A carcinoid tumor mimicking an isolated intracranial meningioma

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 858-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric M. Deshaies ◽  
Matthew A. Adamo ◽  
Jiang Qian ◽  
Darryl A. DiRisio

✓ This 79-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening dementia, abulia, flat affect, urinary incontinence, and profuse watery diarrhea. Results of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance studies indicated an extraaxial, dural-based mass compressing the right frontal lobe and consistent with a convexity meningioma. A right frontal craniotomy was performed and the dural-based mass was resected. Histopathological features on immunostaining of the lesion were consistent with a carcinoid tumor (low-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma). Further evaluation revealed no primary carcinoid tumor in the foregut from which they typically originate. The authors concluded that this intracranial carcinoid tumor was the primary lesion despite its unusual location and that it should be included in the differential diagnosis of dural-based, extraaxial brain lesions.

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 1107-1110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuyuki Nishigaya ◽  
Masami Kaneko ◽  
Yoshishige Nagaseki ◽  
Hideaki Nukui

✓ A 45-year-old woman developed a rare case of palatal myoclonus with no other neurological signs after undergoing extirpation of a small cerebellar low-grade astrocytoma that was located in the right dentate nucleus. The palatal myoclonus has persisted for 4 years after the operation. Magnetic resonance T2-weighted imaging revealed a high-intensity lesion in the left inferior olive. Palatal myoclonus associated with the removal of cerebellar tumors is unusuall but may easily be overlooked.


1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 342-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosuke Oishi ◽  
Akio Ohnishi ◽  
Katsumi Suzuki ◽  
Teruyuki Hojo

✓ The authors conducted a morphometric investigation of the histopathological alterations in myelinated fibers (MFs) of the nerve roots of C-6, which showed macroscopic indentation, presumably due to cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. In six cadavers, designated as the radiculopathy group, in which the nerve roots of C-6 showed indentation due to compression on one side (indented side) and the remaining nerve roots (normal side) showed a normal appearance macroscopically, morphometric findings of the nerve roots and the MFs on both the indented and normal sides were evaluated and subjected to blind comparison. Seven cadavers with normal-appearing C-6 nerve roots served as controls. In the control group, there were no differences in the morphometric parameters: that is, total transverse fascicular area, total number of small and large MFs, and relationship between myelin thickness and the radius of the axon between the right and left sides in either the ventral or dorsal roots. There was no evidence found of axonal degeneration, ongoing demyelination, or loss of MFs in either the ventral or dorsal roots in the radiculopathy group on the indented side. However, there were significantly lower numbers of large MFs per root and significantly thinner myelin sheaths relative to axon size on the indented side compared with those on the normal side in both the ventral and dorsal roots. These findings are characteristic alterations of the MFs produced by chronic low-grade compression.


2005 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-245
Author(s):  
C. Cerulli ◽  
A. Sciarra ◽  
L. Mazzone ◽  
AM. Autran Gomez ◽  
S. Salciccia ◽  
...  

We report on a rare case of primary carcinoid tumor in a horseshoe kidney. A 56-year-old male was referred at our clinic with a history of urinary tract stones. A CT scan revealed a horseshoe kidney with a large mass in the lower pole of the right kidney. The patient was submitted to a partial right nephrectomy with resection of the lower half of the right kidney and isthmectomy The histological and immunohistochemical findings were compatible with a diagnosis of primary carcinoid tumor. After 24 months the patient is still alive without evidence of recurrence or progression.


1984 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Giuffrè

✓ In 1835, Pecchioli, Professor of Surgery and Operating Medicine at the University of Siena, removed a “fungus of the dura mater” (meningioma). The lesion was a large ulcerated cranial outgrowth at the level of the right sinciput, which at operation proved to originate from the dura mater and to be eroding the bone. Surgery was radical. The patient recovered and attended for follow-up review several times in the course of 30 months, always fit and with no sign of recurrence. This procedure was later selected for the competition for the chair of Surgery at the University of Paris in 1840. In 1847, Pecchioli summarized his surgical material spanning 16 years' activity, including neurosurgical operations.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugues Duffau ◽  
Dominique Denvil ◽  
Laurent Capelle

Object. Despite the high frequency of striatal lesions, the rate of movement disorders reported in the literature is lower than expected (< 10%). To maximize the extent of resection in low-grade gliomas invading the right striatum, the authors performed a striatal resection in a series of 14 patients, observed the lack of movement disorders following these procedures, and discuss herein the mechanisms likely to explain these findings. Methods. Fourteen patients harboring a low-grade glioma that was infiltrating the right nondominant striatum, and in whom the results of neurological examination were normal, underwent surgery in which intraoperative electrical mapping was used, allowing the identification of pyramidal pathways. The striatum was resected in all procedures, and corticospinal tracts were systematically detected and preserved. Ten patients presented with a transient postoperative motor deficit, and nine with a loss of interest and affect. These symptoms all resolved within 3 months, except for one case of persistent hemiparesis. No postoperative movement disorder was noted, even transitorily. All resections were categorized as either total or subtotal on control magnetic resonance images. Conclusions. These findings show that the nondominant striatum can be removed in cases of glioma invasion without inducing even transitory movement disorders. This phenomenon could be explained by the combined resection of the two classes of striatal neurons, an associated pallidal and thalamocortical resection, or a compensatory recruitment of parallel networks. Thus, these results may allow the surgeon to maximize the extent of removal of low-grade gliomas involving basal ganglia. Striatal resection may induce transient hemiparesis and “athymhormic syndrome,” however, necessitating that the patient be clearly informed before surgery.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 37-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. Regine ◽  
Roy A. Patchell ◽  
James M. Strottmann ◽  
Ali Meigooni ◽  
Michael Sanders ◽  
...  

