Parenchymal Brain Tumors Research Articles

Endoport-Guided Endoscopic Excision of Intraaxial Brain Tumors.

Transcortical approaches using a spatula-based retraction system have traditionally been used for the microsurgical resection of deep-seated intraventricular and parenchymal brain tumors. Recently, transparent cylindrical or tubular retractors have been developed to provide a stable corridor to access deeper brain lesions and perform bimanual microsurgical resection. The flexible endoports minimize brain retraction injury during surgery and, along with the superior vision of endoscopes, offer several advantages over standard microsurgery. In this chapter, we describe the surgical technique of the endoport-guided endoscopic excision of deep-seated intraaxial brain tumors. The endoscopic endoport technique that we use at our institution for the surgical management of intraventricular and intraparenchymal brain tumors has been described in detail with illustrative cases. Results from the literature review of intraventricular and intraparenchymal port surgery were analyzed, and the feasibility and safety of this technique were discussed. Surgical complication avoidance and management were highlighted. The port technique offers numerous potential advantages, including (1) reducing focal brain injury by distributing retraction forces homogenously, (2) minimizing white matter disruption and the risk of fascicle injury during cannulation, (3) ensuring the stability of the surgical corridor during the procedure, (4) preventing inadvertent expansion of the corticectomy and white fiber tract dissection throughout surgery, and (5) protecting the surrounding tissues against iatrogenic injuries caused by instrument entry and reentry. The endoport-assisted endoscopic technique is safe and offers an effective alternative option for the resection of intraventricular and intraparenchymal lesions.

Secondary dystonia following parenchymal brain tumors

BackgroundSecondary dystonia has been associated with diverse etiologies. Dystonia associated with brain tumors has not been well characterized. ObjectivesTo characterize dystonia and relationship with parenchymal brain tumors. MethodsWe present six patients (1.03%) with dystonia related to parenchymal brain tumors, among 580 screened cases. ResultsContralateral hemidystonia was observed in four cases, followed by focal limb (n = 1) and cervical dystonia (n = 1). Dystonia presented during the phase of tumor growth in four cases, and following tumor treatment in two, one case had re-emergent dystonia. Tumors were low-grade (WHO I or II) and located in the basal ganglia (n = 3), cortical areas (n = 2), thalamus (n = 1) and cerebral peduncle (n = 1). ConclusionsSecondary dystonia may be caused by brain tumors in diverse locations including basal ganglia, cortex and thalamus. It may be the presenting symptom of brain tumor or follow surgical resection combined with ancillary therapy.

Status epilepticus after intracranial neurosurgery: incidence and risk stratification by perioperative clinical features.

Status epilepticus (SE) is associated with significant mortality, cost, and risk of future seizures. In one of the first studies of SE after neurosurgery, the authors assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of postneurosurgical SE (PNSE). Neurosurgical admissions from the MarketScan Claims and Encounters database (2007 through 2015) were assessed in a longitudinal cross-sectional sample of privately insured patients who underwent qualifying cranial procedures in the US and were older than 18 years of age. The incidence of early (in-hospital) and late (postdischarge readmission) SE and associated mortality was assessed. Procedural, pathological, demographic, and anatomical covariates parameterized multivariable logistic regression and Cox models. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to study the incidence of early and late PNSE. A risk-stratification simulation was performed, combining individual predictors into singular risk estimates. A total of 197,218 admissions (218,217 procedures) were identified. Early PNSE occurred during 637 (0.32%) of 197,218 admissions for cranial neurosurgical procedures. A total of 1045 (0.56%) cases of late PNSE were identified after 187,771 procedure admissions with nonhospice postdischarge follow-up. After correction for comorbidities, craniotomy for trauma, hematoma, or elevated intracranial pressure was associated with increased risk of early PNSE (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.538, 95% CI 1.183-1.999). Craniotomy for meningioma resection was associated with an increased risk of early PNSE compared with resection of metastases and parenchymal primary brain tumors (aOR 2.701, 95% CI 1.388-5.255). Craniotomies for infection or abscess (aHR 1.447, 95% CI 1.016-2.061) and CSF diversion (aHR 1.307, 95% CI 1.076-1.587) were associated with highest risk of late PNSE. Use of continuous electroencephalography in patients with early (p < 0.005) and late (p < 0.001) PNSE rose significantly over the study time period. The simulation regression model predicted that patients at high risk for early PNSE experienced a 1.10% event rate compared with those at low risk (0.07%). Similarly, patients predicted to be at highest risk for late PNSE were significantly more likely to eventually develop late PNSE than those at lowest risk (HR 54.16, 95% CI 24.99-104.80). Occurrence of early and late PNSE was associated with discrete neurosurgical pathologies and increased mortality. These data provide a framework for prospective validation of clinical and perioperative risk factors and indicate patients for heightened diagnostic suspicion of PNSE.

