Perifocal Edema Research Articles

Anosmia due to bilateral papillary atrophy : a case report

Abstract
 Introduction : Papillary atrophy refers to degeneration of the optic nerve, which occurs as an end result of a pathological process that damages the axons, with ophthalmoscopic observation showing pallor of the optic nerve papillae which generally accompanies permanent damage to the optic nerve.
 Case Illustration : It was reported that a 36 year old woman came to the polyclinic with complaints of not being able to see in both eyes since 8 months ago. Complaints of blurred vision in both eyes are followed by smell that cannot smell. This complaint has been getting worse for the past 2 weeks. On brain MRI examination, results were obtained with SOL impressions in the midline frontalis area with perifocal edema ec, suspected olfactory groove meningioma.
 Discussion : In this case SOL is located in the midline frontal area so that the patient complains of loss of smell sensation (anosmia). The presence of a frontal or subfrontal tumor can compress the optic tract and optic nerve together. Optic tract compression will cause anosmia. Olfactory disturbances are strongly associated with anterior cerebral fossa tumors.
 Conclusion : Secondary papillary atrophy is caused by increased intracranial pressure caused by a mass tumor which is preceded by papilledema signs and eventually becomes papillary atrophy, and gives a pale optic papillae with blurred boundaries. Brain CT scan examinations are important to estimate the location of the lesion.

Fractional anisotropy within zone of destruction, tremor evaluation and MRI manifestation follow up after focused ultrasound thalamotomy for patients with Parkinson’s disease

Purpose. Assessment of MRI manifestation including fractional anisotropy within nucleus of destruction after focused ultrasound thalamotomy and estimation of its correlation with tremor severity.Material and methods. 7 patients with clinically approved Parkinson's disease were included. MRI examinations of the brain were performed before FUS-thalamotomy, within 3 hours, after 24 hours, after 3 and 6 months after the operation. The study protocol included routine MR sequences; fractional anisotropy maps were generated. Before surgery, after a day, 3 and 6 months, the severity of tremor was assessed by the CRST scale; CRST values correlation with the values of fractional anisotropy, as well as the correlation of the coordinates of the destruction focus with the residual therapeutic effect of the operation was estimated using a linear regression model.Results. The general patterns of the MRI manifestation were revealed: the appearance after the operation of the nucleus of destruction with the accumulation of paramagnetic substances in the structure and perifocal edema. The severity of the MRI-changes reached a maximum one day after the operation, regressed and were practically not visualized after 3 and 6 months. There was a high correlation between the volumes of the nucleus of destruction and perifocal edema, no correlation between the severity of tremor and the values of fractional anisotropy in the nucleus of destruction, a weak correlation between the localization of the nucleus of destruction and the value of the residual therapeutic effect of FUS-thalamotomy 6 months after surgery.Conclusions. The MRI manifestation during 6 months after FUS-thalamotomy had a similar character in all patients, reached a maximum severity one day after the operation and had gradual regression. Fractional anisotropy values did not correlate with tremor severity. For a prolonged therapeutic effect the contribution of the localization of the focus along the sagittal axis is possible.

Magnetic resonance relaxometry in assessment of morphological properties of brain gliomas: state of the art

Magnetic resonance (MR) relaxometry, or measurement of tissue magnetic relaxation properties, is a technology intended to quantitatively depict the physical basis of structural MR imaging. This review is devoted to perspective directions of studies and application of MR relaxometry in brain glioma preoperative and pretherapeutic diagnosis. The current data advocate for emerging capabilities of relaxometry in glioma grading (despite possible overlap between different grades) and differentiating between gliomas and tumors of other origin. Some studies showed features of relaxometric values within the perifocal infiltrative edema zone possibly related to glioma infiltrative growth. We separately reviewed the works aimed at searching for the most aggressive and malignant foci in glioma tissue and extremely useful for tumor biopsy or removal. No less important are capabilities of relaxometry in radiogenomics, first of all, in IDH status prediction. The relaxometric method possesses perspective in multiparametric brain glioma diagnostics.