Object. This investigation was performed to determine the tolerance and toxicities of split-course fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery (FSRS) given in combination with conventional external-beam radiation therapy (CEBRT). Methods. Eighteen patients with previously unirradiated, gliomas treated between March 1995 and January 2000 form the substrate of this report. These included 11 patients with malignant gliomas, six with low-grade gliomas, and one with a recurrent glioma. They were stratified into three groups according to tumor volume (TV). Fifteen were treated using the initial FSRS dose schedule and form the subject of this report. Group A (four patients), had TV of 5 cm3 or less (7 Gy twice pre- and twice post-CEBRT); Group B (six patients), TV greater than 5 cm3 but less than or equal to 15 cm3 (7 Gy twice pre-CEBRT and once post-CEBRT); and Group C (five patients), TV greater than 15 cm3 but less than or equal to 30 cm3 (7 Gy once pre- and once post-CEBRT). All patients received CEBRT to 59.4 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions. Dose escalation was planned, provided the level of toxicity was acceptable. All patients were able to complete CEBRT without interruption or experiencing disease progression. Unacceptable toxicity was observed in two Grade 4/Group B patients and two Grade 4/Group C patients. Eight patients required reoperation. In three (38%) there was necrosis without evidence of tumor. Neuroimaging studies were available for evaluation in 14 patients. Two had a partial (≥ 50%) reduction in volume and nine had a minor (> 20%) reduction in size. The median follow-up period was 15 months (range 9–60 months). Six patients remained alive for 3 to 60 months. Conclusions. The imaging responses and the ability of these patients with intracranial gliomas to complete therapy without interruption or experiencing disease progression is encouraging. Excessive toxicity derived from combined FSRS and CEBRT treatment, as evaluated thus far in this study, was seen in patients with Group B and C lesions at the 7-Gy dose level. Evaluation of this novel treatment strategy with dose modification is ongoing.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 542-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Levivier ◽  
David Wikler ◽  
Nicolas Massager ◽  
Philippe David ◽  
Daniel Devriendt ◽  
...  

Object. The authors review their experience with the clinical development and routine use of positron emission tomography (PET) during stereotactic procedures, including the use of PET-guided gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS). Methods. Techniques have been developed for the routine use of stereotactic PET, and accumulated experience using PET-guided stereotactic procedures over the past 10 years includes more than 150 stereotactic biopsies, 43 neuronavigation procedures, and 34 cases treated with GKS. Positron emission tomography—guided GKS was performed in 24 patients with primary brain tumors (four pilocytic astrocytomas, five low-grade astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas, seven anaplastic astrocytomas or ependymomas, five glioblastomas, and three neurocytomas), five patients with metastases (single or multiple lesions), and five patients with pituitary adenomas. Conclusions. Data obtained with PET scanning can be integrated with GKS treatment planning, enabling access to metabolic information with high spatial accuracy. Positron emission tomography data can be successfully combined with magnetic resonance imaging data to provide specific information for defining the target volume for the radiosurgical treatment in patients with recurrent brain tumors, such as glioma, metastasis, and pituitary adenoma. This approach is particularly useful for optimizing target selection for infiltrating or ill-defined brain lesions. The use of PET scanning contributed data in 31 cases (93%) and information that was specifically utilized to adapt the target volume in 25 cases (74%). It would seem that the integration of PET data into GKS treatment planning may represent an important step toward further developments in radiosurgery: this approach provides additional information that may open new perspectives for the optimization of the treatment of brain tumors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-341
Author(s):  
Rifki Ismal ◽  
Nurul Izzati Septiana

Purpose The demand for Saudi Arabian real (SAR) is very high in the pilgrimage (hajj) season while the authority, unfortunately, does not hedge the hajj funds. As such, the hajj funds are potentially exposed to exchange rate risk, which can impact the value of hajj funds and generate extra cost to the pilgrims. The purpose of this paper is to conduct simulations of Islamic hedging for pilgrimage funds to: mitigate and minimize exchange rate risk, identify and recommend the ideal time, amount and tenors of Islamic hedging for hajj funds, estimate cost saving by pursuing Islamic hedging and propose technical and general recommendations for the authority. Design/methodology/approach Forward transaction mechanism is adopted to compute Islamic forward between SAR and Rupiah (Indonesian currency) or IDR. Findings – based on simulations, the paper finds that: the longer the Islamic hedging tenors, the better is the result of Islamic hedging, the decreasing of IDR/USD is the right time to hedge the hajj funds and, on the other hand, the IDR/SAR appreciation is not the right time to hedge the hajj funds. Findings Based on simulations, the paper finds that: the longer the Islamic hedging tenors, the better is the result of Islamic hedging, the decreasing of IDR/USD is the right time to hedge the hajj funds and, on the other hand, the IDR/SAR appreciation is not the right time to hedge the hajj funds. Research limitations/implications The research suggests the authority to (and not to) hedge the hajj fund, depending on economic conditions and market indicators. Even though the assessment is for the Indonesian case, other countries maintaining hajj funds might also learn from this paper. Originality/value To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first paper in Indonesia that attempts to simulate the optimal hedging of hajj funds.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Ellis ◽  
Keziah Austin ◽  
Sarah Emerson

