated for any type of brain tumor during this period, 67 patients had WHO Grade I glial or glioneuronal lesions with radiographically proven GTR and available follow-up data. The frequency and timing of postoperative imaging was compared with the institutional protocol. Recurrence-free survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Financial costs of imaging were available from 2001 to 2009 and were averaged to extrapolate the postoperative surveillance costs. Among the 67 patients with GTR, 13 recurrences were detected radiographically with a mean time to recurrence of 32.4 months (range 2.9-128.5 months). The mean duration of follow-up after surgery was 6.6 years. The recurrence-free survival at 2 and 5 years after GTR for all low-grade glial and glioneuronal tumors was 0.90 (95% CI 0.82-0.97) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.73-0.92), respectively. No clinical symptoms were associated with any of the recurrences, and no deaths occurred. Under the institutional protocol of surveillance imaging, the estimated cost per recurrence at 5 years was $104,094 per patient. The proposed protocol would reduce the number of MR scans in the first 5 years from 10 to 5, providing a potential cost savings of $52,047 per recurrence. Given the slow-growing, clinically asymptomatic nature of low-grade glial and glioneuronal tumors coupled with the financial and psychological costs of repeated imaging, the authors propose a postoperative surveillance MRI schedule that is less intensive than current institutional practice.

Facial Nerve Management in Geniculate Ganglion Hemangiomas

Background: Despite increasing clinical experience with geniculate ganglion hemangiomas (GGH), optimal management of the facial nerve (FN) is still debated. We aim to compare results following decompression and subtotal tumor resection (STR) versus gross-total tumor resection (GTR) and nerve grafting with regards to FN and tumor outcomes in patients with GGH. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients with GGH from 1992 to 2012 at a single tertiary care facility. Primary outcome measures include FN function using the House-Brackmann (HB) scale and tumor control as measured by serial MRIs. Results: Six patients met criteria (3M:3F, average age 38). Three patients underwent GTR and interposition grafting of the FN. Three patients underwent FN decompression with nerve preservation. Of these patients, one had GTR and two had STR in place of FN sacrifice. After excision and grafting, two patients continued to have HB grade 6 function and one patient, preoperatively a grade 4, slowly improved postoperatively from grade 6 to grade 5. In contrast, decompression resulted in improvement from HB grade 6 to 3 in one patient and grade 3 to 2 in two patients. There were no recurrences in any patient with radiological follow-up ranging from 3 to 168 months. Conclusion: Decompression and preservation of the FN in patients with GGH resulted in improved postoperative FN function compared with FN sacrifice and interposition graft. No recurrences were seen in either group.

Exophytic Glioma of the Medulla: Presentation, Management and Outcome

Objective: Exophytic gliomas of the medulla are rare childhood tumors that mostly are pilocytic astrocytomas. Here we report our experience in 11 ‑children with this rare tumor. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using the records of children with exophytic gliomas of the medulla at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, from 2002 through 2013. The general, clinical, and radiological data and follow-up of all patients were reviewed. Results: The patients mostly were male aged from 11 months to 7 years. Swallowing problems, failure to thrive and nausea and vomiting were the most common symptoms. The time span between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis was 2-24 months. Gross total resection of tumor was possible in 8 patients. Most tumors were pilocytic astrocytomas. Patients were followed for 2 months to 11 years (mean = 3.6 years). There was no intraoperative mortality. Recurrence occurred in 1 child with fibrillary astrocytoma. Conclusion: Gross total resection of symptomatic dorsal exophytic medullary glioma is recommended. Most tumors are pilocytic astrocytomas. The attachment of these tumors to important brainstem structures usually inhibits total resection. Electrophysiological monitoring of sensorimotor pathways and cranial nerves can be helpful to preserve surrounding neural tissue during tumor resection and to minimize complications. Regular follow-up of patients with clinical examination and brain MRI is mandatory. Repeated surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are suggested in cases with tumor recurrence or progression.