Differentiation of multiple brain metastases and glioblastoma with multiple foci using MRI criteria

ObjectiveGlioblastoma with multiple foci (mGBM) and multiple brain metastases share several common features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A reliable preoperative diagnosis would be of clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to explore the differences and similarities between mGBM and multiple brain metastases on MRI.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 50 patients with mGBM and compared them with a cohort of 50 patients with multiple brain metastases (2–10 lesions) histologically confirmed and treated at our department between 2015 and 2020. The following imaging characteristics were analyzed: lesion location, distribution, morphology, (T2-/FLAIR-weighted) connections between the lesions, patterns of contrast agent uptake, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-values within the lesion, the surrounding T2-hyperintensity, and edema distribution.ResultsA total of 210 brain metastases and 181 mGBM lesions were analyzed. An infratentorial localization was found significantly more often in patients with multiple brain metastases compared to mGBM patients (28 vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). A T2-connection between the lesions was detected in 63% of mGBM lesions compared to 1% of brain metastases. Cortical edema was only present in mGBM. Perifocal edema with larger areas of diffusion restriction was detected in 31% of mGBM patients, but not in patients with metastases.ConclusionWe identified a set of imaging features which improve preoperative diagnosis. The presence of T2-weighted imaging hyperintensity connection between the lesions and cortical edema with varying ADC-values was typical for mGBM.

Diffuse glioma molecular profiling with arterial spin labeling and dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MRI: A comparative study.

Evaluation of molecular markers (IDH, pTERT, 1p/19q codeletion, and MGMT) in adult diffuse gliomas is crucial for accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment planning. Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC) and Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI techniques have both shown good performance in classifying molecular markers, however, their performance has not been compared side-by-side. Pretreatment MRI data from 90 patients diagnosed with diffuse glioma (54 men/36 female, 53.1±15.5 years, grades 2-4) were retrospectively analyzed. DSC-derived normalized cerebral blood flow/volume (nCBF/nCBV) and ASL-derived nCBF in tumor and perifocal edema were analyzed in patients with available IDH-mutation (n = 67), pTERT-mutation (n = 39), 1p/19q codeletion (n = 33), and MGMT promoter methylation (n = 31) status. Cross-validated uni- and multivariate logistic regression models assessed perfusion parameters' performance in molecular marker detection. ASL and DSC perfusion parameters in tumor and edema distinguished IDH-wildtype (wt) and pTERT-wt tumors from mutated ones. Univariate classification performance was comparable for ASL-nCBF and DSC-nCBV in IDH (maximum AUROCC 0.82 and 0.83, respectively) and pTERT (maximum AUROCC 0.70 and 0.81, respectively) status differentiation. The multivariate approach improved IDH (DSC-nCBV AUROCC 0.89) and pTERT (ASL-nCBF AUROCC 0.8 and DSC-nCBV AUROCC 0.86) classification. However, ASL and DSC parameters could not differentiate 1p/19q codeletion or MGMT promoter methylation status. Positive correlations were found between ASL-nCBF and DSC-nCBV/-nCBF in tumor and edema. ASL is a viable gadolinium-free replacement for DSC for molecular characterization of adult diffuse gliomas.

