Posterior Fossa Ependymoma

2019 ◽  
pp. 223-230
Author(s):  
Frederick A. Boop ◽  
Jimmy Ming-Jung Chuang

Pediatric posterior fossa ependymomas are typically well-delineated masses with heterogenous enhancement arising from the floor, lateral aspect, or roof of the fourth ventricle. Growth of tumor into the posterior fossa subarachnoid spaces, particularly into the foramen of Magendie and the cerebellopontine angles via the foramen of Luschka, is a radiological hallmark of this tumor. Clinical findings of elevated intracranial pressure and obstructive hydrocephalus are common at presentation. The current standard of care for children with ependymoma consists of gross total resection with subsequent focal radiotherapy. The extent of resection is the single most important determinant of outcome. Hydrocephalus typically resolves after resection, and it is uncommon to require cerebrospinal shunt placement after tumor removal.

Neurosurgery ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 737-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kobayashi Hidenori ◽  
Kawano Hirokazu ◽  
Ito Haruhide ◽  
Hayashi Minoru ◽  
Yamamoto Shinjiro

Abstract A case of hemangioma calcificans in the 4th ventricle is reported. Skull x-ray films demonstrated a dense calcification in the posterior fossa. Computed tomography disclosed a hyperdense mass in the 4th ventricle. The clinical picture was of increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus. An hemangioma calcificans in the 4th ventricle was removed successfully.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Tarek ◽  
Hamdy Ibrahim ◽  
H Jalalod'din ◽  
SR Tawadros

Abstract Background Treatment of secondary hydrocephalus due to posterior fossa tumors in these children is still a matter of controversy, although preoperative ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VP shunt) insertion before tumor excision is widely accepted among neurosurgeons but many attempts are rising to minimize permanent VP shunt insertion and associated complications and introducing third endoscopic ventriculostomy (ETV) as one of the options of 2ry hydrocephalus. Objectives Comparing the post-operative clinical success with resolution of the manifestations and post-operative complications between endoscopic third ventriculostomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt as different modes of CSF diversion in children with 2ry hydrocephalus due to midline posterior fossa tumors. Methods The following electronic databases were searched from June 2009 to june2019: PubMed, Google scholar search engine. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, EMBASE and science Direct, using the keywords ―hydrocephalus; posterior fossa tumors; pediatrics; ventriculoperitoneal shunt; endoscopic third ventriculostomy‖. Studies were eligible if they contain the target keywords in title or abstract, addressing the Pediatric age group with 2ry hydrocephalus due to de novo posterior fossa tumor manifested by signs of increase the intra cranial tension including persistent headache and vomiting, blurred vision, 6th nerve palsy, papilledema in fundus examination, acute DCL and 2ry hydrocephalus confirmed by brain imaging. Exclusion criteria included studies including age group below 1yr or above 18 yr, or patients with recurrent post fossa tumors and operated before or patients presented by failed previously attempt of CSF diversion. Results: A total of 1255 citations were screened for eligibility,6 studies were included in our systematic review discussing, comparing and evaluating the durability of ETV versus VP shunt in treatment the 2ry hydrocephalusdue to pediatric posterior fossa tumor.. Overall study population reached 474 patients. the overall clinical findings at presentation and postoperative outcomes regarding the clinical findings improvement, radiological improvement and postoperative complications between ETV and VP shunt are compared and showing that ETV should be considered as an alternative procedure to VP shunt in controlling severe hydrocephalus related to posterior fossa tumors to relieve symptoms quickly during the preoperative period when patients should wait for their definite tumor excision. Conclusion The shorter duration of surgery, the lower incidence of morbidity, the absence of mortality, the lower incidence of procedure failure of endoscopic third ventriculostomy as compared to ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and the significant advantage of not becoming shunt dependent make endoscopic third ventriculostomy to be recommended as the first choice in the treatment of pediatric patients with marked obstructive hydrocephalus due to posterior fossa tumors. It is a preliminary, simple, safe, effective, physiological, minimally invasive procedure for the relief of elevated intracranial pressure before direct tumor removal.


1971 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 672-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Loren Amacher ◽  
Larry K. Page

✓ Four patients with hydrocephalus due to membranous obstruction of the fourth ventricle are presented. This rare entity produced radiographic and clinical findings suggestive of posterior fossa tumor. Operative findings included normal cerebellar development and a translucent membrane just above the foramen of Magendie. Etiological possibilities are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda M. Wang ◽  
Matei A. Banu ◽  
Peter Canoll ◽  
Jeffrey N. Bruce

Current standard of care for glioblastoma is surgical resection followed by temozolomide chemotherapy and radiation. Recent studies have demonstrated that >95% extent of resection is associated with better outcomes, including prolonged progression-free and overall survival. The diffusely infiltrative pattern of growth in gliomas results in microscopic extension of tumor cells into surrounding brain parenchyma that makes complete resection unattainable. The historical goal of surgical management has therefore been maximal safe resection, traditionally guided by MRI and defined as removal of all contrast-enhancing tumor. Optimization of surgical resection has led to the concept of supramarginal resection, or removal beyond the contrast-enhancing region on MRI. This strategy of extending the cytoreductive goal targets a tumor region thought to be important in the recurrence or progression of disease as well as resistance to systemic and local treatment. This approach must be balanced against the risk of impacting eloquent regions of brain and causing permanent neurologic deficit, an important factor affecting overall survival. Over the years, fluorescent agents such as fluorescein sodium have been explored as a means of more reliably delineating the boundary between tumor core, tumor-infiltrated brain, and surrounding cortex. Here we examine the rationale behind extending resection into the infiltrative tumor margins, review the current literature surrounding the use of fluorescein in supramarginal resection of gliomas, discuss the experience of our own institution in utilizing fluorescein to maximize glioma extent of resection, and assess the clinical implications of this treatment strategy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Aljoghaiman ◽  
Mahmoud S. Taha ◽  
Marwah M. Abdulkader

Medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumor that is typically seen in children. It is classified as an embryonal tumor, classically located within the posterior fossa. When it involves the fourth ventricle, the patient commonly presents with signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure secondary to obstructive hydrocephalus. It is exceedingly rare for Medulloblastoma to occur in middle and late adulthood. In this paper, we present a case of a 51-year-old man who presented with a posterior fossa mass that was diagnosed later as Medulloblastoma.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata G. Medina ◽  
David P. Dempsher ◽  
Karen M. Gauvain ◽  
Thomas J. Geller ◽  
Samer K. Elbabaa

Medulloblastoma is a malignant embryonal tumor that arises in the cerebellum and invades the fourth ventricle, often resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. Patients typically present with symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure and cerebellar dysfunction. The authors report a rare case of classic medulloblastoma with central precocious puberty (CPP) as its only presenting symptom. A 7-year-old boy with no prior history of medulloblastoma presented with Tanner Stage IV testicular enlargement and a 4-month history of acne and pubic hair. Laboratory tests of blood samples demonstrated highly elevated luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. Admission MRI of the brain revealed a mass in the posterior fossa, which bordered and compressed the fourth ventricle. The patient also exhibited mild lateral and third ventriculomegaly. Surgical options were discussed with the neurosurgical department. A suboccipital craniotomy and C-1 laminectomy were performed. A large mass was seen arising from the inferior surface of the vermis, and lying within the fourth ventricle. Gross-total microsurgical resection of the mass was performed. Histopathological investigation characterized the tumor as classic medulloblastoma. Follow-up laboratory tests of blood samples demonstrated a reduction of LH, FSH, and testosterone back to prepubertal levels. The patient then began radiation and chemotherapy. This report demonstrates that mild obstructive hydrocephalus due to a posterior fossa tumor may present with unexpected symptoms, such as CPP. To the authors’ knowledge, precocious puberty has not yet been associated with medulloblastoma, although it has been found with other posterior fossa tumors. Extensive imaging of the CNS for patients presenting with CPP is recommended.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 1307-1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meg Verrees ◽  
Jose Americo Fernandes Filho ◽  
Jose I. Suarez ◽  
Robert A. Ratcheson

✓ Hypertension-induced encephalopathy is a recognized pathological process commonly focused in the parietal and occipital lobes of the cerebral hemispheres. The parenchyma of the posterior fossa is infrequently involved. The authors report on two cases of isolated edema of the cerebellar hemispheres, which occurred in the setting of hypertensive crisis and led to complete obstruction of or significant impingement on the fourth ventricle and potentially lethal hydrocephalus. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of hypertensive encephalopathy centered in the posterior fossa. Two patients presented with profound decreases in neurological status subsequent to development of malignant hypertension. Imaging studies revealed diffusely edematous cerebellar hemispheres with effacement of the fourth ventricle, causing dilation of the lateral and third ventricles. Following emergency placement of external ventricular drains, control of systemic blood pressure was accomplished, and neurological functioning returned to baseline. Although neurological deterioration resolved swiftly following placement of ventricular catheters and administration of diuretic agents, systemic blood pressure did not fluctuate with the release of cerebrospinal fluid and resolution of increased intracranial pressure. Decrease in systemic blood pressure lagged well behind improvement in neurological status; the patients remained morbidly hypertensive until systemic blood pressure was controlled with multiple parenteral medications. The authors hypothesize that the development of hypertension beyond the limits of cerebral autoregulation led to breakdown of the blood—brain barrier in the cerebellum and development of posterior fossa edema secondary to the focal transudation of protein and fluid. Correction of the elevated blood pressure led to amelioration of cerebellar edema. In the appropriate clinical setting, hypertension as the inciting cause of cerebellar encephalopathy should be considered.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (28) ◽  
pp. 3468-3496
Author(s):  
Emilio Rodrigo ◽  
Marcio F. Chedid ◽  
David San Segundo ◽  
Juan C.R. San Millán ◽  
Marcos López-Hoyos

: Although acute renal graft rejection rate has declined in the last years, and because an adequate therapy can improve graft outcome, its therapy remains as one of the most significant challenges for pharmacists and physicians taking care of transplant patients. Due to the lack of evidence highlighted by the available metaanalyses, we performed a narrative review focused on the basic mechanisms and current and future therapies of acute rejection in kidney transplantation. : According to Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, both clinical and subclinical acute rejection episodes should be treated. Usually, high dose steroids and basal immunosuppression optimization are the first line of therapy in treating acute cellular rejection. Rabbit antithymocytic polyclonal globulins are used as rescue therapy for recurrent or steroid-resistant cellular rejection episodes. Current standard-of-care (SOC) therapy for acute antibody-mediated rejection (AbMR) is the combination of plasma exchange with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Since a significant rate of AbMR does not respond to SOC, different studies have analyzed the role of new drugs such as Rituximab, Bortezomib, Eculizumab and C1 inhibitors. Lack of randomized controlled trials and heterogenicity among performed studies limit obtaining definite conclusions. Data about new direct and indirect B cell and plasma cell depleting agents, proximal and terminal complement blockers, IL-6/IL-6R pathway inhibitors and antibody removal agents, among other promising drugs, are reviewed.


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