5-ALA fluorescence-assisted surgery in pediatric brain tumors: Report of three cases and review of the literature

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been used for the last 5 years to increase the extent of resection in adult brain tumors, mostly glioblastomas, but it is not approved yet as standard adjuvant treatment in the pediatric population.We report three different cases of pediatric brain tumors (two glioblastomas and one medulloblastoma) recently operated using 5-ALA fluorescence guidance, highlighting how useful it is in pediatric high-grade glioma (but not in medulloblastoma) also and confirming the lack of 5-ALA-related side effects. The first glioma was a recurrent GBM, whilst the second was a primary tumor. In all children, 5-ALA was administrated after discussing its use, including pros and cons, with the parents.5-ALA fluorescence was a very useful tool to better identify tumor tissue and achieve gross-total tumor resection in GBMs, as confirmed by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the medulloblastoma case no useful 5-ALA fluorescence was identified. No hematological or dermatological complications nor other side effects related to use of 5-ALA were observed. We submit that 5-ALA fluorescence guided surgery can be safe and useful in pediatric high-grade glioma, although its use in children still remains an off-label indication and requires validation through larger studies.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for suprasellar meningiomas: experience with 75 patients

Following the introduction of the neurosurgical microscope, the outcomes in suprasellar meningioma surgery were dramatically improved. More recently, the neurosurgical endoscope has been introduced as a visualization option during removal of skull base tumors, both transcranially and endonasally. The authors retrospectively reviewed the effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) in the management of suprasellar meningiomas. Between 2002 and 2011, 75 patients (81.3% female) with suprasellar meningiomas underwent EES at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The authors present the results of EES and analyze the resection rates, visual outcome, and complications. Seventy-one patients presented with primary tumors, whereas 4 were previously treated elsewhere. Their mean age was 57.3 years (range 36-88 years), and most patients presented with visual loss (81.3%). Tumors occupied the tuberculum sellae (86.7%) and planum sphenoidale (50.7%), with extension into the optic canals in 26.7% (unilateral in 21.3% and bilateral in 5.3%) and the pituitary fossa (9.3%). Gross-total tumor resection (Simpson Grade I) was achieved in 76% of the cases in the whole cohort and in 81.4% of the patients in whom it was the goal of surgery. Tumor location and extension into the optic canals was not a limitation for total resection. Tumor size, configuration, and vascular encasement were significant factors that influenced the degree of resection (p < 0.0001). Vision was improved or normalized in 85.7% of the cases. Visual deterioration following EES occurred in 2 patients (3.6%). Complications included postoperative CSF leaks (25.3% overall, 16.1% in recent years) resulting in meningitis in 4 cases. One patient had an intraoperative injury of the artery of Heubner resulting in associated neurological deficit. Another elderly patient died within 1 month after EES due to cerebral vasospasm and multisystem impairment. No patient developed postoperative cerebral contusions, hemorrhage, or seizures. During a mean follow-up period of 29 months (range 1-98 months), 4 patients have shown recurrence, but only 1 required repeat EES. With the goal of gross-total tumor resection and visual improvement, EES can achieve very good results, (comparable to microscopic approaches) for the treatment of suprasellar meningiomas. Avoidance of brain and optic nerve retraction, preservation of the vascularization of the optic apparatus, and wide decompression of the optic canals are the main advantages of EES for the treatment of suprasellar meningiomas, while CSF leaks remain a disadvantage.

In vivo visualization of GL261-luc2 mouse glioma cells by use of Alexa Fluor–labeled TRP-2 antibodies

For patients with glioblastoma multiforme, median survival time is approximately 14 months. Longer progression-free and overall survival times correlate with gross-total resection of tumor. The ability to identify tumor cells intraoperatively could result in an increased percentage of tumor resected and thus increased patient survival times. Available labeling methods rely on metabolic activity of tumor cells; thus, they are more robust in high-grade tumors, and their utility in low-grade tumors and metastatic tumors is not clear. The authors demonstrate intraoperative identification of tumor cells by using labeled tumor-specific antibodies. GL261 mouse glioma cells exhibit high expression of a membrane-bound protein called second tyrosinase-related protein (TRP-2). The authors used these cells to establish an intracranial, immunocompetent model of malignant glioma. Antibodies to TRP-2 were labeled by using Alexa Fluor 488 fluorescent dye and injected into the tail vein of albino C57BL/6 mice. After 24 hours, a craniotomy was performed and the tissue was examined in vivo by using an Optiscan 5.1 handheld portable confocal fiber-optic microscope. Tissue was examined ex vivo by using a Pascal 5 scanning confocal microscope. Labeled tumor cells were visible in vivo and ex vivo under the respective microscopes. Fluorescently labeled tumor-specific antibodies are capable of binding and identifying tumor cells in vivo, accurately and specifically. The development of labeled markers for the identification of brain tumors will facilitate the use of intraoperative fluorescence microscopy as a tool for increasing the extent of resection of a broad variety of intracranial tumors.