Периферические язвы роговицы в ассоциации с ревматической патологией

Background: peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a polyetiological disease. The pathogenesis of PUK is attributed to a combination of factors, including the anatomy of the peripheral cornea, the activation of autoimmune reactions, and the corneal destruction caused by autoan- tibodies and matrix metalloproteinases. Aim: to describe the clinical symptoms of PUK, its association with rheumatic diseases (RD), its course, and the efficacy of treatment options. Patients and Methods: а total of 32 patients (9 men and 23 women, mean age 59.3±9.4 years) with PUK associated with RD were under surveillance. The diagnosis was established based on the results of eye examinations, tear production test, and multidisciplinary examination. Treatment was performed in an outpatient or inpatient setting based on the severity of corneal lesions. Results: the most common association between PUK and RD was established with rheumatoid arthritis (56.2%). Clinical hallmarks of PUK included mild infiltration and perifocal corneal edema, accompanied by the appearance of an oval or sickle-shaped epithelial and stromal defect 2–4 mm from the limbus. Additionally, rapid corneal lysis and perforation (18.7%) and association with perilimbal vasculitis and scleritis (31.2%) were observed. Bilateral corneal lesions were observed in 56.2%. Tear production, as measured by Schirmer's test, was 6±2 mm, while tear film stability was 2±1 mm. Conservative management was found to be effective in 59.4% (outpatient treatment in 40.6% and inpatient treatment in 18.7%). Surgical interventions were performed for emergent indications, including tectonic keratoplasty (21.9%) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (15.6%). Conclusion: PUK represents a severe clinical manifestation of visual disorders in RD. Treatment for PUK involves local and systemic steroids in the acute period, basic immunosup-pressive therapy, and, when necessary, keratoplasty. Systemic rheumatological therapy, regular use of tear substitutes and reparative preparations are prescribed to prevent recurrences. KEYWORDS: keratitis, corneal ulcer, limbus, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, keratoplasty. FOR CITATION: Drozdova E.A. Peripheral corneal ulcers in association with rheumatic diseases. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2024;24(2):88–93 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2024-24-2-8.

Intracranial Intracerebral Schwannoma: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Intracranial schwannomas are relatively uncommon, accounting for approximately 8% of all intracranial tumors, while intracerebral schwannomas represent an even rarer entity, responsible for roughly 1% of all intracranial schwannomas. After reviewing the relevant literature, we discussed the clinical journey of a 74-year-old woman who presented with a 3-week history of dizziness and nausea. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right temporal mass lesion with perifocal edema. The initial suspicion was the diagnosis of a glioblastoma or metastasis, prompting surgical intervention. During the surgery, a gross total resection of a noninvasive tumor was successfully performed. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful. Histopathological examination and confirmatory immunohistochemistry played a crucial role in reaching the final diagnosis of an intracerebral temporal schwannoma, highlighting the diagnostic challenges posed by radiologically indistinguishable features from metastasis and gliomas. Despite these challenges, complete surgical removal remains the most preferred treatment option, resulting in a favorable long-term prognosis without the need for adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Intracerebral schwannomas are exceedingly rare brain tumors, often found on the brain’s surface or adjacent ventricles. Early and accurate diagnosis can be challenging due to radiological features overlapping with other intracranial pathologies. Nonetheless, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry remain indispensable tools in establishing a definitive diagnosis and guiding effective treatment strategies. With complete surgical excision, patients with intracerebral schwannomas can expect a positive outcome and a promising long-term prognosis. Further research and case studies are warranted to enhance our understanding of these rare tumors and improve patient outcomes.

Cerebral Abscess In A Child With Unknown Origin Of Infection

Introduction: The incidence of brain abscesses is higher in developing countries. The classic triad of fever, headache, and focal neurological signs was seen in 9–28% of the pediatric cases. Brain abscesses occur infrequently with potentially life-threatening conditions. Case Report: The patient was a child 1 year 8 months old with a main complaint of weakness in the left arm and leg progressively for one month. She had a local seizure on her left arm and leg one month before admission with a duration of 30 minutes. She was irritable for the last two weeks. The strength of the upper and lower extremities was 3 respectively. The physiology reflex was hyper-reflex on the upper and lower extremities. A Head non-contrast CT scan showed a hypodense lesion on the right parietal with a perifocal edema lesion. A head contrast CT scan showed a hypodense lesion on the right parietal with ring enhancement measuring approximately 6,2 cm x 4,5 cm. Craniotomy evacuation abscess with near total capsulectomy was done on initial and capsule resection was done. Discussion: Brain abscess is a focal pyogenic infection of the brain parenchyma, and the frontotemporal lobe is the most common site of brain abscess, followed by frontal-parietal, parietal, occipital lobes, and cerebellar. The most common risk factors that predispose a child to the formation of a brain abscess include congenital heart disease, sinus and otogenic infections, and poor dental hygiene. The triad of brain abscess, including headache, fever, and neurological symptoms is only present in (15%) of the cases reported. Medical treatment is recommended in patients without increased intracranial pressure, with symptoms of less than 1 week long and abscess of less than 2 cm seen in tomography. The suggested time of treatment is between 6 and 8 weeks with intravenously administered antibiotics. A full recovery rate from the infection of about 60–70% is reported in the case of early diagnosis and proper therapy Conclusion: Cerebral abscess in pediatrics with unknown origin of infection may happen in 12%. Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cerebral abscesses can reduce morbidity and mortality rates. A broadspectrum antibiotic is an optimal treatment in the postoperative evacuation of cerebral abscess cases with unknown origin infection.

