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1.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 40(3): 961-964, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37917406

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and imaging features of a sellar-suprasellar pineoblastoma RB1 subgroup without pineal or retinal involvement. CASE REPORT: An 11-month-old girl presented to the emergency department with fever, rhinorrhea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, and one seizure. Head CT and brain MRI demonstrated a large lobulated mass with calcifications and heterogeneous enhancement in the suprasellar region causing mass effect to the ventricular system and hydrocephalus. Histology revealed a CNS embryonal tumor not otherwise specified (NOS) with small round nuclei with mitotic activity and necrosis. DNA methylation analysis classified the tumor in the pineoblastoma RB1 subgroup. CONCLUSION: Pineoblastoma RB1 subgroup should be considered in the differential diagnosis of large sellar-suprasellar masses with calcifications and heterogeneous enhancement in children younger than 18 months even in cases of absent pineal or retinal involvement. Molecular analysis with DNA methylation profiling is critical for diagnosis and management.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Pineal Gland , Pinealoma , Retinal Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Infant , Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology , Pineal Gland/diagnostic imaging , Pinealoma/diagnostic imaging , Pinealoma/genetics , Retinal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Retinal Neoplasms/pathology , Retinoblastoma Binding Proteins , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
2.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 40(8): 2603-2607, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38642111

ABSTRACT

The embryonal central nervous system (CNS) tumor with PLAGL1 (pleomorphic adenoma gene-like) amplification is a novel type of pediatric neoplasm with a distinct methylation profile, described for the first time in 2022. It may be located anywhere in the neuroaxis and, as its name implies, it is driven by the amplification and overexpression of one of the PLAG family genes. Although the associated clinical, immunohistopathological, and molecular characteristics are well characterized in the seminal report of this entity, data on the radiological features is still lacking. Here, we present a case report of a 4-year-old girl with a biopsy-proven PLAGL1-amplified brainstem tumor and provide a detailed description of the corresponding conventional neuroimaging characteristics, aiming to better delineate this entity and to increase the awareness of this pathology in the radiological community.


Subject(s)
Transcription Factors , Humans , Female , Child, Preschool , Transcription Factors/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/genetics , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Gene Amplification , Brain Stem Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Stem Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Brain Stem Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Cycle Proteins
3.
Surg Radiol Anat ; 45(12): 1599-1602, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37878067

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe the association between two aortic arch branch variants and its possible relationship with neurofibromatosis-1. METHODS: A 5-year-old female with NF-1 diagnosis presented to the emergency department at 2 months of age with irritability, vomiting and left gaze deviation. Brain MRI showed a left side acute hemispheric stroke and left internal carotid occlusion. RESULTS: CT angiography of the neck showed the right and left common carotid arteries arising from a common vascular trunk coming from the aortic arch and a right retroesophageal subclavian artery. CONCLUSION: Although the relationship between NF-1 mutation and aortic arch branch abnormalities has not been described, there is a recognized condition known as neurofibromatosis/Noonan syndrome which is an accepted variant of NF-1 with clinical features of both NF-1 and Noonan syndrome caused by dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK pathway. Aortic arch branch variations in patients with NF-1 could be explained by this association.


Subject(s)
Neurofibromatosis 1 , Noonan Syndrome , Stroke , Female , Humans , Child , Child, Preschool , Subclavian Artery/diagnostic imaging , Neurofibromatosis 1/complications , Neurofibromatosis 1/diagnosis , Aorta, Thoracic/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/etiology
4.
Epilepsy Behav ; 129: 108606, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35180571

