scholarly journals Static permeability assessment method to distinguish brain tumour recurrence from pseudoprogression

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv25-iv25
Author(s):  
Kai Tsang ◽  
Chun Pang ◽  
Sam Butler

Abstract Aims It is common to have adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy after primary brain tumour resection. It is a known side effect that enhancing lesion could be seen in radiation territory after treatment, termed as pseudoprogression. It has been a difficult task to distinguish brain between tumour recurrence from pseudoprogression after radiotherapy. Timing of occurrence of these can overlap. It is important to distinguish the two as management is completely different. Early intervention in recurrence could improve survival time while pseudoprogression could be self-limiting. Surgical resection of pseudoprogression could be counter-productive. The radiological approach has been relying on multimodality investigation and close follow up. It has come to our institution notice that there is a new technique which could distinguish the two conditions efficiently. That's static permeability assessment method, also known as treatment response assessment maps (TRAMs). Our experience with it so far has been beneficial. Method This is a retrospective case series review of primary brain tumour treatment in our neurosurgical institution in 2020. Two high resolution 3D T1-weighted brain MRI images were acquired after a standard dose of gadolinium based contrast agent was injected. The first acquisition began five minutes after injection, and the second began 60 – 105 minutes post contrast injection. The TRAMs technique is based on image subtraction that is post processed after acquisition. The resultant subtracted image set was mapped to grey scale values, where voxels showing contrast clearance were light grey/white, and those showing contrast accumulation were dark grey/black. The zero value (i.e. no clearance or accumulation) was therefore mid-grey. Those with contrast clearance is associated with tumour recurrence. TRAMs images were compared to serial follow up imaging and histopathology results to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the technique. Results We have identified 21 patients in this period who had concern of either of pseudoprogression or tumour recurrence/progression. There were 6 females and 15 males, mean age 51. There were 14 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), 5 astrocytoma, 1 oligodendroglioma and 1 post radiotherapy arteriovenous malformation. 17 cases were found to have clear cut recurrence, pseudoprogression or mixture of both in TRAMS. These findings are backed up by histology or repeated follow up scan. 4 cases were considered as equivocal. In retrospect, these cases have challenging interpretation due to poor case selection. TRAMs could distinguish high grade transformation as well as detecting recurrence. In some difficult cases, it is found that both pseudoprogression and recurrence could happen together. Conclusion TRAMs is a useful adjunct to the multimodalities of diagnostic techniques in tricky situation. This has provided an efficient and easy to use tool for radiologists to come up with the answer. We are the first independent centre to report on this technique. This is still early days and fine-tuning of its use is still undergoing. It is clear this has saved precious resources and has given patients more suitable care. We think it would be beneficial for us to share our experience with others and hope to get future collaboration with other centres.

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv18-iv18
Author(s):  
Hari Mcgrath ◽  
Jose Lavrador ◽  
Ioannis Christodoulides ◽  
Prajwal Ghimire ◽  
Richard Gullan ◽  
...  

Abstract Rationale WHO Grade 3 meningiomas are a rare, malignant subtype of meningioma. Few controlled case series detailing its treatment and follow-up are to be found in the literature. Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients treated in a single neuro-oncology centre in the period between September 2008 and March 2019 with an initial diagnosis of WHO Grade 3 meningioma. Demographic and clinical data has been collected from the available medical records. Results 9 patients were included in this series: 2 had convexity, 2 sphenoid wing, 2 parafalcine, 1 parasagittal with a further 3 multiple locations and 1 patient with parietal convexity meningioma. 3 tumours displayed rhabdoid features, whilst 4 displayed papillary features and a further 2 displayed epithelial structures. All patients underwent surgical intervention: 5 patients had a subtotal resection with 3 having total resection. 3/4 of reported Simpson Grading was grade 2, whilst the remaining 1/4 was grade 1. The extent of resection for 1 patient was uncertain. Post surgically, 6 received adjuvant radiotherapy, 2 had no further treatment and 1 received gamma knife therapy. No patient received chemotherapy. 5 patients saw no tumour recurrence at follow up appointments (mean 50 months). Within 2 years of their respective surgical interventions, 4 patients died due to tumour recurrence and associated complications (3 patients). Conclusion To establish a uniform approach to treatment of patients with WHO Grade 3 meningiomas is challenging. Management involves a patient-centred approach based on multidisciplinary meeting decisions. Multicentre registries may allow further conclusions.