A Rare ıntracranial Mass of Childhood; Menengioma

Meningioma is the most common extra parenchymal brain tumor in adults, originating from arachnoid cap cells in the brain, and is very rare in childhood. As pediatric meningiomas are rare, they have different and challenging epidemiological, radiological, and histopathological features than adults. We aimed to share a very rare case of meningioma in a 7-year-old girl presenting with sudden vision loss and seizures in the light of the literature.

Elastic Fusion Enables Fusion of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data with Preoperative Neuronavigation Data

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) has been shown to optimize the extent of resection of parenchymal brain tumors. To facilitate the use of preoperative treatment plans after an intraoperative navigation update via iMRI, an elastic image fusion (EIF) algorithm was developed. Ten MRI-iMRI data pairs of patients with brain tumor were evaluated and typical anatomic landmarks were assessed. The pre- and iMRI scans were elastically fused by using a prototype EIF software (Elements Virtual iMRI [Brainlab AG]). For each landmark pair, the Euclidean distance was calculated for rigidly and elastically fused image data. The Euclidean distance was 2.67 ± 2.62 mm using standard rigid image fusion and 1.8 ± 1.57 mm using our EIF algorithm (P= 0.005). For landmarks near the resected lesion, which were subject to higher anatomic distortion, the Euclidian distances were 4.38 ± 2.51 and 2.52 ± 1.9 mm (P= 0.003). This feasibility study shows that EIF can compensate for surgery-related brain shift in a highly significant manner even in this small number of cases. The establishment of an easy applicable and reliable EIF tool integrated in the clinical workflow could open a large variety of new options for image-guided tumor surgery.

Pure Endoscopic Excision of Parenchymal Brain Tumors: Feasibilty, Risks, Advantages and Realities - A Beginners Perspective

Abstract Background Neuroendoscopy is gaining popularity and is reaching new realms. Young neurosurgeons are exploring the various possibilities associated with the use of neuroendoscopy. Neuroendoscopy in excision of parenchymal brain tumors is less explored, and young neurosurgeons should be aware of the realities. The present article is an approach to put forward the difficulties faced by a young neurosurgeon and the lessons learnt. Objective To report the experience of surgical excision of parenchymal brain tumors, in selected cases, using pure endoscopic approach and to discuss its feasibility, technical benefits, risks and comparison with conventional microscopic excision. Method Eight patients of variable age group with parenchymal brain tumors were operated upon by a single surgeon and followed up for a period varying from 6 months to 2 years. Data regarding operating time, illumination, clarity of the field, size of craniotomy, blood loss and course of recovery was evaluated. All of the tumors were resected using rigid high definition zero and 30° endoscope. Results Out of eight cases, seven had lesions in the supratentorial and one in the infratentorial location. The age group ranged from 27 to 74 years old. Near to gross total resection was achieved in all except two cases. All of the patients recovered well without any significant morbidity or mortality. Hospital stay was reduced by 1 day on average. Conclusion Excision of parenchymal brain tumors via pure endoscopic method is a safe and efficient procedure. Although there is an initial period of learning curve, it is not steep for those already practicing neuroendoscopy, but the approach has its advantages.