10018-COT-4 COMPARATIVE VOLUMETRIC ANALYSES FOLLOWING BEVACIZUMAB THERAPY FOR A PATIENT WITH CO- INCIDENCE OF GLIOBLASTOMA, MENINGIOM

Abstract BACKGROUND Given that glioblastoma, meningioma and dural arteriovenous fistura (dAVF) represent angiogenic disease mainly caused by high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bevacizumab is expected to be effective for these diseases. We experienced a patient with co-incidence of these 3 diseases was given neoadjuvant bevacizumab which provided a volume reduction of glioblastoma with improvement of clinical symptoms. CASE REPORT An eighty five year-old man has suffered from aphasia and dementia. Brain MRI showed a ring enhanced intraaxial tumor with perifocal edema in left temporal lobe, a dural-attached extraaxial tumor in the left sphenoid ridge and dAVF at left transverse-sigmoid sinus. Due to elderly with poor general condition, he was treated by administrate bevacizumab rather than the resection to confirm histological diagnosis. Three days after the administration, he began to walk and speech. RESULTS For comparison of the reactivity to bevacizumab among these three diseases, we calculated the volumetric quantitative assessment of glioblastoma and meningioma by the contrast-enhanced MRI and made a qualitative assesment for the dAVF by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and MRA with comparison between before and afterbevacizumab administration. The volume reduction rates 1 and 5 months later after bevacizumab administration in glioblastoma and in meningioma were 0.34% and 94.5%, 13.7%, 6.8%, respectively. The volume reduction rate of glioblastoma was significantly larger than of Mg. The DSA showed the dAVF did not change even though bevacizumab therapy. DISCUSSION As previously reported, the VEGF concentration in the glioblastoma was significantly higher than that in other types of tumors including meningioma. In dAVF, other angiogenic factors would be produced in addition to VEGF. CONCLUSIONS Based on these evidences and the current rare case with co-incidence of glioblastoma, meningioma, and dAVF, it suggested that the effectiveness of bevacizumab therapy would be depend on the expression level of the VEGF concentration.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Studies of Perifocal Zone of Brain Gliomas (a Literature Review)

This review provides insight into application of modern MRI modalities including diffusion kurtosis imaging in assessment of perifocal glioma zone. Differentiation of “pure” perifocal vasogenic edema from edema infiltrated by glioma cells, as well as identification of peritumoral intact (on conventional MRI) brain matter infiltration make it possible to determine glial tumor borders more accurately. Analysis of diffusion and perfusion quantitative MR data allow determining glioma borders in areas with unaltered blood-brain barrier. There is a growing possibility to develop a personalized navigation algorithm for surgical removal of the tumor, followed by the determination of an individual plan for radiation and chemotherapy, as well as prediction of disease outcomes.

A Surgical Case of Hemifacial Spasm Due to Tentorial Meningioma -peritorcular type- in Posterior Fossa

Hemifacial spasm is commonly caused by compression of the facial nerve due to overlying vessels, and also due to various types of tumor or aneurysm, and other factors. It occurs, although rarely, as a secondary effect of cerebellar or brainstem shift resulting from a tumor. In such a case, the presence of a large tumor often leads to additional neurological deficits. We present a case of hemifacial spasm caused by a peritorcular type of large tentorial meningioma in the posterior fossa. A 68-year-old woman presented with right facial numbness 4 months ago and right hemifacial spasm 2 weeks ago. Upon visiting our hospital, she displayed no neurological deficits other than the right hemifacial spasm. MRI revealed a peritorcular type of large tentorial meningioma in the posterior fossa with perifocal edema. The right cerebellopontine cistern was narrowed, and the cerebellar tonsil was herniated. The right facial nerve ran adjacent to the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). Angiography showed that only the left posterior meningeal artery (PMA) flowed to the tumor. The loop of the right AICA extended into the right cerebellopontine cistern. After embolization of the PMA, the tumor was surgically removed, leading to an improvement in the patient's hemifacial spasm. Postoperative MRI confirmed complete removal of the tentorial meningioma without any contact with the right facial nerve. The hemifacial spasm was caused secondarily by the cerebellar or brainstem shift due to the large tentorial meningioma in the posterior fossa. This large tumor had not produced any other neurological deficits before the hemifacial spasm appeared. We report this case because it is extremely rare.

