Lymphomatosis Cerebri: A diagnostic dilemma.

Background: Lymphomatosis cerebri (LC) is a rare manifestation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) with only a few cases reported in the literature, appearing as diffuse infiltrating process rather than a solitary mass. It is a non-Hodgkin's type of lymphoma and is usually of the B-cell type origin. Purpose: We intend to report this unique case of LC which came across as a diagnostic challenge. Methods: A 53-year-old gentleman presented with complaints of two episodes of seizures 24 h apart followed by postictal confusion for 10-15 min. He underwent multiple MRI scans and underwent a biopsy of the lesion which reported infection, but he did not benefit from the treatment. Result: The imaging was reviewed, suspicion of LC was raised and a review of histopathology was requested which later confirmed primary CNS lymphoma. Conclusion: LC is a rare but established manifestation of PCNSL which mimics multiple other conditions. Understanding of the imaging pattern is important in making the diagnosis and differentiating it from other mimic conditions.

Early Stage Breast Cancer: Does Histologic Subtype (Ductal vs. Lobular) Impact 5 Year Overall Survival?

Histology is an important predictor of the behavior of breast cancer. We aim to study the impact of histology on the overall survival (OS) of breast cancer patients. We studied 11,085 breast cancer patients diagnosed with T1-T2 tumors, clinically node-negative and non-metastatic, from 2004 to 2019 included in the National Cancer Database. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and Cox regression models were used to study the impact of histology and other variables on OS. In our patient population, 8678 (78.28%) had ductal cancer (IDC), while 2407 (21.71%) had lobular cancer (ILC). ILC patients were significantly more likely to be older, Caucasian, have a lower grade at diagnosis and be hormone receptor-positive compared to IDC patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the 5-year OS of early stage ductal (16.8%) and lobular cancer patients (16.7%) (p = 0.200). Patients of Hispanic and African American origin had worse OS rates compared to non-Hispanic and Caucasian patients, respectively. For node-positive disease, HER2+ tumors and triple-negative tumors, chemotherapy had a positive influence on OS (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.93, p = 0.0012). Histology did not have a significant impact on the 5-year OS of early stage breast cancer patients.

Accuracy of MRI in Detecting 1p/19q Co-deletion Status of Gliomas: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background Oligodendrogliomas, rare brain tumors in the frontal lobe's white matter, are reshaped by molecular markers like isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations and 1p/19q co-deletion, influencing treatment outcomes. Despite the initial indolence, these tumors pose a significant risk, with a median survival of 10-12 years. Non-invasive alternatives, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch and calcifications, provide insights into molecular subtypes and aid prognosis. Our study explored these features to predict the oligodendroglioma status and refine patient management to improve outcomes. Methods In this retrospective study, patient data identified patients with suspected central nervous system tumors undergoing MRI, revealing low-grade gliomas. Surgical biopsy and 1p/19q fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the co-deletion status. MRI was used to assess various morphological features. Statistical analyses included x2 tests, Fisher's exact tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and binary logistic regression models, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Seventy-three patients (median age, 37 years) were stratified according to 1p/19q co-deletion. Most (61.6%) were 18-40 years old and mostly male (67.1%). Co-deletion cases, primarily frontal lobe lesions (67.6%), were unilateral (88.2%), with 55.9% non-circumscribed margins and 58.8% ill-defined contours. Smooth contrast enhancement and no necrosis were observed in 48.1% of 1p/19q co-deletion cases. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between ill-defined/irregular contours and 1p/19q co-deletion. Fisher's exact test confirmed this but raised concerns about the small sample size influencing the conclusions. Conclusions This study established a significant link between glioma tumor contour characteristics, particularly irregular and ill-defined contours, and the likelihood of 1p/19q co-deletion. Our findings underscore the clinical relevance of using tumor contours in treatment decisions and prognosis assessments.

Time to treatment disparities in gastric cancer patients in the United States of America: a comprehensive retrospective analysis.

Introduction: Gastric cancer ranks as the 5th most prevalent cancer and the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Various treatment modalities, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, are available for gastric cancer patients. However, disparities related to age, sex, race, socioeconomic factors, insurance status, and demographic factors often lead to delayed time to treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, conducted between 2004 and 2019, we utilized data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to investigate the factors contributing to disparities in the time to first treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy among gastric cancer patients. Our analysis incorporated several variables, and statistical analysis was conducted to provide valuable insights into these disparities. Results: We observed notable disparities in the timing of treatment for various demographic groups, including age, sex, race, insurance status, geographic location, and facility type. These disparities include longer time to treatment in males (32.67 vs 30.75), Native Americans (35.10 vs 31.09 in Asians), low-income patients (32 vs 31.15), patients getting treatment in an academic setting (36.11 vs 29.61 in community setting), significantly longer time to chemotherapy in 70+ age group (51.13 vs 40.38 in <40 y age group), black race (55.81 vs 47.05 in whites), low income people (49.64 vs 46.74), significantly longer time to radiotherapy in females (101.61 vs 79.75), blacks and Asians (109.68 and 113.96 respectively vs 92.68 in Native Americans) etc. There are various other disparities in time to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Conclusions: Understanding these disparities is crucial in developing targeted strategies to improve timely access to appropriate treatments and enhance outcomes for gastric cancer patients. Future research with updated data and prospective study designs can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing patient outcomes in gastric cancer.

Intraoperative use of low-field magnetic resonance imaging for brain tumors: A systematic review.