Effect of an additional neurosurgical resident on procedure length, operating room time, estimated blood loss, and post-operative length-of-stay

Introduction: Neurosurgical residency training is costly, with expenses largely borne by the academic institutions that train residents. One expense is increased operative duration, which leads to poorer patient outcomes. Although other studies have assessed the effect of one resident assisting, none have investigated two residents; thus, we sought to investigate if two residents versus one scrubbed-in impacted operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and length-of-stay (LOS).Methods: In this retrospective review of patients who underwent a neurosurgical procedure involving one or two residents between January 2013 and April 2016, we performed multivariable linear regression to determine if there was an association between resident participation and case length, operating room time, EBL, and LOS. We also included patient demographics, attending surgeon, day of the week, start time, pre-operative LOS, procedure performed, and other variables in our model. Only procedures performed at least 40 times during the study period were analyzed.Results: Of 860 procedures that met study criteria, 492 operations were one of six procedures performed at least 40 times, which were anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion, CSF shunt revision, lumbar laminectomy, intracranial hematoma evacuation, and non-skull base, supratentorial parenchymal brain tumor resection. An additional resident was associated with a 35.1-min decrease (p = .01) in operative duration for lumbar laminectomies. However, for intracranial hematoma evacuations, an extra resident was associated with a 24.1 min increase (p = .03) in procedural length. There were no significant differences observed in the other four surgeries.Conclusion: An additional resident may lengthen duration of intracranial hematoma evacuations. However, two residents scrubbed-in were associated with decreased lumbar laminectomy duration. Overall, an extra resident does not increase procedural duration, total operating room utilization, EBL, or post-operative LOS. Allowing two residents to scrub in may be a safe and cost-effective method of educating neurosurgical residents.

Intraoperative monitoring of motor-evoked potential for parenchymal brain tumor removal: An analysis of false-negative cases

Transcranial motor-evoked potential (tc-MEP) monitoring is unreliable for brain tumor removal due to its low sensitivity. According to previous literature, this is because transcranial stimulation seems to reach the deep pyramidal tract beyond the operation point and may thus yield false-negative results, where, although MEP recording is stable, postoperative motor deficits are encountered. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the causes for the false-negative results and investigate whether decreasing the stimulation intensity better reflects the operation point and can improve the sensitivity during parenchymal brain tumor removal. We assessed 122 patients with parenchymal brain and intraventricular tumors, who underwent surgery under tc-MEP monitoring in our hospital between 2011 and 2014. In these patients, the stimulation intensity was fixed at 200 mA. We detected 11 false-negative cases, while the sensitivity of tc-MEP monitoring was 33.9% and the specificity was 99.0%. Between 2015 and 2016, we examined 68 patients with parenchymal brain tumors, in whom the stimulation intensity was reduced to an average of 136.5 mA. Only one case was false-negative, while the sensitivity increased to 83.3% and the specificity was 98.4%. From these results, we conclude that the intensity of tc-MEP stimulation should be minimal to precisely reflect the damage to the operated location. Tc-MEP can be an easy and reliable monitor in brain tumor surgery when used at proper, lower intensity.

Remote effects in the ipsilateral thalamus and/or contralateral cerebellar hemisphere using FDG PET in patients with brain tumors.

To evaluate reduced metabolism in the ipsilateral thalamus (TH) and/or contralateral cerebellum (CE) according to tumor localization and cortical metabolism around the tumor in patients with brain tumors based on FDG uptake. This study investigated 48 consecutive patients with solitary cerebral hemisphere parenchymal brain tumors who underwent PET/CT and MRI. Patients were divided into 4 groups (A: reduced uptake in ipsilateral TH and contralateral CE, B: reduced uptake in ipsilateral TH only, C: reduced uptake in contralateral CE only, and D: no reduced uptake in ipsilateral TH or contralateral CE). FDG uptake and MRI findings were compared among these groups. Of 48 patients, group A included 24 (50%), group B included 10 (21%), group C included 0, and group D included 14 (29%). No significant tendencies were observed between the groups regarding tumor localization. However, reduced cortical metabolism around the tumor was observed in 22 patients in group A, 7 patients in group B, and 1 patient in group D. All patients in group B showed reduced metabolism from around the tumor up to the ipsilateral TH. Reduced FDG uptake in ipsilateral TH and contralateral CE usually occur simultaneously in patients with solitary brain tumors.