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Report a series of children with West syndrome (WS) treated with vigabatrin (VGB) who developed characteristic MRI alterations. In the majority, these adverse events were asymptomatic; however, some of the patients developed movement disorders and acute encephalopathy. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of our epilepsy clinical and EEG database of 288 patients with WS seen between 2014 and 2020. All patients who received VGB alone or with concomitant therapies, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), high-dose oral corticosteroids, ketogenic diet, valproate, levetiracetam, or topiramate, were evaluated. RESULTS: In 44 of 288 patients with WS receiving VGB, MRI findings compatible with VGB-associated brain abnormalities were identified; median age at diagnosis was 6.29 months (range, 2 weeks to 11 months). The etiology of WS with vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on MRI (VABAM) was unknown in 22 (52.27%), genetic in seven (15.9%), genetic-structural in three (6.8%), structural malformative in three others (6.8%), and structural acquired in eight patients (18.2%). Vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on MRI was asymptomatic in 25 of 44 patients. Ten of 44 (22.7%) infants were reported to have had a movement disorder (choreoathetosis, dystonic posturing). Nine of 42 infants exhibited progressive psychomotor deterioration associated with signs and symptoms of encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: MRI abnormalities were observed in infants treated with VGB and they appeared to be dose dependent. In our study common locations for MRI abnormalities included globi pallidi and brainstem, followed by thalami and dentate nuclei. Risk factors for the development of VABAM may include age younger than 11 months and higher VGB dose of VGB (>165 mg/kg/day). Vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on MRI usually resolved following VGB discontinuation, probably after a period of 3 months.


Subject(s)
Brain Diseases , Spasms, Infantile , Anticonvulsants/adverse effects , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Child , Humans , Infant , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Retrospective Studies , Spasms, Infantile/diagnostic imaging , Spasms, Infantile/drug therapy , Vigabatrin/adverse effects
5.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 38(2): 435-439, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33948722

ABSTRACT

Choroid plexus cysts (CPC) are a frequent incidental neuroimaging finding and completely asymptomatic in the vast majority of cases. We hereby describe a rare case of acute hydrocephalus secondary to a CPC, atypical in size, location and presentation, which required urgent neuroendoscopic management. There are very few reported cases of CPC causing obstructive hydrocephalus. The authors present the case of a previously healthy 2-year-old boy with severe symptoms of acute intracranial hypertension, triventricular hydrocephalus, and left ventricle exclusion after placement of a right external ventricular drain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a very subtle gadolinium enhancement in the anterior region of the third ventricle and foramen of Monro (FM). An emergency neuroendoscopic exploration was performed, where a big cyst was found in the choroid plexus near the FM. The foramen was completely unblocked by thoroughly fenestrating and coagulating the cyst, and a preventive endoscopic septum pellucidotomy was done in the same procedure. The patient completely resolved his symptoms, without neurological morbidity or requirement of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement. It is important to consider this infrequent presentation in cases of acute or intermittent obstructive hydrocephalus without apparent cause, bearing in mind its difficult detection in neuroimaging studies and the possibility of effective neuroendoscopic treatment.


Subject(s)
Cysts , Hydrocephalus , Neuroendoscopy , Third Ventricle , Child, Preschool , Choroid Plexus/diagnostic imaging , Choroid Plexus/pathology , Choroid Plexus/surgery , Contrast Media , Cysts/complications , Cysts/diagnostic imaging , Cysts/surgery , Gadolinium , Humans , Hydrocephalus/diagnostic imaging , Hydrocephalus/etiology , Hydrocephalus/surgery , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/adverse effects , Male , Neuroendoscopy/methods , Third Ventricle/surgery
6.
Pediatr Radiol ; 52(1): 97-103, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34611736

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that paramagnetic rim lesions on 7-tesla (T) and 3-T susceptibility-based brain MRI are specific features of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of paramagnetic rim lesions on 1.5-T phase images can help discriminate pediatric patients with MS from those with other demyelinating diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study we reviewed brain MRIs performed on 1.5-T scanners that included susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequences with phase images in children younger than 18 years diagnosed with MS and other acquired demyelinating syndromes. In each case, five white matter lesions were selected using T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images for further paramagnetic rim evaluation on SWI. Two researchers performed independent assessments of the presence of paramagnetic rim lesions. Discrepancies between them were settled by consensus, with input from a senior neuroradiologist. RESULTS: We included 13 children diagnosed with MS and 16 children diagnosed with non-MS demyelinating diseases and analyzed a total of 132 focal white matter lesions. Seventy-one percent of the lesions in the MS group had paramagnetic rims, while none of the lesions in the non-MS group had rims. All but one of the children with MS had at least one lesion with a paramagnetic rim. The presence of one lesion with a paramagnetic rim on 1.5-T phase-contrast images resulted in 70% sensitivity and 100% specificity for MS. CONCLUSION: Paramagnetic rim lesions detected on 1.5-T phase-contrast MR images can help discriminate MS from other acquired demyelinating syndromes in the pediatric population.


Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis , Adult , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Child , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Multiple Sclerosis/diagnostic imaging , Neuroimaging , Retrospective Studies
7.
J Neurooncol ; 155(1): 53-61, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34505229

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated in the last years that once medulloblastoma has recurred, the probability of regaining tumor control is poor despite salvage therapy. Although re-irradiation has an emerging role in other relapsed brain tumors, there is a lack of strong data on re-irradiation for medulloblastoma. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18 years or under, treated at least by a second course of external beam for recurrence medulloblastoma at Garrahan Hospital between 2009 and 2020. Twenty-four patients met eligibility criteria for inclusion. All patients received upfront radiotherapy as part of the curative-intent first radiotherapy, either craniospinal irradiation (CSI) followed by posterior fossa boost in 20 patients or focal posterior fossa radiation in 4 infants. The second course of radiation consisted of CSI in 15 and focal in 9. The 3-year post first failure OS (50% vs. 0%; p = 0.0010) was significantly better for children who received re-CSI compared to children who received focal re-irradiation. Similarly, the 3-year post-re-RT PFS (31% vs. 0%; p = 0.0005) and OS (25% vs. 0%; p = 0.0003) was significantly improved for patients who received re-CSI compared to patients who received focal re-irradiation. No symptomatic intratumoral haemorrhagic events or symptomatic radionecrosis were observed. Survivors fell within mild to moderate intellectual disability range, with a median IQ at last assessment of 58 (range 43-69). CONCLUSIONS: Re-irradiation with CSI is a safe and effective treatment for children with relapsed medulloblastoma; improves disease control and survival compared with focal re-irradiation. However this approach carries a high neurocognitive cost.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Neoplasms , Craniospinal Irradiation , Medulloblastoma , Re-Irradiation , Brain Neoplasms , Cerebellar Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Child , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Medulloblastoma/radiotherapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/radiotherapy , Radiotherapy Dosage , Retrospective Studies
8.
J Neurooncol ; 152(2): 363-372, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33660119

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intracranial germ cell tumor (iGCT) represents a rare and heterogeneous group, with variable incidence and diverse treatment strategies. Although multiagent chemotherapy with reduced radiotherapy strategy has been applied by several cooperative groups in North America and Western Europe, there is a paucity of data to understand if this combined regimen is suitable in low-middle income countries (LMIC). METHODS: We evaluate the outcome in a cohort of iGCT treated by SIOP-CNS-GCT-96 strategy at hospital J.P Garrahan in Argentina over the last 20 years. Radiation field and dose included focal radiotherapy (FRT) before 2009 or focal radiotherapy plus whole ventricular radiotherapy (WVRT) after 2009 for localized germinoma and FRT or FRT plus WVRT or CSI for non germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT) RESULTS: Sixty iGCT were identified; 39 germinoma and 21 NGGCT. Median follow-up was 6.57 years (range 0.13-20.5). 5-year PFS and OS were 83.5% (95% CI [165.53-223.2]) and 88.7% (95% CI [169.84-223.2]) for the germinoma group, while for the NGGCT group were 75% (95% CI [133.27-219.96]) and 64.2% (95% CI [107.38-201.81]) respectively. The localized germinoma group showed poor results between 2000 and 2009 with 5-year PFS and OS of 69 and 75% respectively, and an excellent outcome between 2010 and 2019 with a 5-years PFS and OS of 92.8 and 100%. A univariable analysis identified this difference in survival as related to the field of radiotherapy, specifically whole ventricular radiotherapy. FRT increased the risk of recurrence in localized germinoma, involving not only ventricular relapses; but spinal cord and disseminated disease as well. There were no relapses of localized NGGCT after FRT and FRT plus WVRT. CONCLUSION: Herein we demonstrate that intensive chemotherapy followed by FRT plus WVRT for germinoma is a feasible and effective strategy, warranting further study in the developing world.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage , Brain Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/therapy , Radiotherapy/methods , Adolescent , Argentina , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/methods , Child , Cranial Irradiation/methods , Female , Humans , Male , Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods , Retrospective Studies
9.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 37(6): 2063-2068, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33108519

