Paraganglioma of the cauda equina – Case Report and Literature Review

Paragangliomas of the cauda equina are tumors of rare incidence, with ∼ 220 cases described in the world literature. They are benign lesions, grade I by the World Health Organization (WHO), whose definitive diagnosis can only be made by immunohistochemical analysis. Its neuroendocrine nature is evidenced by the presence of chromogranin. The relevance of reporting this case is because paragangliomas of the cauda equina should be included among the differential diagnoses of intradural and extramedullary tumors, and especially because they can cause perioperative and intraoperative hypertensive crises by adrenergic discharge.The present study presents the case of a 36-year-old male patient diagnosed with a lumbar spine tumor located in the central spinal canal that presented as cauda equina syndrome involving 4 months of bilateral sciatica, paraparesis, urinary and fecal retention. The diagnosis of paraganglioma was confirmed by immunohistochemical positivity for chromogranin after microsurgical resection of the tumor.

Contralateral interhemispheric transfalcine approach to precuneal glioblastoma: fluorescein guided microsurgical resection and endoscopic microinspection tool

Maximum safe resection remains a primary goal in the treatment of glioblastoma, with gross-total resection conveying additional survival benefit. Multiple intraoperative visualization techniques have been developed to improve the extent of resection. Herein, the authors describe the use of fluorescein and endoscopic assistance with a novel microinspection device in achieving a gross-total resection of a deep seated precuneal glioblastoma. An interhemispheric transfalcine approach was utilized and microsurgical resection was completed with fluorescein guidance. A 45° endoscope was then used to inspect the resection bed, and remaining areas of concern were then resected under endoscopic visualization. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.10.FOCVID21195

Comparison of Endovascular Embolization Plus Simultaneous Microsurgical Resection vs. Primary Microsurgical Resection for High-Grade Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

Aim: It remains a challenge in surgical treatments of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in Spetzler-Martin Grade (SMG) IV and V to achieve both optimal neurological outcomes and complete obliteration. The authors reported a series of patients with AVMs in SMG IV and V who underwent a surgical paradigm of endovascular embolization and simultaneous microsurgical resection based on the one-staged hybrid operation.Methods: Participants in the multicenter prospective clinical trial (NCT 03774017) between January 2016 and December 2019 were enrolled. Patients who received endovascular embolization plus microsurgical resection (EE+MRS) and those who received intraoperative digital subtraction angiography plus microsurgical resection (iDSA+MRS) were divided into two groups. Information on clinical features, operative details, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the database. Deterioration of neurological deficits (DNDs) was defined as the primary outcome, which represented neurological outcomes. The time of microsurgical operation and blood loss were defined as the secondary outcomes representing microsurgical risks and difficulties. Outcomes and technical details were compared between groups.Results: Thirty-eight cases (male: female = 23:15) were enrolled, with 24 cases in the EE+MRS group and 14 in the iDSA+MRS group. Five cases (13.2%) were in SMG V and 33 cases (86.8%) were in SMG IV. Fourteen cases (36.8%) underwent the paradigm of microsurgical resection plus intraoperative DSA. Twenty-four cases (63.2%, n = 24) underwent the paradigm of endovascular embolization plus simultaneous microsurgical resection. Degradations of SMG were achieved in 15 cases. Of the cases, two cases got the residual nidus detected via intraoperative DSA and resected. Deterioration of neurological deficits occurred in 23.7% of cases (n = 9) when discharged, and in 13.5, 13.5, 8.1% of cases at the follow-ups of 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, without significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). Intracranial hemorrhagic complications were reported in three cases (7.9%) of the EE+MRS group only. The embolization did not significantly affect the surgical time and intraoperative blood loss. The subtotal embolization or the degradation of size by 2 points resulted in no DNDs.Conclusions: The paradigms based on the one-staged hybrid operation were practical and effective in treating high-grade AVMs. Appropriate intraoperative embolization could help decrease operative risks and difficulties and improve neurological outcomes.

CTNI-10. ADVANCES IN MANAGEMENT OF LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS

BACKGROUND Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are common benign brain tumors that arise from glial cells of the brain. The complex and variable backgrounds of LGGs cause difficulties in assigning therapies. In this report, we compile findings relating to LGG genetics and treatment options in order to create a coherent summary for referential use. METHODS We compiled 70 articles from the past ten years that cover a broad range of topics pertaining to LGGs, including molecular, genetic, epigenetic, morphological, and other diagnostic factors, as well as prognosis and treatment options. RESULTS In order to provide proper treatment, the molecular basis and histology of the tumor must be addressed. The 1p/19q co-deletion indicator has been considered the gold standard of glioma diagnosis, but oft-sighted mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 genes have given rise to three subgroups of 1p/19q co-deleted tumors, each associated with specific patterns of nervous cells. Other molecular markers and microRNA expression patterns have been studied for possible diagnostic and prognostic methods. Microsurgical resection is the singular treatment with highest overall survival (OS) and quality of life (QOL). Total gross resection is optimal, with patients having a 5-year OS of 100% with 90% tumor resection. Low doses of radiation are as effective as high doses and are better tolerated (with less cognitive deficits). Chemotherapy, specifically temozolomide, offers a favorable toxicity profile and QOL; additionally, seizure reduction is an early and consistent prognostic marker for survival after treatment with temozolomide. CONCLUSIONS The “wait and see” approach for treatment is no longer the standard for LGGs. Immediate treatment after diagnosis is recommended. Gross total resection (if achievable) is the most favorable treatment, with the highest OS and QOL. The use of temozolomide and radiotherapy is recommended. Histological background and genetic markers are vital for determining a treatment plan.