Successful application of stereotactic radiosurgery for multiply recurrent Rathke’s cleft cysts

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 832-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. West ◽  
Michael H. Soike ◽  
Jaclyn J. Renfrow ◽  
Michael D. Chan ◽  
Adrian W. Laxton ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVERathke’s cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign lesions of the sella turcica that usually come to neurosurgical attention due to compression of the optic apparatus (OA) and headaches. Treatment options for these lesions include observation, aspiration of cyst contents, or open resection of the cyst with the cyst wall. All of these options involve the potential for cyst recurrence or enlargement. In this study the authors report on a potential new therapeutic option for RCCs, i.e., stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).METHODSA retrospective review was conducted of 5 patients with histologically confirmed, multiply recurrent RCCs who were treated with single-fraction SRS at a tertiary referral academic medical center.RESULTSThe total cohort consisted of 5 female patients with an average age of 31.8 years. The most common presenting symptom was headache followed by blurry vision. The symptoms were present on average for 7 months before intervention. The median number of surgeries prior to radiosurgery was 2. The average volume of lesion treated was 0.34 cm3. The median SRS dose was 12.5 Gy prescribed to the 50% isodose line with an average prescription coverage of 96.6%. The median dose to the OA was 5 Gy. At last follow-up, 3 of 5 cysts had completely regressed, 1 had regressed by more than 50% but was still present, and 1 was stable, with an overall mean follow-up duration of 34.2 months. There were no neurological, endocrinological, or visual complications attributable to SRS during the follow-up period.CONCLUSIONSRCCs can be a challenging clinical entity to treat, especially when they are multiply recurrent. In patients with an average of 2 previous surgeries for resection, a single SRS session prevented recurrence universally, with an average follow-up of almost 3 years. These results indicate that further investigation of the treatment of RCCs with SRS is indicated.

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (05) ◽  
pp. 505-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth H. Ference ◽  
Karam W. Badran ◽  
Edward C. Kuan ◽  
Marvin Bergsneider ◽  
Anthony P. Heaney ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Bioabsorbable steroid eluting stents may prevent the stenosis of ostia after sinus surgery. We describe a technique utilizing this technology to prevent the reformation of Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) after transnasal transsphenoidal surgical drainage. Design This study is based on retrospective review. Setting The research took place at Tertiary academic medical center. Participants Patients who underwent endoscopic marsupialization of RCC with stent placement were participated in this study. Main Outcome Measures Demographics, surgical history, outcomes, and complications were primary measures of this study. Results Four patients underwent drainage of a recurrent RCC with subsequent stent placement. All patients consented to off-label use of the stent. The mean age of patients was 42 years old and the number of prior drainage procedures ranged from 1 to 3. The stent was placed directly into the opening of the cyst after drainage with no other tissue placed into the cyst cavity or opening. The stents are bioabsorbable and were not removed after surgery but were evaluated endoscopically at 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. The patients have been followed for a mean of 14 months after surgery with no evidence of recurrence on endoscopic exam or imaging. No patient had cerebrospinal fluid leak during or after the operation or permanent endocrinopathy. Conclusion The use of a bioabsorbable steroid eluting stent had no unanticipated consequences and all drainage pathways of all the RCCs remain patent. The use of this technology may decrease recurrence rates in revision or complex cases where patients have extensive scarring of the operative field from prior drainage procedures. Further follow-up of the current cases and study in a larger cohort are warranted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-90
Author(s):  
Sadaf Amin Chaudhry ◽  
Nadia Ali Zafar ◽  
Rabia Hayat ◽  
Ayesha Noreen ◽  
Gulnaz Ali ◽  
...  