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Our purpose is to present an atypical case of a 4-month-old patient with a giant dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). METHODS: Presentation of a case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: The DAVF arterial supply was through the middle meningeal artery bilaterally and the anterior and middle cerebral arteries on the right hemisphere. The venous drainage was through the posterior two-thirds of the superior sagittal sinus. The endovascular team performed an embolization to reduce the flow of the lesion, and finally, the surgical team completed the excision of the residual venous sac, without causing any significant neurological deficit. We used a double surgical approach done with two surgical teams in order to optimize the hemostasis control and reduce morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: Midline DAVF usually has devastating consequences in children. Endovascular treatment is the first choice since it has lower mortality. Nevertheless, it requires multiple interventions, and the cure of the disease may not be achieved. We believe that joint endovascular and surgical treatment, supported by a reliable multidisciplinary medical team, is a good option for this type of lesions.


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations , Embolization, Therapeutic , Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/diagnostic imaging , Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/surgery , Cerebral Angiography , Child , Humans , Infant , Meningeal Arteries , Superior Sagittal Sinus , Treatment Outcome
10.
Pediatr Radiol ; 51(1): 119-127, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32901319

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been shown to be helpful in providing information about cellular density and also predicting the histological features of aggressive tumors. Several studies have evaluated this technique for orbital tumors. However, very few articles have focused exclusively on evaluating pediatric orbital masses and, within those, only a small number of patients were included in the study. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the use of DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values to differentiate between benign and malignant extraocular orbital lesions in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 73 patients under the age of 18 seen in our hospital between October 2016 and February 2019. The extraocular orbital lesions were evaluated clinically and radiologically using DWI. The diagnosis was confirmed by either histological examination (after biopsy or surgery) or based on clinical and radiologic evaluation. RESULTS: The malignant lesions were found to have increased diffusion restriction in comparison to the benign lesions. The ADC values of the malignant lesions were significantly lower (P<0.0001). The use of a cutoff value of 0.99×10-3 mm2/s allowed for the differentiation of the benign lesions and malignant lesions with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 100% while the cutoff point of 1.26×10-3 mm2/s had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 73%. CONCLUSION: Measurement of ADC in extraocular orbital lesions in children may help differentiate malignant lesions from benign lesions.


Subject(s)
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Orbital Neoplasms , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Orbital Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity
11.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 67(12): e28627, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32959992

ABSTRACT

Central nervous system high-grade neuroepithelial tumor with MN1 alteration (CNS HGNET-MN1) is a rare recently described entity. Fourteen CNS HGNET-MN1 patients were identified using genome-wide methylation arrays/RT-PCR across seven institutions. All patients had surgery (gross total resection: 10; subtotal resection: four) as initial management followed by observation alone in three patients, followed by radiotherapy in eight patients (focal: five; craniospinal: two; CyberKnife: one) and systemic chemotherapy in three patients. Seven patients relapsed; five local and two metastatic, despite adjuvant radiotherapy, of which three died. Treatment of CNS HGNET-MN1 remains a major treatment challenge despite aggressive surgical resections and upfront radiotherapy, warranting new approaches to this rare malignancy.


