Medulloblastoma

2019 ◽  
pp. 177-186
Author(s):  
Amy K. Bruzek ◽  
Shawn L. Hervey-Jumper ◽  
Karin M. Muraszko

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the second most common cancer in children and the most common posterior fossa tumor. Presenting symptoms are key to an early diagnosis and may include signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus, cranial neuropathies, ataxia, or nystagmus. MRI of the neuraxis should be completed to aid in operative planning. Preoperative relief of hydrocephalus may be necessary, depending on the patient’s condition. Complete resection is the primary goal, and extent of resection, patient age, ependymal spread, and tumor subtype are all important predictors of overall survival. Spine imaging and lumbar puncture are standard to complete the initial work-up. Chemotherapy and radiation are used for adjuvant therapy after surgical resection. The need for postoperative shunt placement is rare, as most children can be weaned from their ventriculostomy catheters or an endoscopic third ventriculostomy can be performed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 382
Author(s):  
Dinesh Ramanathan ◽  
Zachary D. Travis ◽  
Emmanuel Omosor ◽  
Taylor Wilson ◽  
Nikhil Sahasrabudhe ◽  
...  

We describe a case of severe headaches, double vision, and progressive vision loss secondary to a ruptured intracranial cyst (IAC) in a 31-year-old woman with no relevant past medical history. The case is peculiar because drainage of the subdural hygroma led to a minimal improvement in vision with persistent elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Further exploration revealed transverse sinus stenosis necessitating stenting. Evaluation post-stenting showed marked reduction of ICP and improvement in symptoms. This report underscores the importance of comprehensive work-up and suspicion of multiple underlying etiologies that may be crucial to complete resolution of presenting symptoms in some cases. We provide an overview of the clinical indications and evidence for venous sinus stenting in treating idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S330-S330
Author(s):  
Jocelyn Y Ang ◽  
Nirupama Kannikeswaran ◽  
Basim Asmar

Abstract Background There is limited data regarding the presenting clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in children. Our objective is to describe the clinical presentations and outcomes of COVID-19 infection early in the pandemic at our institution. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of children up to 18 years who underwent testing for SARS CoV-2 from March 1st to May 10th 2020 at our pediatric emergency department. We abstracted patient’s demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies and patient disposition. We classified the severity of clinical illness based on published criteria. We excluded patients diagnosed with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. Results SARS CoV-2 testing was performed on 481 patients of whom 43 (8.9%) tested positive. Of these, 4 were diagnosed with MIS-C. Data of 39 patients were analyzed. Patients’ demographics, co-morbidities, presenting signs and symptoms and disposition are shown in Table 1. Age range was 47 days – 18 years. Infants representing one third (14/39; 35.9%) of our study cohort. There was equal sex distribution. Asthma or obesity was present in 17 (44%). The most common presenting symptoms included fever, cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea. Chest radiograph showed pneumonia in 12 (30.8%) patients. Two thirds (27/39; 69.2%) were asymptomatic or had mild disease; six patients (15.4%) had severe or critical illness (Figure 1). Nineteen (48%) patients were admitted to the general pediatric service. Eleven (28%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Units (ICU). The characteristics, presenting symptoms and interventions performed in the PICU cohort are shown in Table 2. Half of these patients required mechanical ventilation. There was one death in a 3 month old infant unrelated to SARS CoV-2. Majority of the infants required hospitalization (12/14; 85.7%), including 4 to the PICU (one each for non accidental trauma, ingestion, seizure and pneumonia). Table 1. Patient demographics, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection in Children Table 2: PICU patients: Characteristics, Interventions and pharmacotherapy Figure 1: Severity of Ill ness in the study cohort Conclusion Majority (17; 43%) of our children with COVID-19 had a mild disease. Eleven (28%) including 4 infants required critical care; 5 required mechanical ventilation. There was no COVID-19 related mortality. Larger studies are needed to further define the spectrum of COVID- 19 and risk factors associated with severe disease in children. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Straszewski ◽  
Jennifer Moriatis Wolf

Hand surgeons frequently treat osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal (IP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Age, female gender, occupation, genetics, biomechanics, obesity, and joint laxity have been implicated in the progression of disease. Physical examination and standard three-view imaging of the hand aid in initial work up. Many conservative treatments exist, including physical therapy, splinting, anti-inflammatories, and injection of corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid.  With the failure of conservative therapies, surgical management is dictated by the particular joint in question. The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of fingers and IP joint of the thumb are more commonly treated by arthrodesis, whereas proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints are treated with arthroplasty. Likewise, MCP  joints of the fingers are typically managed with arthroplasty. The thumb MCP joint is more commonly fused.  This review contains 7 figures, 4 tables, and 54 references. Keywords: hand osteoarthritis, interphalangeal joint, metacarpophalangeal joint, anatomy, arthroplasty, silicone, arthrodesis, biomechanics, outcomes


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-47
Author(s):  
Nazma Akter ◽  
Nazmul Kabir Qureshi

Adrenal insufficiency is caused by either primary adrenal failure or by hypothalamic-pituitary impairment of the corticotropic axis. Adrenal insufficiency, first codified in 1855 by Thomas Addison, remains relevant in 2014 because of its lethal nature. Though, it is a rare disease but is life threatening when overlooked. Main presenting symptoms such as fatigue, anorexia and weight loss are nonspecific, thus diagnosis is often delayed. The diagnostic work-up is well established but some pitfalls remain. The diagnosis is adequately established by the 250 ?g ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test in most cases. Glucocorticoids provide life saving treatment but long-term quality of life is impaired, perhaps because therapy is not given in a physiologic way. Dehydroepiandrosterone-replacement therapy has been introduced that could help to restore quality of life. It may be useful in pubertal girls, but not in adults. Monitoring of glucocorticoid-replacement is difficult due to lack of objective methods of assessment and is therefore largely based on clinical grounds. Thus, long-term management of patients with adrenal insufficiency remains a challenge, requiring an experienced specialist. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v3i1.22238 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2015; 3(1): 36-47