Author(s):  
Fary Khan ◽  
Bhasker Amatya ◽  
Louisa Ng ◽  
Lynne Turner-Stokes ◽  
Kate Drummond

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-63
Author(s):  
Jawad Oumerzouk

Introduction: The posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRE) is a clinico-radiologic syndrom characterized by seizures, consciousness’s disorder, visual loss, and headache associated with cerebral posterior abnormalities on imaging. It raises often a problem of differential diagnosis with cerebral infarction. Case reports: We report the case of five patients, the first followed for systemic lupus erythematosus, the second is hypertensive poorly follow-up, the 3 other patients were in postpartum after cesarean delivery. All our patients had generalized tonic-clonic seizures associated with an hypertensive peak without edema syndrome. Laboratory tests were unremarkable. The EEG showed epileptic abnormalities and brain MRI was in favor of a reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. Evolution under treatment was favorable without recurrence with a decline of 20 months. Conclusion: Rapid regression clinical and radiolologic abnormalities suggest cerebral vosogenic oedema as mechanism of this disease and confirm its mildness. Nevertheless, PRE may not be reversible without an early control of causes.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-179
Author(s):  
John L. Sherman ◽  
Christen F. Kutz ◽  
Mitchell S. Szymczak ◽  
Deborah York ◽  
Laurence J. Adams

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this work was to determine the extent to which a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to patients with dementia and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can help to determine the most likely diagnosis and the prognosis of these patients.ObjectiveVolumetric brain MRI alone is recognized as a useful imaging tool to differentiate behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) from the more common Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our objective is to create a protocol that will provide additional non-standard, objective imaging data that can be utilized clinically to distinguish common and uncommon forms of dementia and TBI. As patients with these diseases are increasingly presenting to clinical practice, our ability to combine multiple parameters within the standard 30-minute or 45-minute (pre- and post-contrast) MRI exams has high potential to affect current and future clinical practice.MethodsAll MRI studies were performed on 1.5 T MRI GE 450w or GE HDx imagers. All patients were seen clinically in outpatient practices. All techniques are FDA approved. The 30 minute protocol utilized T2w FSE 3 mm, 2.5 mm SWAN, 3D T1 sagittal 1.2 mm, DWI 5 mm, 3D FLAIR 1.2 mm, 2.5 mm SWAN (susceptibility sensitive), 3D T1 sagittal 1.2 mm, arterial spin labeling perfusion, posterior cingulate single voxel PRESS MR spectroscopy and NeuroQuant automated volumetric analysis and LesionQuant automated lesion detection and measurement. The 45-minute TBI protocol added diffusion tensor imaging, MR spectroscopy (MRS) of normal appearing frontal white matter and 3D gadolinium enhanced technique.ResultsThe combination of multiparametric data together with standard imaging and clinical information allowed radiologic interpretation that was able to focus on 1–2 specific diagnoses and to indicate those patients in which a combination of pathologies was most likely. Neurologists, gerontologists, neuropsychologists and psychiatric specialists used these data and our summary conclusions to develop more specific diagnoses, treatments and prognoses.ConclusionsReadily available MRI techniques can be added to standard imaging to markedly improve the usefulness of the radiologic opinion in cases of subjective cognitive insufficiency, clinical mild cognitive insufficiency, behavioral pathologies, dementia and post-traumatic brain syndromes.


Author(s):  
Jae Ik Lee ◽  
Mohd Shahrul Azuan Jaffar ◽  
Han Gyeol Choi ◽  
Tae Woo Kim ◽  
Yong Seuk Lee

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, regardless of the presence of predisposing factors. A total of 21 knees that underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction from March 2014 to August 2017 were included in this retrospective series. Radiographs of the series of the knee at flexion angles of 20, 40, and 60 degrees were acquired. The patellar position was evaluated using the patellar tilt angle, sulcus angle, congruence angle (CA), and Caton-Deschamps and Blackburne-Peel ratios. To evaluate the clinical outcome, the preoperative and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scoring scales were analyzed. To evaluate the postoperative outcomes based on the predisposing factors, the results were separately analyzed for each group. Regarding radiologic outcomes, 20-degree CA was significantly reduced from 10.37 ± 5.96° preoperatively to −0.94 ± 4.11° postoperatively (p = 0.001). In addition, regardless of the predisposing factors, delta values of pre- and postoperation of 20-degree CA were not significantly different in both groups. The IKDC score improved from 53.71 (range: 18–74) preoperatively to 94.71 (range: 86–100) at the last follow-up (p = 0.004), and the Lysholm score improved from 54.28 (range: 10–81) preoperatively to 94.14 (range: 86–100) at the last follow-up (p = 0.010). Isolated MPFL reconstruction provides a safe and effective treatment for patellofemoral instability, even in the presence of mild predisposing factors, such as trochlear dysplasia, increased patella height, increased TT–TG distance, or valgus alignment. This is a Level 4, case series study.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  