Translabyrinthine resection of neurofibromatosis type 2 associated vestibular and facial schwannomas, repair of facial nerve, and placement of auditory brainstem implant

We present video of gross-total resection of a large cerebellopontine angle tumor consisting of both vestibular and facial schwannoma components via the translabyrinthine route in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2. The facial nerve is reconstructed using a greater auricular nerve graft, and an auditory brainstem implant is placed. Prior to surgery the patient had no facial nerve function on the operative side and had lost useful hearing. He also had usable vision only on the ipsilateral side and had contralateral vocal cord paralysis. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/IOkEND-0vhI .

Delayed Distant Spinal Metastasis in Thymomas

A case report. To demonstrate 2 cases of delayed distant spinal metastasis from a thymoma with comprehensive immunohisto-chemical analysis. Thymoma is a rare slow-growing cancer arising in the mediastinum. Thymomas usually grow invasively into surrounding structures. Distal spinal metastasis is uncommon. To date, only 4 cases with histological verification have been described. Patient 1: A 42-year-old female complained about back pain for 4 years. She underwent gross-total resection of a type B2 thymoma 8 years earlier without adjuvant therapy. Neurological examination revealed no deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intraspinal extradural tumor at the level of L4-S1 with infiltration of vertebral body L5. A nearly total resection was performed via a partial L4 and L5 hemilaminectomy.Patient 2: A 62-year-old female was referred with segmental thoracic pain. She underwent a total of 6 surgical procedures for resection of a thymic carcinoma during a period of 13 years with a subsequently local radiation therapy and various chemotherapy cycles. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intraspinal extradural tumor at the level of T9-T10 with infiltration of vertebral body T9-T10. A gross-total tumor resection was performed via a costotransversectomy and facetectomy T9-T10. Patient 1: The tumor cells were strongly positive for AE1/3- and CK5/14-specific antibodies. Most of the immature T-cells expressed CD3. CD1a, CD5, and TdT expression was observed in a smaller portion. The findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a spinal metastasis of the known type B2 thymoma.Patient 2: The tumor cells were CK5/14 and CK19/20 positive. Only the infiltrating lymphocytes were labeled with CD3-specific antibodies. Histopathological findings revealed a metastasis of a previously resected well-differentiated thymus carcinoma. We recommend surgical resection because metastasis of thymoma may infiltrate nerve roots and compress the spinal cord. A multidisciplinary approach is required to manage long-term sequelae.

Recurrence and histological evolution of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor: A case report and review of the literature

Studies of recurrent dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are distinctly rare. The present study reports the case of a 15-year-old female with a temporal lobe DNT, which recurred and transformed into an astrocytoma (WHO grade II) five years after an initial gross total resection (GTR). Furthermore, all the previous studies on recurrent DNT are reviewed. Although the majority of DNT cases demonstrate benign behavior, recurrent DNTs have been observed following a GTR of the tumor. Patients do not appear to benefit from post-operative adjuvant therapy, and inappropriate radiotherapy or chemotherapy may result in tumor recurrence or malignant transformation. The prognosis is favorable if a GTR of the recurrent tumor is achieved. The use of regular imaging examinations and the maintenance of a long-term follow-up is of importance following a tumor resection.

Seizure outcomes of lesionectomy in pediatric lesional epilepsy with brain tumor – Single institute experience

PurposeTo determine the clinical characteristics, surgical strategy, and outcome in pediatric lesional epilepsy patients younger than 5years of age undergoing surgery in a single institute. MethodRetrospective data were collected and analyzed on patients younger than 5years of age who underwent lesionectomy for lesional epilepsy at single institute from January 2001 to August 2010. Fourteen pediatric lesional epilepsy patients were enrolled in this study. Engel classification was used to classify seizure outcome. ResultsMedian preoperative seizure period was 1month (range, 1–21). Median post-operative follow up period was 35months (range 13–84). Ten patients who underwent gross total resection of tumor showed Engel class Ia seizure outcome without any antiepileptic drug (AED). Subtotal resection was performed in four patients to avoid eloquent area injury. Two of these four patients with subtotal removal became seizure-free (Engel class Ia) without AED, while two were in Engel class Ib with AED medication. There was no significant surgical morbidity or mortality. ConclusionLesionectomy in children younger than 5years of age is relatively safe and effective in controlling seizures. Short preoperative seizure periods and total removal of tumor might be associated with good outcome. Therefore, early and complete lesionectomy alone may help allow for seizure freedom and optimal brain development in pediatric patients.