Retrospective longitudinal assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter in patients with malignant glioma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a tumor with rapid growth and a possible relationship to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). High ICP may not always be associated with clinical signs. A non-invasive technique for assessment of ICP is measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). Identifying patients who need immediate intervention is of importance in neuro-oncological care. The goal of this study is to assess the available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with GBM with respect to pre- and postoperative ONSD. Retrospective data analysis was performed on all patients operated for GBM at a tertiary care center between 2010 and 2020. Two pre and one postoperative MRI had to be available. Clinical data and ONSD at multiple time points were analyzed and correlated, as well as preoperative volumetrics. Sixty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Clinical signs of elevated ICP were seen in 25.4% (n = 17), while significant perifocal edema was present in 67.2% (n = 45) of patients. Clinical signs of preoperatively elevated ICP were associated with significantly elevated ONSD at diagnosis (p < 0.001) as well as preoperative tumor volume (p < 0.001). Significant perifocal edema at the time of diagnosis was associated with elevated ONSD (p = 0.029) and higher tumor volume (p = 0.003). In patients with significant edema, ONSD increased significantly between preoperative MRIs (p = 0.003/005). In patients with clinical signs of raised ICP, ONSD also increased, whereas it was stable in asymptomatic patients (yes: 5.01+/-4.17 to 5.83+/-0.55 mm, p = 0.010, no: 5.17+/-0.46 mm to 5.38+/-0.41 mm, p = 0.81). A significant increase of ONSD from diagnosis to preoperative MRI and a significant decrease until 3 months postoperatively were observed (p < 0.001). ONSD might help identify high ICP in patients with GBM. In this first-of-its kind study, we observed a significant increase of ONSD preoperatively, likely associated with edema. Postoperatively, ONSD decreased significantly until 3 months after surgery and increased again at 12 months. Further prospective data collection is warranted.

Magnetic resonance imaging in assessing the staging of intracerebral hemorrhages in children

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the possibilities of MRI in determining the stage of hemorrhagic stroke (HS) depending on structural and perifocal changes in children.Materials and methods. The study included 46 patients (including 19 boys and 27 girls) aged from the 29th day of life to 18 years, with a clinical picture of cerebrovascular accident and the presence of HS in the brain substance (BS) during an MRI study. For statistical analysis, patients were divided into two groups: group 1 – patients examined in the first 48 hours from the onset of neurological symptoms (21 people), group 2 – after 48 hours (26 people). Comparison in two groups was carried out according to MR signs: the presence of perifocal cytotoxic edema, the presence of perifocal hemorrhagic impregnation, the presence of a cytoplasmic rim. Intergroup comparisons on a qualitative basis were carried out using Fisher's exact test.Results. As a result of the study, differential diagnostic criteria for the stages of HS in children were determined by analyzing the MRI semiotics of hematoma in combination with the symptom complex of perifocal changes (CPC) in the form of perifocal cytotoxic edema, perifocal hemorrhagic impregnation and cytoplasmic rim. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of occurrence of signs of perifocal cytotoxic edema and perifocal hemorrhagic impregnation in the groups were found. The presence of perifocal cytotoxic edema was statistically significant (p = 0.027) more common in group 1 (47% (n = 10), 95% CI 26–69) than in group 2 (16% (n = 4), 95% CI 5–36). The presence of perifocal hemorrhagic soaking was statistically significantly (p = 0.003) more common in group 1 (81% (n = 17), 95% CI 57–93) than in group 2 (36% (n = 9), 95% CI 18–57). In addition, a statistically significant (p = 0.005) difference was found in the incidence of CPC, which was observed in group 1 (28% (n = 6), CI 12–52) and was not observed in group 2 (0%, (n = 0), 95% CI 0–17).Conclusions. The use of T2, T1, FLAIR, SWI and DWI modes (b = 1000) in combination with ADC in the protocol of MRI examination of children is mandatory, and only a comparison of the characteristics of the MR signal from a hematoma in combination with an analysis of perifocal changes allows us to differentiate the stage of hemorrhage. HS in the acute and early subacute stages has a similar MRI semiotics, therefore, it is necessary to assess the complex of perifocal changes, which allows to differentiate these stages, as it is determined in patients examined in the first 48 hours (p &lt; 0.05) and is not observed after two days. SWI analysis makes it possible to differentiate the late subacute stage of hematoma from chronic due to different characteristics of the MR signal, and also allows you to establish the presence of perifocal hemorrhagic impregnation, which contributes to the differential diagnosis of hemorrhage in the early stages of the pathological process.

