Differentiation of Cerebral Neoplasms with Vessel Size Imaging (VSI)

Purpose Cerebral neoplasms of various histological origins may show comparable appearances on conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Vessel size imaging (VSI) is an MRI technique that enables noninvasive assessment of microvasculature by providing quantitative estimates of microvessel size and density. In this study, we evaluated the potential of VSI to differentiate between brain tumor types based on their microvascular morphology. Methods Using a clinical 3T MRI scanner, VSI was performed on 25 patients with cerebral neoplasms, 10 with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), 8 with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) and 7 with cerebral lung cancer metastasis (MLC). Following the postprocessing of VSI maps, mean vessel diameter (vessel size index, vsi) and microvessel density (Q) were compared across tumors, peritumoral areas, and healthy tissues. Results The MLC tumors have larger and less dense microvasculature compared to PCNSLs in terms of vsi and Q (p = 0.0004 and p < 0.0001, respectively). GBM tumors have higher yet non-significantly different vsi values than PCNSLs (p = 0.065) and non-significant differences in Q. No statistically significant differences in vsi or Q were present between GBMs and MLCs. GBM tumor volume was positively correlated with vsi (r = 0.502, p = 0.0017) and negatively correlated with Q (r = −0.531, p = 0.0007). Conclusion Conventional MRI parameters are helpful in differentiating between PCNSLs, GBMs, and MLCs. Additionally incorporating VSI parameters into the diagnostic protocol could help in further differentiating between PCNSLs and metastases and potentially between PCNSLs and GBMs. Future studies in larger patient cohorts are required to establish diagnostic cut-off values for VSI.

Impact of particular antiepileptic drugs on the survival of patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Object Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common astrocytic brain tumor and carries a dire prognosis. Despite current therapeutic options—surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—survival varies from 11.3 to 14.6 months. A group of drugs known as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) has demonstrated a potentially beneficial role in cancer treatment, particularly in combination with other therapies. A drug that exhibits potential as an HDI is sodium valproate (VPA), which is frequently used to treat seizures in patients with cerebral neoplasms. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of VPA as an antitumor agent in the management of patients with GBM. Methods A review was conducted in terms of how HDIs work, the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and the effects of AEDs on survival in a local cohort of patients diagnosed with GBM. The local cohort of patients was determined by reviewing the electronic histopathology and AED informatics systems. A meta-analysis of papers on the use of AEDs in GBM was also performed. Results The local cohort consisted of 236 patients with GBM, 210 of whom had complete data available for analysis, a median age of 62 years, and 1-year survival of 26%. Patients treated with AEDs had a significantly longer survival than those who were not (Mantel-Cox log-rank test 19.617, p < 0.001). Those treated with VPA had significantly longer survival than those who did not receive an AED (Mantel-Cox log-rank test 17.506, p < 0.001), and patients treated with VPA had a significantly longer survival than those who had received other AEDs (Mantel-Cox log-rank test 5.303, p < 0.02). Conclusions Authors of this study demonstrated evidence supporting the theory that VPA may benefit patients with GBM in terms of survival.

Cerebellar haemangioblastoma presenting with dizziness in pregnancy: case report and review of the literature

Cerebral neoplasms are uncommon in pregnancy but should be considered in any pregnant woman with new onset neurological symptoms and signs. We report a case of cerebellar haemangioblastoma presenting in pregnancy and discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical management and medical literature surrounding the condition.