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology , Mutation , Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial/pathology , Trans-Activators/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/genetics , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial/genetics , Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial/therapy , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult
12.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 36(3): 469-475, 2020 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31897638

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a rare neoplasm mainly seen in children under 1 year of life. The most common location of the tumor is the maxilla followed by the cranial vault. Surgery is the treatment of choice and outcome mainly depends on extent of resection. OBJECTIVES: To report an atypical case of an 8-year-old patient with a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy, to review the cases with melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising from the skull published over the last 13 years, and to provide a diagnostic approach that may allow recognition of a pattern in these rare neoplastic lesions. METHODS: A case is reported with a description of the clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological features. Additionally, the literature was reviewed to identify reports of patients with melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising from the cranial vault and all cases published in PubMed over the last 13 years were included. Only studies that evaluated clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological findings were included. CONCLUSION: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a rare entity that may present with unusual features, but nevertheless has an identifiable pattern that allows the tumor to be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracranial space-occupying lesions in children.


Subject(s)
Neuroectodermal Tumor, Melanotic , Skull Neoplasms , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Infant , Neuroectodermal Tumor, Melanotic/diagnostic imaging , Neuroectodermal Tumor, Melanotic/surgery , Skull , Skull Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Skull Neoplasms/surgery
13.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 29(11): 2079-87, 2013 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23832072

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the electroclinical features and surgical outcome of 31 pediatric patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of 31 patients with FCD type II followed between 1998 and 2011. We included patients with FCD type II confirmed by histopathological examination with abnormal magnetic resonance imaging and at least 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: All patients had severe focal epilepsy; in infancy, four of them had also had epileptic spasms, associated with hypsarrhythmia in three. Focal status epilepticus occurred in five patients (16 %) and epilepsia partialis continua in one (3.2 %). Seizures occurred during sleep in 20 (64.5 %) and in clusters in 19 (61.3 %) patients. Neurological examination showed a mild motor deficit in seven (22.8 %) patients. Interictal abnormalities were characterized by rhythmic spikes and polyspike discharges, increasing during sleep in 13 (41.9 %) patients. Average time of follow-up after surgery was 4.7 years with a median time of 4 years and a range from 1 to 9 years. Engel classification class I was found in 20 (67.7 %) and class II in 3 cases (9.6 %). There were no significant changes after an average time of follow-up of 4.7 years. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that surgery is the best treatment option for pediatric patients with refractory focal epilepsy due to type II FCD. A statistically significant correlation was found between a good prognosis and age at epilepsy onset older than 2 years.


Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/physiopathology , Brain Diseases/surgery , Epilepsies, Partial/physiopathology , Epilepsies, Partial/surgery , Malformations of Cortical Development/physiopathology , Malformations of Cortical Development/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures/standards , Adolescent , Brain Diseases/complications , Child , Child, Preschool , Electroencephalography , Epilepsies, Partial/etiology , Epilepsy , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Malformations of Cortical Development/complications , Malformations of Cortical Development, Group I , Patient Outcome Assessment , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome
14.
Medicina (B Aires) ; 73 Suppl 1: 1-9, 2013.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24072045

ABSTRACT

Encephalitis are an inflammatory processes of various origin, among which include autoimmune origin. The identification of antibodies against the N-methyl-D- aspartate, allowed clinical immunological characterization of an entity susceptible to immunomodulatory therapy. Originally described in young women associated with ovarian teratoma, is now a recognized entity in children even in the absence of detectable tumors. The aim of the study was conducted through review of medical records, was to describe the clinical, developmental and findings in further studies of eleven children with confirmed diagnosis of this entity through identification of specific antibodies. All debuted with psychiatric symptoms in nine associating seizures, and two extrapyramidal movements. In the evolution of language all had commitment nine severe autonomic symptoms, one with hypoventilation and requirements of ARM. Brain MRI was abnormal in three. Eight had voltage EEG asymmetry and / or amplitude, three of them had spikes. Six had CSF pleocytosis and three of seven positive oligoclonal bands. Five IgM serology for mycoplasma were positive. CPK increase occurred in conjunction with antisychotics in five. With immunomodulatory treatment, five had complete recovery three behavioral disorders / cognitive deficits and one severe. A patient's clinical picture resolved without treatment. In any associated tumor was detected. We conclude that in front of a child with acute encephalopathy and clinical support this entity after infectious cause were ruled out, immunomodulatory therapy should be started early, avoid the use of antipsychotic drugs and search for possible hidden tumors.