Background: Acne is the eighth most prevalent disease affecting 9.4% of the population worldwide and its prevalence in our country is estimated to be around 5%. Severe inflammatory acne is most likely to leave scars and in order to prevent facial disfigurement due to acne scarring, early treatment is desirable. Various treatment options have been formulated for acne, and are tailored according to the severity of the disease. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted till now, to determine the usefulness and side effect profile of such therapies, making acne treatment a highly studied area in dermatology. Objective of this study is to highlight the fact that oral Dapsone could be used as a cheaper alternate to isotretinoin in recalcitrant severe acne, especially in females where retinoids are sometimes contraindicated. Patients and methods: 51 patients, suffering from severe nodulocystic acne, fulfilling the criteria, were enrolled from the Department of Dermatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. All the study patients were given oral Dapsone 50mg for initial two weeks and then 100mg daily for the next 10 weeks along with oral cimetidine and topical clindamycin application twice daily. Investigator Global Assessment Scale (IGAS) was employed to measure effectiveness. The treatment was considered ʽeffectiveʹ if the patient achieves 2 or more than 2-grade improvement or almost clear or clear skin at the end of 12 weeks according to IGAS scale. The lesion counts were also done before the start of therapy (day 1) and at every two weeks follow up for 12 weeks. The change in lesion count observed between the baseline number and that seen at follow up visits was also used to evaluate the effectiveness of oral Dapsone. Safety was analyzed by fortnightly visits of the patients to look for any undesirable side effects and monitoring of the hematologic profile of the patients. Final follow up was done at the end of 16 weeks. Results: The study was conducted on 51 patients, with a ratio of 1:3 for males and females and a mean age of 25.2 years (SD ±5.81). At 12th week, patients had significant reduction in their acne lesions; with 7 patients (13.7%) showing completely clear skin, 17 patients (33.3%) had almost clear skin, 5 patients (9.8%) had 3-grade improvement. Twelve patients (23.5%) had 2-grade improvement from baseline score and only 2 patients (3.9%) had 1-grade improvement from baseline. Based on percentage reduction of lesions, excellent response was seen in 32 patients (62.7%), good response in 9 patients (17.6%), moderate response in 2 patients (3.9%), while no patient showed poor response. Dapsone was discontinued in 8 patients due to derangement of hematologic profile. Conclusion: Oral Dapsone, when given carefully, is a very effective therapeutic option in severe recalcitrant acne, with limited side effects.


2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 684-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Yu ◽  
Runsheng Huang ◽  
Wei Qian ◽  
Jingyu Fang ◽  
Caizhen Wu ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 846-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Fan ◽  
Songtao Qi ◽  
Yuping Peng ◽  
Xi-an Zhang ◽  
Binghui Qiu ◽  
...  

Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign cysts typically located in the sellar or suprasellar region; ectopic isolated lesions are extremely rare. The authors describe the case of a 25-year-old man with a giant symptomatic RCC arising primarily at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), only the second case reported thus far. The patient presented with a 2-year history of right hearing impairment and tinnitus accompanied by vertigo and headache and a 2-week history of right facial numbness. Subsequently, he underwent total cyst removal via retrosigmoid craniotomy with a good recovery. He experienced no recurrence during a 64-month follow-up period. The possible pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and surgical treatment of such cysts are discussed in this article. Isolated ectopic RCCs can arise from the ectopic migration of Rathke's pouch cells during the embryonic period. It is still difficult to distinguish ectopic RCCs from other cystic lesions of the CPA given the lack of specific imaging features. Aggressive resection of the cyst wall is not recommended, except when lesions do not closely adhere to adjacent structures.