Ligamentum flavum ganglion cyst of the cervical spine: a rare cause of myelopathy. Clinical observation and literature review

Juxtafacet cysts include both synovial cysts directly from the facet capsule and ganglion cysts arising from the ligamentum flavum. Ganglion cysts of the cervical spine are extremely rare benign masses. The inner surface of the capsule of ganglion cysts consists of fibroblasts and has no anatomical connection with the capsule of the facet joint. Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice for the diagnosis of ligamentum flavum cysts, with a hyperintense round mass on T2‑weighted images with clear margins and no perifocal edema. On T1‑weighted images, an isointense signal is noted, and with contrast enhancement, the cyst wall more often accumulates a contrast. The method of choice in the surgical treatment of cysts is their total removal with sparing bone resection of the posterior vertebral structures. The outcome of surgical treatment of these formations is good with no risk of recurrence.

European society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of brain abscess in children and adults

ScopeThese European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guidelines are intended for clinicians involved in diagnosis and treatment of brain abscess in children and adults. MethodsKey questions were developed, and a systematic review was carried out of all studies published since 1 January 1996, using the search terms ‘brain abscess’ OR ‘cerebral abscess’ as Mesh terms or text in electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane registry. The search was updated on 29 September 2022. Exclusion criteria were a sample size <10 patients or publication in non-English language. Extracted data was summarized as narrative reviews and tables. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random effects model and heterogeneity was examined by I2 tests as well as funnel and Galbraith plots. Risk of bias was assessed using Risk Of Bias in Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) (observational studies) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) (diagnostic studies). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was applied to classify strength of recommendations (strong or conditional) and quality of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low). Questions addressed by the guidelines and recommendationsMagnetic resonance imaging is recommended for diagnosis of brain abscess (strong and high). Antimicrobials may be withheld until aspiration or excision of brain abscess in patients without severe disease if neurosurgery can be carried out within reasonable time, preferably within 24 hours (conditional and low). Molecular-based diagnostics are recommended, if available, in patients with negative cultures (conditional and moderate). Aspiration or excision of brain abscess is recommended whenever feasible, except for cases with toxoplasmosis (strong and low). Recommended empirical antimicrobial treatment for community-acquired brain abscess in immuno-competent individuals is a 3rd-generation cephalosporin and metronidazole (strong and moderate) with the addition of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and voriconazole in patients with severe immuno-compromise (conditional and low). Recommended empirical treatment of post-neurosurgical brain abscess is a carbapenem combined with vancomycin or linezolid (conditional and low). The recommended duration of antimicrobial treatment is 6–8 weeks (conditional and low). No recommendation is offered for early transition to oral antimicrobials because of a lack of data, and oral consolidation treatment after ≥6 weeks of intravenous antimicrobials is not routinely recommended (conditional and very low). Adjunctive glucocorticoid treatment is recommended for treatment of severe symptoms because of perifocal oedema or impending herniation (strong and low). Primary prophylaxis with antiepileptics is not recommended (conditional and very low). Research needs are addressed.

Case Series: Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in Brain Arteriovenous, Is It Good Enough?