Abstract Background/Aims  A 49-year-old female of Nepalese heritage was referred with right-sided headache, scalp tenderness, and a painful swelling overlying the right temple. She denied any visual or claudicant symptoms but felt systemically unwell with a fever. There were no symptoms suggestive of an inflammatory arthritis, underlying connective tissue disease or vasculitis. She was normally fit and well with no past medical history. She did not take any regular medications and denied using over the counter or illicit drugs or recent travel. On review she had a low grade fever. There was a large tender, erythematous swelling overlying the right temple. Bilaterally the temporal arteries were palpable and pulsatile. Peripheral pulses were normal with no bruits. There was no evidence of shingles (HSV) or local infection. Full systemic examination revealed no other abnormalities. Laboratory tests showed: PV 2.56, CRP 101, total white cell count 14.38 (eosinophils 0.4), albumin 33, Hb 115. Urine dip was normal. Renal function, liver function and immunoglobulins were normal. ANCA was negative. Hypoechogenicity surrounding the right frontal branch of the right temporal artery was seen on ultrasound. There were no discrete masses suggestive of cysts, abscess or tumours. Temporal artery biopsy confirmed the presence of vasculitis; histology demonstrated transmural lymphohistiocytic inflammation, disruption of the elastic lamina and intimal proliferation. Prednisolone was started at 40mg daily. Four weeks after initially presenting she was asymptomatic and her inflammatory markers had normalised. Methods  The case is discussed below. Results  Temporal arteritis, or GCA, is primarily a disease of older adults; with age 50 often used as an inclusion criteria, and is more common in Caucasian populations. Limited reports exist of GCA in younger cohorts, but these are rare. An important differential in younger patients, such as ours, is juvenile temporal arteritis. This rare localised vasculitis affects almost exclusively the temporal artery. It is typically a disease of young males, who present with non-tender temporal swelling. Systemic symptoms are unusual and inflammatory markers are normal. Clinical or laboratory evidence of organ involvement, peripheral eosinophilia or fibrinoid necrosis on histology should prompt consideration of an AAV or PAN. Incidence of GCA increases in correlation with Northern latitude, with highest rates reported in Scandinavian and North American populations. GCA is rare in Asian populations. Higher diagnostic rates in countries where physicians have increased awareness of GCA proposed as an explanation for this difference; however differences in incidence are still observed between Asian and Caucasian populations presenting to the same healthcare providers. Conclusion  GCA is an uncommon diagnosis in younger and non-Caucasian patients. Thorough investigation through ultrasound and biopsy helped increase our diagnostic confidence in this unusual case. Rheumatologists must be alert to atypical presentations in order to deliver prompt and potentially sight-saving treatment. Disclosure  J. Ellis: None. K. Austin: None. S. Emerson: None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 950
Author(s):  
Chiara Sodini ◽  
Elena Mariotti Zani ◽  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Cristiano Conte ◽  
Viviana Dora Patianna ◽  
...  

In most cases, infection due to Bartonella henselae causes a mild disease presenting with a regional lymphadenopathy frequently associated with a low-grade fever, headache, poor appetite and exhaustion that spontaneously resolves itself in a few weeks. As the infection is generally transmitted by cats through scratching or biting, the disease is named cat scratch disease (CSD). However, in 5–20% of cases, mainly in immunocompromised patients, systemic involvement can occur and CSD may result in major illness. This report describes a case of systemic CSD diagnosed in an immunocompetent 4-year-old child that can be used as an example of the problems that pediatricians must solve to reach a diagnosis of atypical CSD. Despite the child’s lack of history suggesting any contact with cats and the absence of regional lymphadenopathy, the presence of a high fever, deterioration of their general condition, increased inflammatory biomarkers, hepatosplenic lesions (i.e., multiple abscesses), pericardial effusion with mild mitral valve regurgitation and a mild dilatation of the proximal and medial portion of the right coronary artery, seroconversion for B. henselae (IgG 1:256) supported the diagnosis of atypical CSD. Administration of oral azithromycin was initiated (10 mg/kg/die for 3 days) with a progressive normalization of clinical, laboratory and US hepatosplenic and cardiac findings. This case shows that the diagnosis of atypical CSD is challenging. The nonspecific, composite and variable clinical features of this disease require a careful evaluation in order to achieve a precise diagnosis and to avoid both a delayed diagnosis and therapy with a risk of negative evolution.


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