Neuroimaging characteristics and growth pattern on magnetic resonance imaging in a 52-year-old man presenting with pituicytoma: a case report

IntroductionPituicytoma is a rare neoplasm of the neurohypophysis. To the best of our knowledge there have been no reports of pituicytoma in which long-term magnetic resonance imaging observation was performed. We calculated the doubling time of the tumor volume and described the growth pattern of a pituicytoma.Case presentationA 52-year-old Japanese man with a history of decreased libido was found to have a sellar and suprasellar mass. He underwent transsphenoidal surgery, but only a small specimen was obtained because of intraoperative bleeding. The tentative histological diagnosis was schwannoma. He noticed bitemporal hemianopsia 7 years later. A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a tumor volume doubling time of 3830 days. Transcranial gross-total tumor resection was performed. The lesion consisted of elongated and plump tumor cells that were arranged in a fascicular or storiform pattern and were positive for S-100 protein and focally positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein. The final histological diagnosis was pituicytoma.ConclusionPituicytoma is a slow-growing tumor, but the growth rate may change during follow-up.

Supratentorial dural-based haemangioblastoma in a Native American patient without Von Hippel Lindau Syndrome.

We report the case of a forty-nine year-old Native American female who presented with two-month history of headaches and unsteady gait. MRI brain showed a 6.5 cm by 5 cm enhancing dural-based mass with leftward midline shift. She was taken to the operating room for gross-total tumor resection. Pathology was supratentorial haemangioblastoma. This is the first known case of a supratentorial dural-based haemangioblastoma in a person of Native American descent. We review the literature and describe the unique characteristics of this tumor.

Endoscopic skull base surgery and its impact on sinonasal‐related quality of life

Endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) is considered a minimally-invasive surgical modality with less morbidity and patient discomfort. Quality-of-life (QOL) assessments provide a patient-reported estimate of well-being that may be clinically relevant. Although the sinonasal tract is integral to ESBS, the change in sinonasal-related QOL with ESBS has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess QOL before and after ESBS using validated outcome measures. Consecutive adult patients undergoing ESBS for anterior skull base lesions were prospectively enrolled from a tertiary referral center. Each patient was asked to complete the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and the Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire (ASBQ) preoperatively, and again at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Eighty-five patients were included for study, 44.7% of whom underwent ESBS for nonpituitary pathology. Mean SNOT-22 scores transiently worsened in the early postoperative period, and significantly improved at 1 year after surgery (p < 0.01). Gross-total tumor resection and use of autologous grafting materials were associated with improved SNOT-22 scores at later time points (p < 0.05). Type of reconstruction, tumor pathology, and functionality did not affect QOL scores. Correlation between SNOT-22 and ASBQ scores was good at all time points (r < -0.50). Cerebrospinal fluid leak and other complications were uncommon. ESBS does not have a detrimental long-term effect and is associated with ultimate improvement in sinonasal-related QOL. Short-term impairments of sinonasal-related QOL are predictable and self-limited. Prospective assessment using sinonasal-related and site-specific QOL instruments provide complementary information about ESBS outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of concomitant chemotherapeutic wafers and iodine-125 seeds for recurrent glioblastoma

Background:Patients with recurrent malignant gliomas have a uniformly poor prognosis. However, further treatment is often warranted at the time of recurrence. Low-activity implanted brachytherapeutic devices, such as iodine-125 seeds, and implantable chemotherapeutic devices such as 1, 3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-nitrosourea (BCNU) impregnated polymer wafers (Gliadel®) have been shown to be safe and modestly effective, but a comparison of combination therapy versus Gliadel® implantation alone has not been performed.Methods:We retrospectively examined 24 patients following re-resection of recurrent glioblastoma, with 17 patients undergoing implantation of both Gliadel® and iodine-125 seeds, and 7 patients undergoing implantation of Gliadel® only. Outcomes examined included adverse events, survival after re-resection (SAR), and time to tumor progression after re-resection (PAR).Results:Implantation of both Gliadel® and low activity iodine-125 seeds is safe with only two wound infections noted, a complication rate comparable to previous reports. The combination appears to confer a median SAR benefit if the activity per tumor resection volume exceeds 0.8 mCi/mL (60 versus 31 weeks, P = 0.02), and this benefit remained significant on multivariate analysis (HR =0.26 [CI:0.07-0.93], P = 0.03). Gross total resection of tumor was also significantly associated with longer time to PAR (HR =5.4 [CI: 1.13-26.0], P = 0.03).Conclusions:The concomitant use of Gliadel® and low activity iodine-125 seeds following re-resection of recurrent glioblastoma is safe. Our study demonstrated a significant benefit in SAR if the iodine-125 activity per tumor volume is greater than 0.8 mCi/mL. While our sample size is small, our results are in agreement with previous studies demonstrating the efficacy of combination treatment.