Highlight: Brain AVMs are a special concern due to their inherent high risk of bleeding. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), as one of the modality treatments, is intended to induce progressive occlusion of an AVM by using high-dose targeted radiation The result of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) can be full obliteration, with complications because adverse radiation effects. ABSTRACT Introduction: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are relatively uncommon. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is one of the AVM’s therapeutic interventions, with both advantages and disadvantages. Here, we report the results of two cases of brain AVM after GKRS. Cases: Case 1: Non-contrast head MRI imaging of a 45-year-old man with persistent left-sided headaches revealed a 1.4 x 2.5 x 2.28 cm AVM nidus in the left parasagittal frontal lobe. After a single GKRS with a 25-Gy marginal dose, the MRI contrast showed complete obliteration, with persistent perifocal edema and headache. Case 2: A 25-year-old woman with a history of generalized seizures. The angiograms revealed an AVM nidus with a diameter of 32.58 mm on her right posterior frontal lobe. After a single GKRS with a 22-Gy marginal dose, the MRI contrast showed full obliteration with large edema. The patient had presented with hemiparesis. Conclusion: In these cases, the results after GKRS were full obliteration with complications of edema, headache, and hemiparesis. We also found that complications appear to be associated with adverse radiation effects.

Retiform endothelial hyperplasia mimicking cavernous malformation as a late complication of Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a powerful tool for the management of arteriovenous malformations; however, newly formed mass lesions resembling cavernous malformations are a rare late complication of GKRS. In this retrospective study, the authors tried to clarify the unique histological features of these mass lesions. The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of 889 patients who had undergone GKRS for arteriovenous malformations at their institute from 1991 to 2021. Among the 848 patients who had been followed up periodically with neuroradiological imaging, 37 developed a mass lesion mimicking a cavernous malformation and underwent surgical removal of the lesion. The median volume of the original nidus was 3.7 cm3 (range 0.07-30.5 cm3), and the median prescription dose was 21 Gy (range 12-25 Gy). The histological characteristics and radiological and clinical features of the 37 patients were investigated. Histological examination showed an organized hematoma and a structure termed "retiform endothelial hyperplasia" (RFEH) consisting of endothelium forming multiple lumen-like vascular channels mimicking cavernous malformations but lacking the subendothelial connective tissue that forms the typical vascular wall structure found in cavernous angioma and capillary telangiectasia. RFEH was detected a median of 10.8 years (range 3.2-27.4 years) after GKRS. Neuroimaging showed hematoma surrounded by massive brain edema in all 37 patients. Symptoms caused by mass effect of the lesion and perifocal edema worsened relatively rapidly but completely disappeared after surgery. No recurrence or morbidity occurred after the surgery. The delayed formation of RFEH that is mimicking a cavernous malformation neuroradiologically but is histologically distinct from a vascular malformation is a potential complication of GKRS. Its progressive clinical course suggests that surgical removal should be considered for symptomatic patients and/or patients with an apparent radiological mass sign.

Perifocal Edema in Patients with Meningioma is Associated with Impaired Whole-Brain Connectivity as Detected by Resting-State fMRI.

Meningiomas are intracranial tumors that usually carry a benign prognosis. Some meningiomas cause perifocal edema. Resting-state fMRI can be used to assess whole-brain functional connectivity, which can serve as a marker for disease severity. Here, we investigated whether the presence of perifocal edema in preoperative patients with meningiomas leads to impaired functional connectivity and if these changes are associated with cognitive function. Patients with suspected meningiomas were prospectively included, and resting-state fMRI scans were obtained. Impairment of functional connectivity was quantified on a whole-brain level using our recently published resting-state fMRI-based marker, called the dysconnectivity index. Using uni- and multivariate regression models, we investigated the association of the dysconnectivity index with edema and tumor volume as well as cognitive test scores. Twenty-nine patients were included. In a multivariate regression analysis, there was a highly significant association of dysconnectivity index values and edema volume in the total sample and in a subsample of 14 patients with edema, when accounting for potential confounders like age and temporal SNR. There was no statistically significant association with tumor volume. Better neurocognitive performance was strongly associated with lower dysconnectivity index values. Resting-state fMRI showed a significant association between impaired functional connectivity and perifocal edema, but not tumor volume, in patients with meningiomas. We demonstrated that better neurocognitive function was associated with less impairment of functional connectivity. This result shows that our resting-state fMRI marker indicates a detrimental influence of peritumoral brain edema on global functional connectivity in patients with meningiomas.