There have been a few case reports of head injury leading to brain tumour development in the same region as the brain injury. Here we report a case where the patient suffered a severe head injury with contusion. He recovered clinically with conservative management. Follow up Computed Tomography scan of the brain a month later showed complete resolution of the lesion. He subsequently developed malignant brain tumour in the same region as the original contusion within a very short period of 15 months. Head injury patients need close follow up especially when severe. The link between severity of head injury and malignant brain tumour development needs further evaluation. Role of anti-inflammatory agents for prevention of post traumatic brain tumours needs further exploration.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Angelousi ◽  
Eva Kassi ◽  
Melpomeni Peppa ◽  
Alexandra Chrysoulidou ◽  
George Zografos ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 549-557
Author(s):  
Malia McAvoy ◽  
Heather J. McCrea ◽  
Vamsidhar Chavakula ◽  
Hoon Choi ◽  
Wenya Linda Bi ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEFew studies describe long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) because of the rarity of pediatric disc herniation and the short follow-up periods. The authors analyzed risk factors, clinical presentation, complications, and functional outcomes of a single-institution series of LMD patients over a 19-year period.METHODSA retrospective case series was conducted of pediatric LMD patients at a large pediatric academic hospital from 1998 to 2017. The authors examined premorbid risk factors, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, type and duration of conservative management, indications for surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative outcomes.RESULTSOver the 19-year study period, 199 patients underwent LMD at the authors’ institution. The mean age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 12–18 years), and 55.8% were female. Of these patients, 70.9% participated in competitive sports, and among those who did not play sports, 65.0% had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. Prior to surgery, conservative management had failed in 98.0% of the patients. Only 3 patients (1.5%) presented with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent microdiscectomy. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative CSF leak (2.0%), 1 case of a noted intraoperative CSF leak, and 3 cases of wound infection (1.5%). At the first postoperative follow-up appointment, minimal or no pain was reported by 93.3% of patients. The mean time to return to sports was 9.8 weeks. During a mean follow-up duration of 8.2 years, 72.9% of patients did not present again after routine postoperative appointments. The total risk of reoperation was a rate of 7.5% (3.5% of patients underwent reoperation for the same level; 4.5% underwent adjacent-level decompression, and one patient [0.5%] ultimately underwent a fusion).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for long-term relief of pain and return to daily activities among pediatric patients with symptomatic lumbar disc disease in whom conservative management has failed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-208
Author(s):  
Ravindra Arya ◽  
Francesco T. Mangano ◽  
Paul S. Horn ◽  
Sabrina K. Kaul ◽  
Serena K. Kaul ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThere is emerging data that adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) without a discrete lesion on brain MRI have surgical outcomes comparable to those with hippocampal sclerosis (HS). However, pediatric TLE is different from its adult counterpart. In this study, the authors investigated if the presence of a potentially epileptogenic lesion on presurgical brain MRI influences the long-term seizure outcomes after pediatric temporal lobectomy.METHODSChildren who underwent temporal lobectomy between 2007 and 2015 and had at least 1 year of seizure outcomes data were identified. These were classified into lesional and MRI-negative groups based on whether an epilepsy-protocol brain MRI showed a lesion sufficiently specific to guide surgical decisions. These patients were also categorized into pure TLE and temporal plus epilepsies based on the neurophysiological localization of the seizure-onset zone. Seizure outcomes at each follow-up visit were incorporated into a repeated-measures generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with MRI status as a grouping variable. Clinical variables were incorporated into GLMM as covariates.RESULTSOne hundred nine patients (44 females) were included, aged 5 to 21 years, and were classified as lesional (73%), MRI negative (27%), pure TLE (56%), and temporal plus (44%). After a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (range 1.2–8.8 years), 66% of the patients were seizure free for ≥ 1 year at last follow-up. GLMM analysis revealed that lesional patients were more likely to be seizure free over the long term compared to MRI-negative patients for the overall cohort (OR 2.58, p < 0.0001) and for temporal plus epilepsies (OR 1.85, p = 0.0052). The effect of MRI lesion was not significant for pure TLE (OR 2.64, p = 0.0635). Concordance of ictal electroencephalography (OR 3.46, p < 0.0001), magnetoencephalography (OR 4.26, p < 0.0001), and later age of seizure onset (OR 1.05, p = 0.0091) were associated with a higher likelihood of seizure freedom. The most common histological findings included cortical dysplasia types 1B and 2A, HS (40% with dual pathology), and tuberous sclerosis.CONCLUSIONSA lesion on presurgical brain MRI is an important determinant of long-term seizure freedom after pediatric temporal lobectomy. Pediatric TLE is heterogeneous regarding etiologies and organization of seizure-onset zones with many patients qualifying for temporal plus nosology. The presence of an MRI lesion determined seizure outcomes in patients with temporal plus epilepsies. However, pure TLE had comparable surgical seizure outcomes for lesional and MRI-negative groups.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document