Intracranial primitive neuroectodermal tumor in a child previously treated for Ewing sarcoma

A case of surgically resected solitary parenchymal brain tumor in a 13-year-old girl, who was treated 18 months ago with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cervical vertebral Ewing sarcoma is presented. The intracranial primitive neuroectodermal tumor was detected after admission for severe headache. No other metastasis or recurrences were encountered following 14 months after brain surgery. The authors discuss whether this parenchymal brain tumor was a metastasis or a second primary Ewing sarcoma/ primitive neuroectodermal tumor.

Launch of Neuro-Oncology Practice.

Launch of Neuro-Oncology Practice.

Phase II clinical study on intraoperative photodynamic therapy with talaporfin sodium and semiconductor laser in patients with malignant brain tumors

The objective of the present study was to perform a prospective evaluation of the potential efficacy and safety of intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) using talaporfin sodium and irradiation using a 664-nm semiconductor laser in patients with primary malignant parenchymal brain tumors. In 27 patients with suspected newly diagnosed or recurrent primary malignant parenchymal brain tumors, a single intravenous injection of talaporfin sodium (40 mg/m(2)) was administered 1 day before resection of the neoplasm. The next day after completion of the tumor removal, the residual lesion and/or resection cavity were irradiated using a 664-nm semiconductor laser with a radiation power density of 150 mW/cm(2) and a radiation energy density of 27 J/cm(2). The procedure was performed 22-27 hours after drug administration. The study cohort included 22 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of primary malignant parenchymal brain tumor. Thirteen of these neoplasms (59.1%) were newly diagnosed glioblastomas multiforme (GBM). Among all 22 patients included in the study cohort, the 12-month overall survival (OS), 6-month progression-free survival (PFS), and 6-month local PFS rates after surgery and PDT were 95.5%, 91%, and 91%, respectively. Among patients with newly diagnosed GBMs, all these parameters were 100%. Side effects on the skin, which could be attributable to the administration of talaporfin sodium, were noted in 7.4% of patients and included rash (2 cases), blister (1 case), and erythema (1 case). Skin photosensitivity test results were relatively mild and fully disappeared within 15 days after administration of photosensitizer in all patients. Intraoperative PDT using talaporfin sodium and a semiconductor laser may be considered as a potentially effective and sufficiently safe option for adjuvant management of primary malignant parenchymal brain tumors. The inclusion of intraoperative PDT in a combined treatment strategy may have a positive impact on OS and local tumor control, particularly in patients with newly diagnosed GBMs. Clinical trial registration no.: JMA-IIA00026 (https://dbcentre3.jmacct.med.or.jp/jmactr/App/JMACTRS06/JMACTRS06.aspx?seqno=862).

Enhancement in a brain glioma model: A comparison of half‐dose gadobenate dimeglumine versus full‐dose gadopentetate dimeglumine at 1.5 and 3 T

To examine dose reduction comparing enhancement with full-dose gadopentetate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol/kg) to half-dose gadobenate dimeglumine in a rat brain glioma model. Intra-axial parenchymal brain tumors were implanted in 17 experimental animals. The 13 surviving animals were imaged at 1.5 or 3 T. Either gadopentetate dimeglumine or gadobenate dimeglumine was injected in random order on consecutive days. Tumor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and contrast enhancement (CE) for each agent were obtained with region of interest analyses and compared. Lesions were confirmed histopathologically. Statistically significantly lower SNR, CNR, and CE parameters were found at both 1.5 and 3 T with half-dose gadobenate dimeglumine relative to full-dose gadopentetate dimeglumine (P < 0.05). SNR on average at 3 T was 70.0 ± 14.4 for gadopentetate dimeglumine and 57.0 0 ± 4.8 for gadobenate dimeglumine (P < 0.02). Improved r1 relaxivity with gadobenate dimeglumine does not produce adequate half-dose contrast-enhancement relative to full-dose gadopentetate dimeglumine.