A rare case of intracranial Castleman disease

Introduction. Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder also known as angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia or giant lymphoid hyperplasia. CD is considered unicentric in the presence of a single focus and if the clinical picture is represented by multiple lymphadenopathy and systemic manifestations, it is considered multicentric. Manifestation of the disease by the occurrence of a focus that mimics a tumor of the meninges or brain is extremely rare, only 20 cases are known including the one presented in our article. The main treatment for localized forms is surgical resection. Our observation is devoted to a rare variant of intracranial CD. Description of the clinical case. Woman, 35 years old, was admitted to the clinic with complaints of recurrent headache of moderate intensity of a diffuse nature and difficulty in counting and writing. A month before hospitalization a single generalized epileptic seizure occurred. In the clinical picture at the time of admission, Gerstmann-Schilder syndrome was noted which topically corresponded to the lesion of the right parietal lobe. MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement showed pathological infiltration in the structure of the right parietal bone, the presence of a massive paraosseous component that spread intracranially with compression of the right parietal lobe, and moderately pronounced perifocal edema. The neoplasm was removed totally with a fragment of the dura mater (DM). The plastic of DM was performed with a vascularized periosteal flap and one-stage plastic of the skull defect with a titanium implant. According to histological and immunochemical studies, as well as additional examinations, a diagnosis of unicentric CD was established. According to the results of the control MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement after 3, 6 and 12 months, data for relapse were not revealed. The patient currently does not report any symptoms of the disease. Conclusion. Intracranial unicentric CD is a benign disease amenable to radical surgical treatment and does not require further adjuvant therapy. Despite the complexity of differential diagnosis between CD and meningiomas, the primary treatment strategy remains the same in all cases: total surgical removal.

Clinical and diagnostic observation of primary lymphoma of the central nervous system

Background. Lymphoma of the central nervous system (CNS), both primary and secondary, is a rare but very aggressive type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) refers to cases confined to the CNS parenchyma, dura mater, leptomeninges, cranial nerves, and spinal cord or intraocular region. The prognosis of PCNSL has been very dismal with an overall survival of 1.5 months without treatment and a 5-year survival rate of 30%. Due to the introduction of high-dose methotrexatebased chemotherapy regimens, there has been substantial progress in treating patients with lymphomas of the CNS, leading to improved survival. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PCNSL can often cause complications because it may have similar clinical and radiological signs with some other tumors, primarily with high-grade gliomas and metastatic lesion of the CNS. Stereotactic biopsy remains the main diagnostic method.&#x0D; Purpose – to investigate the complexity of the diagnostic and therapeutic process in PCNSL on the example of a clinical case.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Clinical observation of patient K., 59 years old, who underwent examination and inpatient treatment at the Department of Radiation Pathology and Palliative Care of the State Organization «Grigoriev Institute for Medical Radiology and Oncology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine» regarding multifocal lesions of the brain (volumetric formations of the white matter of the left hemisphere of the brain).&#x0D; Results and discussion. In this clinical case, the presence of multiple volumetric white matter formations of the left hemisphere of the brain in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain with pronounced perifocal edema, mass effect and signal amplification from the described formations after the administration of a contrast agent in the patient in magnetic resonance imaging allowed us to assume metastatic lesion of the central nervous system. However, a comprehensive examination made it possible to exclude the presence of primary cancer, as well as an infectious lesion of the brain. The diagnosis of primary non-Hodgkin’s diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with damage to the central nervous system was established only after the neurosurgical removal of one of the neoplasms with the conduction of pathohistological and immunohistochemical studies.&#x0D; Conclusion. Multifocal brain injury often causes difficulties in diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging using T1, T2 and Flair imaging, although very important for the diagnosis of PCNSL, is not always specific. Timely cerebral biopsy with immunohistochemical examination remains the method of choice for verification of the pathological process, which is necessary for the correct treatment.