Subject(s)
Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis/immunology , Antibodies/immunology , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/immunology , Acute Disease , Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis/diagnosis , Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis/physiopathology , Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis/therapy , Argentina , Brain/physiopathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Electroencephalography , Female , Humans , Immunomodulation , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Retrospective Studies , Seizures/physiopathology , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome
15.
Rev Chilena Infectol ; 30(6): 673-5, 2013 Dec.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24522315

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis is an important public health problem. It is estimated that around 5-10% of patients with tuberculosis present with central nervous system involvement; meningitis and tuberculoma being two of the most frequent manifestations. The paradoxical reaction in patients undergoing antituberculosis treatment is infrequent, nevertheless it is an important consideration in patients, who after an appropriate initial response to specific treatment, present with worsening clinical and radiological signs or the appearance of new lesions.


Subject(s)
Antitubercular Agents/adverse effects , Tuberculosis, Meningeal/drug therapy , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Immunocompetence , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Tuberculoma, Intracranial/drug therapy , Tuberculosis, Meningeal/diagnosis , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/diagnosis
16.
Surg Neurol Int ; 14: 170, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37292398

ABSTRACT

Background: "Ping-pong" fractures are a type of depressed fracture in which there is no rupture of the inner or outer table of the skull. It is produced by incomplete bone mineralization. Its appearance is frequent during neonatal and infant ages and is extremely rare outside of these age periods. The objective of this article is to present the case of a 16-year-old patient who presented a "ping-pong" fracture after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and discuss the underlying physiopathogenesis of these types of fractures. Case Description: A 16-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with a TBI, referring headaches and nausea. Non-contrast brain computed tomography displayed a left parietal "ping-pong" fracture. Laboratory tests showed hypocalcemia, subsequently diagnosing hypoparathyroidism. The patient remained under observation for 48 h. He was managed conservatively and started on calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements with a favorable evolution. Hospital discharge was granted with TBI discharge instructions and warning signs. Conclusion: The age of presentation of our case was atypical, according to the reported literature. When faced with a "ping-pong" fracture outside of an early age, underlying bone pathologies must be ruled out, which could potentially generate incomplete bone mineralization of the skull.

18.
Neurointervention ; 17(1): 58-64, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35026105

ABSTRACT

Central venous disease (CVD) is a serious complication in hemodialysis patients. Neurological manifestations are rare. We describe a female with end-stage renal disease with throbbing headache accompanied by paresthesia, weakness, and abnormal posture of her right hand during dialysis sessions. Motor symptoms completely resolved after each dialysis session, although the headaches persisted for several hours. No neurological deficit was evidenced on physical examination. Digital subtraction angiography identified an incomplete thrombosis of the left brachiocephalic vein with retrograde flow in the internal jugular vein, sigmoid sinus, and transverse sinus on the left side. This case illustrates that cerebral venous congestion due to CVD can produce neurological symptoms. Furthermore, we systematically review the literature to identify the characteristics of the cases described so far. This allows clinicians to know the entity and have a high index of suspicion in a hemodialysis patient who develops neurological symptoms.

19.
Medicina (B Aires) ; 81(5): 791-799, 2021.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34633954

ABSTRACT

The BRAFV600E point mutation plays a key role in the tumorigenesis of many gliomas. Inhibiting its product is part of the innovative therapies emerging in recent years. Knowing the role of these treatments is essential. The aim of this experience was to describe the clinical-radiological response of pediatric BRAFV600E mutated gliomas treated with BRAF inhibitors. To this end, a descriptive and retrospective study was performed in patients under 16 years of age with BRAFV600E gliomas, who received vemurafenib or dabrafenib at Hospital Garrahan. Thirteen patients treated in the last 7 years were included: 9 were low-grade and 4 high-grade gliomas. The median age at diagnosis was 8.6 years (0.89-14.04) and at start of targeted therapy was 11.62 years (3.64-15.42). All patients had previously a surgical procedure, and 12/13 had received another therapy prior BRAF inhibition: 11 chemotherapy (in one case, up to 4 different protocols) and 4 radiotherapy. Under targeted therapy, tumour response was obtained in 10 patients (size reduction equal to or greater than 25%), and best response was observed in the first 6 months of treatment in 7 children. Four patients progressed under treatment (all high-grade gliomas) and 2 progressed shortly after stopping the inhibitor (both low-grade gliomas). Five patients had grade 3-4 toxicity, with subsequent full recovery. A good and sustained clinical-radiological response, with acceptable tolerance, is described in patients with BRAFV600E mutated low-grade gliomas treated with BRAFV600E inhibitors. In contrast, the response in patients with high-grade gliomas was intermediate and of short duration, with early tumour progression.