Author(s):  
W.M.H. Sayeed ◽  
E. Batuyong ◽  
J.C. Easaw ◽  
M. Pitz ◽  
J.J.P. Kelly

For decades, debate has persisted regarding the role of surgical resection in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. There is increasing evidence that extent of resection (EoR) is an independent prognostic factor. Previous work has proposed the inclusion of EoR in a risk stratification algorithm but does not incorporate account recent advances in the molecular characterization of tumours. We set out to investigate the effect of EoR on overall survival (OS), and to develop a stratification algorithm incorporating both EoR and modern molecular markers for prognostication. HYPOTHESIS: Greater EoR is independently associated with improved OS. METHODS: We examined 190 consecutive cases of histopathologically confirmed newly-diagnosed glioblastoma who were operated upon between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. Variables including age, sex, postal code, KPS, tumour location, presenting symptoms, treatment history, date of progression, date of reoperation, as well as MGMT, IDH, 1p/19q codeletion, and ATRX status were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative MRIs were reviewed and volumetric tumour burden will be analyzed and EoR will be calculated. RESULTS: Preliminary EoR calculations (n=18) show a positive correlation between EoR and OS. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between EoR and OS, although multivariable analysis is planned to exclude potential confounders. MRI review, chart review including molecular marker analysis and EoR calculations are ongoing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Resham Ramkissoon ◽  
Akshay Shetty ◽  
Adam Doyle ◽  
Oyedele A. Adeyi ◽  
Keyur Patel

Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) can present with mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations, specifically a cholestatic transaminitis. Rarely, some cases can present with only a hepatocellular transaminitis. Our patient presented with an acute hepatitis on day +90 post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant, without other overt manifestations of GVHD. The initial work up was negative for a viral etiology or causative drug, and the patient’s transaminases continued to rise. On day +96, an erythematous rash appeared with biopsy indicating lymphocytic and eosinophilic infiltrates concerning for cutaneous GVHD. Subsequently, a liver biopsy was obtained, and showed marked ductopenia with cholestasis, consistent with hepatic GVHD. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2084-2087
Author(s):  
Ashwini P K ◽  
Geetha B Markande ◽  
Prashanth Jain

Hridroga (cardiovascular diseases) are the major causes of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. In view of increasing incidence of cardiac disorders in the present era, there is a need to understand the disease more elaborately. Ayurveda has a unique approach towards understanding and diagnosing diseases. Diag- nosis must be done by proper analysis of presenting symptoms of a disease. By the thorough knowledge regarding these signs and symptoms, right diagnosis can be done before planning any treatment. Ayurveda has given utmost importance for diagnosis with due consideration of Lakshanas. Hritshoola (chest pain), Vaivarnya (cyanosis), Moorcha (syncope), Shwasa (dyspnea), Kasa (cough) are the cardinal features of Hridroga. By knowing the whole concept of Lakshanas, diagnosis can be done at an earlier stage. Keywords: Hridroga, Cardiovascular diseases, Samanya Lakshanas


Author(s):  
Kirty Nahar ◽  
Usha Bohra ◽  
Vivek Arya

Androgenic alopecia is a patterned hair loss occurring due to systemic androgens and genetic factors. It is the most common cause of hair loss in both genders. The appearance of this condition is the cause of significant stress and psychological problems, making appropriate management important. A 68-year-old postmenopausal female presented with complaints of increased hair loss from scalp, excessive hair growth at undesired sites and hirsutism not corrected with medications. On thorough investigations, CT scan whole abdomen and endocrinological workup, a clinical diagnosis of alopecia and hirsutism due to hyperandrogenemia secondary to ovarian tumor made. Abdominal hysterectomy with B/L salpingo-oophorectomy was done. Histopathological examination revealed an encapsulated tumor in right ovary-sex cord stromal tumor consistent with Leydig cell tumor in right ovary, no evidence of malignancy. Left ovary was normal. Patient showed significant regression of clinical signs and symptoms on follow up after 1 month. All women with severe hirsutism or androgenic alopecia needs further work up to locate the source of androgen over production.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
James M Rizkalla ◽  
Khalid Alhreish ◽  
Ishaq Y Syed

Introduction: The most common location of infection of brucellosis is the musculoskeletal system. It is estimated that the spine is involved in 2–54% of brucellosis infections, with the lumbar spine most commonly affected. We report an uncommon case of brucellar spondylodiscitis, in addition to the pathology, common presentation, and management of spinal brucellosis through additional literature review. Case Report: A 65-year-old Hispanic male presented to an orthopedic spine surgeon with signs and symptoms concerning for metastatic disease to the spine. Investigation revealed that the patient had the rare diagnosis of brucellar spondylodiscitis. This only became apparent after detailed questioning of the patient’s history revealed his employment within a Mexican meat slaughterhouse and a regular consumer of unpasteurized Mexican cheeses. Conclusion: Although uncommon, brucellosis spondylodiscitis should remain as a differential diagnosis in any patient who presents with back pain and fever. Detailed history taking and thorough physical examination remain vital in the work-up of brucellar spondylodiscitis. Understanding the pathology, radiographic findings, and necessary work-up are essential to properly treat this infection. Keywords: Spine, Brucella, spinal brucellosis, infection, spondylodiscitis, discitis, abscess.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document