Resistance to Two Heterologous Neurotropic Oncolytic Viruses, Semliki Forest Virus and Vaccinia Virus, in Experimental Glioma

Attenuated Semliki Forest virus (SFV) may be suitable for targeting malignant glioma due to its natural neurotropism, but its replication in brain tumor cells may be restricted by innate antiviral defenses. We attempted to facilitate SFV replication in glioma cells by combining it with vaccinia virus, which is capable of antagonizing such defenses. Surprisingly, we found parenchymal mouse brain tumors to be refractory to both viruses. Also, vaccinia virus appears to be sensitive to SFV-induced antiviral interference.

Clinical Application of Susceptibility Weighted Imaging: Exploring from Routine Service

To evaluate the usefulness of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in clinical brain MRI. Retrospective study was performed after approval from institution Ethical Committee. The brain MRIs with SWI were selected from data base of the radiology department. Only cases with no abnormality in extra-axial location were included into the study. Two neuroradiologists revealed the images without knowledge of patients' history and diagnosis. The SWI was first interpreted. Then conventional MRI (cMRI) was interpreted after finishing data collection from SWI. Clinical data and final diagnosis were collected from information given on requested forms and followed up imaging studies. Descriptive analysis was performed. From January 2007 to December 2009, 82 cases were satisfied the inclusion criteria. There were 40 males and 42 females with age 7-79 years old (means = 47.45). The final diagnosis were normal brain imaging 4 cases (4.9%), dementia/atypical Parkinson disease 2 cases (2.4%), cerebrovascular disease 24 cases (29.3%), parenchymal brain tumors 35 cases (42.7%), infection 4 cases (4.9%), multiple sclerosis (MS) 6 cases (7.3%) and inconclusive diagnosis 7 cases (8.5%). The abnormalities found on SWI were related to cMRI in 67 cases (81.7%). Three cases (3.7%) had lesions on SWI not demonstrated on cMRI. The information got from SWI added on cMRI for interpretation and diagnosis in 43 cases (52.4%). SWI were shown more detectable microbleed and changing visualization of cortical and transmedullary veins. Microvascular structure inside the mass was demonstrated on SWI in brain tumor group. The increased transmedullary veins on SWI helped to confirm the non-neoplastic lesions. In selected cases with suspected or diagnosis of vascular disease and tumor, SWI added more information on cMRI especially microbleed and microvascular structure.