La mutación puntual V600E del gen BRAF juega un papel fundamental en la tumorigénesis de muchos gliomas. La inhibición de su producto forma parte de terapias innovadoras emergentes en los últimos años. Conocer el rol de estos tratamientos resulta imprescindible. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir la respuesta clínico-radiológica en niños con gliomas BRAFV600E mutado tratados con inhibidores BRAF. Para ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes menores de 16 años con gliomas BRAFV600E mutado que recibieron vemurafenib o dabrafenib en el Hospital Garrahan. Trece pacientes tratados en los últimos 7 años fueron incluidos: 9 gliomas de bajo grado y 4 de alto grado. La mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue 8.6 años (0.89-14.04) y del comienzo del inhibidor 11.62 años (3.64-15.42). Inicialmente, todos habían realizado tratamiento quirúrgico, y 12/13 recibieron previamente otra terapia: 11 quimioterapia (eventualmente hasta 4 líneas distintas) y 4 radioterapia. Con la terapia dirigida, 10 pacientes tuvieron una disminución tumoral mayor o igual al 25%, quedando evidenciada en 7 niños la mejor respuesta dentro de los 6 meses del inicio. Hubo 4 progresados intratratamiento (todos alto grado), y 2 progresados prontamente luego de suspender el inhibidor (ambos bajo grado). Cinco presentaron efectos adversos grado 3-4, con recuperación ad-integrum. Se describe una buena y sostenida respuesta clínico-radiológica, con tolerancia aceptable, en pacientes con gliomas de bajo grado BRAFV600E mutado tratados con inhibidores BRAFV600E. En contraste, la respuesta en pacientes con gliomas de alto grado fue intermedia y de poca duración, con progresión tumoral precoz.


Subject(s)
Glioma , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf , Child , Glioma/drug therapy , Glioma/genetics , Hospitals , Humans , Mutation , Proto-Oncogene Mas , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/antagonists & inhibitors , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics , Retrospective Studies
20.
Pediatr Infect Dis J ; 40(9): e340-e343, 2021 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34288632

ABSTRACT

AIM: To describe a term newborn with acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and multisystem involvement including seizures associated to ischemic lesions in the brain. BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is predominantly a respiratory infection, but it may affect many other systems. Most pediatric COVID-19 cases range from asymptomatic to mild-moderate disease. There are no specific clinical signs described for neonatal COVID-19 infections. In children, severe central nervous system compromise has been rarely reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a 17-day-old newborn who acquired a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a family meeting that was admitted for fever, seizures and lethargy and in whom consumption coagulopathy, ischemic lesions in the brain and cardiac involvement were documented. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 neonatal infection can be associated with multi-organic involvement. In our patient, significant central nervous system compromise associated to ischemic lesions and laboratory findings of consumption coagulopathy were found. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections are infrequent, they can be associated with multi-organic involvement. Neonatologists and pediatricians should be aware of this unusual way of presentation of COVID-19 in newborn infants.


Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia/virology , COVID-19/complications , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/virology , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Acyclovir/therapeutic use , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain Ischemia/pathology , COVID-19/pathology , Ceftriaxone/therapeutic use , Fever , Frontal Lobe/blood supply , Frontal Lobe/diagnostic imaging , Frontal Lobe/pathology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/drug therapy , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/pathology , Lethargy , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Nasopharynx/virology , Seizures , COVID-19 Drug Treatment
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