2011 ◽  
Vol 165 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Trifanescu ◽  
V Stavrinides ◽  
P Plaha ◽  
S Cudlip ◽  
J V Byrne ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo clarify the outcome of all cases of Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) treated surgically and followed up in Oxford during a long-term period.Subjects and methodsThe records of all patients with RCC seen in the Department of Endocrinology between January 1978 and June 2009 were reviewed.ResultsA total of 33 patients (20 females, median age 43 years) were identified. At presentation, major visual field defects were detected in 58% of patients and gonadotrophin, ACTH and TSH deficiency in 60, 36 and 36% of patients respectively. Desmopressin treatment was required in 18% of patients. Treatment consisted of cyst evacuation combined with or without biopsy/removal of the wall. Post-operatively, visual fields improved in 83% of patients with impairment, whereas there was no reversal of ACTH or TSH deficiency or of diabetes insipidus. All but one subject had imaging follow-up during a mean period of 48 months (range 2–267). Cyst relapse was detected in 22% of patients at a mean interval of 29 months (range 3–48 months); in 57% of them, the recurrence was symptomatic. Relapse-free rates were 88% at 24-months and 52% at 48-months follow-up. At last assessment, at least quadrantanopia was reported in 19% of patients, gonadotrophin, ACTH and TSH deficiency in 50, 42 and 47% of patients respectively. Desmopressin treatment was required in 39% of patients.ConclusionsIn this study of patients with RCC and long-term follow-up, we showed a considerable relapse rate necessitating long-term monitoring. Surgical intervention is of major importance for the restoration of visual field defects, but it does not improve endocrine morbidity, which in the long-term affects a substantial number of patients.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine F Huang ◽  
Jennifer E Fugate ◽  
Alejandro A Rabinstein

INTRODUCTION: Studies suggest 8%-28% of ischemic strokes present as wake-up strokes (WUS). The unknown time of symptom onset precludes these patients from approved treatments for acute ischemic stroke, but a substantial proportion of patients may be deemed candidates for treatment if other factors are considered. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics associated with clinical outcomes of WUS patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of patients with ischemic stroke admitted to a large academic medical center between January 2011 and May 2012. We identified patients with stroke symptoms upon awakening or those who were found with stroke symptoms with an unknown time of onset. Baseline demographics, stroke mechanism, presenting NIHSS, Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores on discharge and at 3-month follow-up were obtained. A good outcome was defined as mRS 0-2. RESULTS: WUS patients comprised 22% (162/731) of all patients with ischemic stroke at our institution during this time period. Median age was 74 years (range 15-100), median presenting NIHSS was 5 (range 0-28), and median initial ASPECTS 10 (range 0-10). A cardioembolic mechanism was identified in 68 patients (42%). Predictors of good outcome at hospital discharge were lower initial NIHSS (3.5 versus 12.0, p<0.0001) and higher ASPECTS (9.8 versus 8.1, p=0.0002). The predictors of good outcomes at 3 months were younger age (69.1 versus 75.8, p=0.009), lower initial NIHSS (5.0 versus 12.6, p<0.0001), and higher ASPECTS (9.5 versus 8.1, p=0.0006). One hundred and eleven patients (68.5%) had initial ASPECTS of 10. Of those, 19 had NIHSS≥10 and 7 were treated with acute recanalization therapies. Four of the 7 treated patients had good outcomes, and 2 of the 12 untreated patients had good outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients with strokes of unknown onset and severe deficits have good outcomes without acute stroke treatment. Patients with NIHSS≥10 and ASPECTS 10 may be candidates for acute recanalization therapy.


Author(s):  
Justin Pieper ◽  
Michael Ashamalla ◽  
Neil Yager ◽  
Daniel Sedhom ◽  
Khetan Gate ◽  
...  

Background: Echocardiography is routinely performed for evaluation of cardiac embolic causes in stroke patients. We sought to examine the association of echocardiographic evidence of atherosclerosis with atrial fibrillation and long-term outcomes. Materials and methods: Retrospective chart review was performed in 756 consecutive patients treated for non-hemorrhagic stroke at a single academic medical center. Transthoracic echocardiograms were reviewed for presence of mitral annular calcifications, aortic valve sclerosis, or aortic atherosclerosis. Admission ECG and telemetry recordings were evaluated for documented dysrhythmias. Mean follow up length was 46+/- 20 months. Results: A significant number (57.7%) of patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke diagnosed with atrial fibrillation had evidence of cardiac and systemic atherosclerosis on transthoracic echocardiogram, which was less likely in patients with normal sinus rhythm (35.4%) or non-sinus non-atrial fibrillation rhythms (37.1%, p<0.05). Findings of cardiac and systemic atherosclerosis were more common in older patients (75+/- 11 vs 60+/- 16 years old, p<.001), with lower BMI (27.4+/- 6.0 vs. 29+/- 6.5, p<.001), and hypertension (71.9% vs. 59.2 %, p=.002). Patients with findings of cardiac and systemic atherosclerosis were more likely to die during follow-up (56.1% vs. 43.9%, p<.001). Conclusion: In patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke, cardiac and systemic evidence of atherosclerosis was strongly associated with atrial fibrillation and portended poor long-term prognosis. In stroke patients with cardiac and systemic evidence of atherosclerosis and rhythms other than atrial fibrillation, extended ECG monitoring may be warranted.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Stone ◽  
Nancy Drobycki ◽  
Mark Johnson