Intracerebellar Granulocytic Sarcoma Presenting as a First Manifestation of Relapse in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) During Imatinib Mesylate Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Abstract 4289 IntroductionGranulocytic sarcoma (GS) is an unusual solid tumor of extramedullary localization consisting of immature granulocytic precursors. It is mostly encountered in the course of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative disorders, with an estimated incidence of 7.9% in CML (Terjanian et al). GS can occur before, concomitantly, or after the overt development of these hematologic disorders. Most common localizations are lymph nodes, bones, skin and soft tissues, but there is paucity of published data of isolated intracranial GS manifesting as relapse in CML. Case reportA 34-year-old male with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) CML diagnosed in August 2005 in the chronic phase of the disease. After initiation of imatinib therapy at doses of 400 mg/d he achieved complete hematologic, cytogenetic and molecular responses. He remained in clinical remission for 3 years when he presented with bifrontal headache and dizziness. Physical exam revealed no abnormalities. Peripheral blood count showed WBC 9,200/mm3 with normal differential and no immature forms, platelet 180,000/mm3, and hemoglobin 14.4 g/dl. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a 3.8 cm enhancing mass lesion within the left cerebellar hemisphere. He underwent posterior fossa exploration with resection of the solid tumor. Microscopic examination of the cerebellar mass demonstrated a diffuse cellular infiltrate of atypical mononuclear cells with high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios and fine, immature chromatin, consistent with blasts. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that the majority of the cells in the specimen were composed of blasts which coexpressed the CD33 and CD4 markers. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis on the cerebellar tissue detected the presence of BCR/ABL rearrangement in 60% of nuclei. Taken together, the morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features are diagnostic of a myeloid sarcoma representing transformation of chronic myeloid leukemia. DiscussionA literature search was performed to identify all cases of intracranial GS in patients with diagnosis of CML reported in medical literature. Only 3 cases were identified in the literature to date. This case appears to be the first described in the imatinib mesylate era. Table 1 summarizes the clinical data of these previously recorded cases and the present case.Table 1Case no.ReferenceAge / sexGS locationCML Status (systemic)No. years since DxPrior therapiesOutcome1Simpson et al, 198951 FLeft parietal lobeRelapse2.5-Hydroxyurea, busulfan, α-interferonAlive 4 months after cranial RT with no evidence of blastic transformation2Mahendra et al, 199440 MRight frontal lobeRelapse8.5-Busulfan, hydroxyurea -Allogeneic SCTDied 3.8 months after his allograft3Grondin et al, 199631 MMultiple brain nodulesRelapse1.5-HydroxyureaAlive immediately after whole brain RT with near complete resolution of brain lesions4Present case report34 MLeft cerebellar hemisphereRemission3.3-Imatinib mesylateDied 7 months after dx of intracranial relapse. Subsequent to tumor resection and posterior fossa RT, patient achieved a non-durable response, ultimately developing cerebellar and leptomeningeal relapsesAbbreviations: CML: chronic myelogenous leukemia, Dx: diagnoses, GS: granulocytic sarcoma, RT radiotherapy, SCT: stem cell transplantPharmacokinetic analyses (Pfeifer et al, Leis at al, Wolff et al) have demonstrated that imatinib poorly penetrates the blood–brain barrier, with resultant CNS drug levels significantly lower than corresponding plasma levels. Measured CSF levels were below the concentration required for 50% inhibition of the BCR–ABL tyrosine kinase activity, suggesting that Ph+ leukemic patients treated with this selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor are at high risk of CNS relapse even in the setting of complete remission of systemic disease.This case illustrates an unusual site of recurrence of CML. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a granulocytic sarcoma presenting as a solitary parenchymal brain tumor in a patient receiving imatinib for CML. Noticeably, CNS relapse occurred despite lack of systemic evidence of disease. As described in human and animal model studies this may be the result of effective systemic antileukemic activity of imatinib therapy, but with limited activity in the CNS. Poor penetration of imatinib into the cerebrospinal fluid may allow the CNS to become a sanctuary reservoir for relapse of Ph+ CML. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Coincidence of central neurocytoma and multiple glioblastomas: a rare case report

Coincidence of parenchymal primary brain tumors of different histogenesis is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, the present case of simultaneous appearance of a central neurocytoma and multiple glioblastomas is the first to be reported. Multiple intraaxial brain neoplasms were disclosed in a 39-year-old man and were surgically resected. Histological diagnosis of the tumor located in the right lateral ventricle was central neurocytoma whereas two tumors of the left temporal lobe were glioblastomas. The latter were located in close proximity to the subarachnoid space, had atypical radiological appearance, and were slightly positive for synaptophysin and neurofilament protein. It can be speculated that both malignant neoplasms were, in fact, dedifferentiated central neurocytoma, which developed from distant tumor deposits. This case seems to be in agreement with the hypothesis that central neurocytoma arises from the progenitor cells with potential for both neuronal and glial differentiation. Better understanding of histogenesis of this tumor is definitely needed.

