World Neurosurg
-
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal along the gastrointestinal tract rarely metastasize to the central nervous system (CNS) but require aggressive multimodal therapies when they do. We present a case of recurrent GIST metastasis to the skull and review the literature on management, including the role of molecular profiling in determining adjuvant treatment. ⋯ We review the epidemiology of GIST metastases and discuss potential reasons for its rare presentation to the CNS. Additionally, we highlight the diagnostic and prognostic value of molecular profiling for metastatic GIST, as well as its influence in arbitrating targeted molecular inhibitor therapy. Evolving molecular signatures, associated with treatment resistance, may play a pivotal role in future integration with multimodality treatment strategies for CNS GIST.
-
Comparative Study
(18)F-fluoroethyl-ʟ-thyrosine (FET) PET to delineate tumor residuals after glioblastoma resection: A comparison to standard postoperative MRI.
Complete resection of contrast-enhancing tumor is an important prognostic factor in glioblastoma therapy. The current clinical standard for control of resection is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (18)F-Fluoroethyl-l-thyrosine (FET) is a positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical applicable for widespread use because of its long half-life radionuclide. We assessed the sensitivity of postoperative MRI versus FET-PET to detect residual tumor and the impact of the time interval between resection and FET-PET. ⋯ Postoperative FET-PET revealed residual tumor with higher sensitivity than MRI and showed larger tumor volumes. In this series, performing PET >72 hours after resection did not influence the results of PET. We recommend FET-PET as a helpful adjunct in addition to MRI for postoperative assessment of residual tumor.
-
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) caused by a contralateral tumor is extremely rare, and all previously reported cases involved tumors at the cerebellopontine angle. We provide the first report to our knowledge of HFS caused by a contralateral foramen magnum meningioma, which improved after tumor removal without microvascular decompression. ⋯ Although an extremely rare condition, facial spasm can develop as a result of contralateral tumors in locations other than the cerebellopontine angle.
-
Pediatric cerebral sparganosis has been seldom reported. In the current study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic records of 9 consecutive pediatric cases of cerebral sparganosis and analyzed their epidemiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes. ⋯ Children are more at risk for sparganosis and cerebral sparganosis may be missed because of unclear epidemiologic history and nonspecific manifestations. Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophil counts and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for anti-sparganosis antibody and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scans may be relied on for an early and accurate diagnosis before surgery.
-
To compare the self-reported liability characteristics and defensive medicine practices of neurosurgeons in Texas with neurosurgeons in Illinois in an effort to describe the effect of medicolegal environment on defensive behavior. ⋯ Neurosurgeons in Illinois are more likely to believe that there is an ongoing medical liability crisis and more likely to practice defensively than neurosurgeons in Texas.