Background: Persons with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke. Research shows that there is a correlation between increasing diabetes and stroke. Education for stroke patients, however, continues to focus on medication management and blood pressure reduction. American Diabetes Association indicates, “There should be a structured discharge plan tailored to the individual patient with diabetes.” Transitioning from the acute care is risky for diabetics, recommendations now include individualized education for diabetics with stroke. 40% of the stroke population at our institution showed risk factors for diabetes, yet 11% received diabetes education, and only 59% had diabetes medication pre-prescribed at discharge. The stroke team initiated an inpatient diabetes education to increase patient awareness and medication adherence. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify and address barriers related to the provision of individualized inpatient diabetes education and outpatient diabetes medication reconciliation for persons with diabetes and stroke. Method: The Endocrinology team was consulted for patients with diabetes and stroke with an A1c level of 7%. These team worked collaboratively to establish a consult process. Endocrinology APPs provided diabetic education and advised the Neurology team on the appropriate discharge medication regimen and follow-up. The stroke coordinator provided reminders during rounds to assure that consults were ordered for patients with diabetes having A1c 7% or greater. Results: Inpatient diabetes education improved from 11% in 2017 to 96% in 2019. Diabetes medication reconciliation, with listing of diabetes medications on the after visit summary at discharge increased from 59% in 2017 to 93% in 2019. Conclusions: Both metrics reflect improvement over a 2-year period, showing that collaboration between the Endocrinology and Neurology teams is key to effective discharge planning, diabetes medication reconciliation and outpatient follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndy J. Wilcox ◽  
Claudia Schweiger ◽  
Catherine K. Hart ◽  
Alessandro de Alarcon ◽  
Nithin S. Peddireddy ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study documents the growth and course of repaired complete tracheal rings over time after slide tracheoplasty.Study DesignCase series with review.SettingTertiary pediatric academic medical center.Subjects/MethodsMedical records of pediatric patients with confirmed tracheal rings on bronchoscopy who underwent slide tracheoplasty between January 2001 and December 2015 were reviewed. Patients who had operative notes documenting tracheal sizing over time were included. Exclusion criteria included tracheal stenosis not caused by complete tracheal rings, surgical repair prior to presentation at our institution, or lack of adequate sizing information. The postoperative follow-up was examined and airway growth over time documented.ResultsOf 197 slide tracheoplasties performed during the study time period, 139 were for complete tracheal rings, and 40 of those children met inclusion criteria. The median age at time of surgery was 7 months, and the median initial airway size was 3.9 mm (n = 34). The median growth postoperatively was 1.9 mm over a median follow-up period of 57 months (0.42 mm/year), which is similar to growth rates of unrepaired complete tracheal rings ( P = .53). Children underwent a median of 10 postoperative endoscopies, with time between endoscopies increasing further out from surgery. The most commonly performed adjunctive procedure was balloon dilation.ConclusionsThis is the first study documenting continued growth of repaired complete tracheal rings after slide tracheoplasty. Postoperative endoscopic surveillance ensures adequate growth. Intervals between airway endoscopies can be increased as the child gets older, as the airway increases in size, and as long as symptoms are minimal.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document