Advanced Computer-aided Intraoperative Technologies for Information-guided Surgical Management of Gliomas: Tokyo Women's Medical University Experience

The availability of the intraoperative MRI and real-time neuronavigation has dramatically changed the principles of surgery for gliomas. Current intraoperative computer-aided technologies permit perfect localization of the neoplasm, precise estimation of its volume, and clear definition of its interrelationships with the eloquent brain structures. This allows maximal tumor resection with minimal risk of postoperative disabilities. Under such conditions the medical treatment has become significantly dependent on the quality of the provided information and can be designated as information-guided management. Therefore, appropriate management of the wide spectrum of the intraoperative medical data and its adequate distribution between members of the surgical team for facilitation of the clinical decision-making is very important for attainment of the best possible outcome. Further progress in advanced neurovisualization, robotics, and comprehensive medical information technology has a great potential to increase the safety of the neurosurgical procedures for parenchymal brain tumors in the eloquent brain areas.

Intraoperative Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Visualization of the Pyramidal Tracts. Part II: Clinical Study of Usefulness and Efficacy

Precise identification and preservation of the pyramidal tract during surgery for parenchymal brain tumors is of crucial importance for the avoidance of postoperative deterioration of the motor function. The technique of intraoperative diffusion-weighted imaging (iDWI) using an intraoperative MR scanner of low magnetic field strength (0.3 Tesla) has been developed. Its clinical usefulness and efficacy were evaluated in 10 surgically treated patients with gliomas (5 men and 5 women, mean age: 41.2+/-13.9 years). iDWI permitted visualization of the pyramidal tract on the non-affected side in all 10 cases, and on the affected side in 8 cases. Motion artifacts were observed in four patients, but were not an obstacle to identification of the pyramidal tract. Good correspondence of the anatomical landmarks localization on iDWI and T (1)-weighted imaging was found. All participating neurosurgeons agreed that, in the majority of cases, iDWI was very useful for localization of the pyramidal tract and for clarification of its spatial relationships with the tumor. In conclusion, image quality and accuracy of the iDWI obtained with an MR scanner of low magnetic field strength (0.3 Tesla) are sufficient for possible incorporation into an intraoperative neuronavigation system. The use of iDWI in addition to structural iMRl and subcortical functional mapping with electrical stimulation can potentially result in a reduction of the postoperative morbidity after aggressive surgical removal of lesions located in the vicinity to the motor white matter tracts.

Recognizing Schwannomatosis and Distinguishing it From Neurofibromatosis Type 1 or 2

Schwannomatosis has become a newly recognized classification of neurofibromatosis. Although the genetic loci are on chromosome 22, it lacks the classic bilateral vestibular schwannomas as seen in NF-2. We present the surgical treatment of 4 patients with schwannomatosis, including a brother and sister. Case 1 presented with multiple progressively enlarging peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Case 4 presented with a trigeminal schwannoma and a vagal nerve schwannoma. Three of 4 patients had spinal intradural, extramedullary nerve sheath tumors. Surgery in all was multistaged and consisted of spinal laminectomies, site-specific explorations, and microsurgical tumor dissection and resection, with intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (including somatosensory-evoked and motor-evoked potentials, upper extremity electromyography and intraoperative nerve action potential monitoring, as appropriate). Intraoperatively the schwannomas had cystic and solid features and in all surgical cases the tumors arose from discrete fascicles of sensory nerve roots or sensory peripheral nerve branches. None of the patients experienced neurologic worsening as a result of their resections. Pathologic analysis of specimens from all cases demonstrated schwannoma. Not all patients with multiple schwannomas of cranial nerve, spinal nerve root, or peripheral nerve origin have NF-1 or NF-2. In schwannomatosis, these lesions are present in the absence of cutaneous stigmata, neurofibromas, vestibular schwannomas, or parenchymal brain tumors. Schwannomas in schwannomatosis can be large, cystic, and multiple. However, the predominant nerve involvement seems to be sensory and discrete fascicular in origin, facilitating microsurgical resection with minimal deficit.