Background: Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of brain tumors due to its high spatial resolution and ability to acquire images in a short amount of time. However, the use of LF-MRI for intraoperative imaging during brain tumor surgeries has not been extensively studied. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the impact of low-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (LF-IMRI) on the duration of brain tumor surgery and the extent of tumor resection. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from February 2000 to December 2022. The studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria and reviewed independently by two reviewers. The gathered information was organized and analyzed using Excel. Results: Our review of 21 articles found that low-field intraoperative MRI (LF-IMRI) with a field below 0.3T was used in most of the studies, specifically 15 studies used 0.15T LF-IMRI. The T1-weighted sequence was the most frequently reported, and the average scanning time was 24.26 min. The majority of the studies reported a positive impact of LF-IMRI on the extent of tumor resection, with an increase ranging from 11% to 52.5%. Notably, there were no studies describing the use of ultra-low-field (ULF) intraoperative MRI. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review will aid neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists in making informed decisions about the use of LF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries. Further, research is needed to fully understand the impact of LF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries and to optimize its use in the clinical setting. There is an opportunity to study the utility of ULF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries.

Breast development and disorders in children and adolescents.

Breast masses are infrequently encountered in pediatric and adolescent populations. Most breast masses in children are benign entities arising from embryological defects which can be managed once breast development is complete. Diagnostic and management dilemmas arise when fibroepithelial lesions of the breast are seen in clinical practice. Differentiation between a fibroadenoma and a phyllodes tumor is important to guide management. Breast cancer in children under 18 years of age is extremely rare and invasive diagnostic testing and aggressive management is only recommended when clinical suspicion of malignancy is very high. Patient and caregiver counseling plays an important role in the management of these diseases. While adult-onset breast diseases have been studied very closely, there is a dearth of literature on pediatric breast anomalies. This review aims to provide a scoping overview of the available literature on benign, fibroepithelial, and malignant lesions of the breast in pediatric and adolescent populations to help guide physicians and surgeons with decision-making regarding the diagnosis and management of pediatric breast diseases.

Disparities in Time to Treatment for Skin Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the disparities in skin cancer treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from The National Cancer Database (NCDB) spanning 2004 to 2019 were utilized. Variables including age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity (CDC) score, geographic location, insurance status, income, grade and stage of cancer, and type of treatment facility impacting the time to treatment, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy were analyzed. RESULTS: Trends of longer time to treatment were seen with older age, non-Hispanic white, uninsured, those with a higher CDC score, and treated at academic facilities. Additionally, annual income and clinicopathology of cancer were also significantly associated with time to treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings contribute to the expanding body of evidence pointing to the influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors in treatment disparities across diverse patient populations.

Assessment Precision of CT Perfusion Imaging in the Detection of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Stroke, a prevalent medical emergency, comprises ischemic and hemorrhagic subtypes, with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) being a predominant type. The application of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging has gained prominence due to its rapidity and accessibility in stroke evaluation. This study systematically reviews and conducts a meta-analysis of existing literature to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CTP in detecting AIS and predicting hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Employing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, an extensive search was conducted across electronic databases and relevant radiology journals. Studies conducted between 2007 and 2023 that fulfilled predetermined inclusion criteria underwent quality assessment using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS 2) tool. Cochrane diagnostic accuracy tools were used for data extraction. Thirteen studies involving a total of 1014 patients were included in the analysis. The diagnostic performance of CTP in predicting HT demonstrated high sensitivity (86.7%) and moderate specificity (77.8%), resulting in an overall accuracy of 79.1%. The negative predictive value (NPV) was notably high (92.9%), signifying its efficacy in excluding patients at risk of HT. The positive predictive value (PPV) was comparatively lower (60.3%), highlighting the need for clinical context when making thrombolysis decisions. The false positive rate was 16.2%, while the false negative rate was minimal (9.8%). Subgroup analysis underscored consistent sensitivity and specificity across diverse imaging metrics. The findings of this study emphasize the promising diagnostic accuracy of CTP imaging in predicting HT subsequent to AIS. This non-invasive technique can aid treatment decisions and patient management strategies. By effectively assessing perfusion status and offering predictive insights, CTP imaging improves stroke intervention choices, especially in identifying patients with a lower risk of HT.

Skull base metastasis as initial presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Intracranial metastatic deposits due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare. Only a few cases are reported in the literature. These may be more likely to come to clinical attention than extrahepatic metastases in other sites since they often produce symptoms that necessitate neurosurgical intervention. Case Description: We report a case of a 53-year-old male with biopsy-proven intracranial skull base metastasis from HCC as an unusual initial presentation of the disease and review the relevant literature on this entity. Conclusion: Intracranial metastasis of HCC should be included in the differential diagnosis of rapidly growing metastatic lesions in unusual locations, particularly in chronic liver disease and hepatitis B surface antigen-positive or hepatitis C patients.

Utilization of an ultra-low-field, portable magnetic resonance imaging for brain tumor assessment in lower middle-income countries.

Background: Access to neuroimaging is limited in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) due to financial and resource constraints. A new, ultra-low-field, low-cost, and portable magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) device could potentially increase access to imaging in LMICs. Case Description: We have presented the first brain tumor case scanned using an Ultra-low-field pMRI at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Conclusion: The imaging results suggest that the pMRI device can aid in neuroradiological diagnosis in resource-constrained settings. Further, research is needed to assess its compatibility for imaging other neurological disorders and compare its results with conventional MRI results.

Intraoperative use of ultra-low-field, portable magnetic resonance imaging - first report.

Background: Intraoperative use of portable magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) has become a valuable tool in a surgeon's arsenal since its inception. It allows intraoperative localization of tumor extent and identification of residual disease, hence maximizing tumor resection. Its utility has been widespread in high-income countries for the past 20 years, but in lower-middle-income countries (LMIC), it is still not widely available due to several reasons, including cost constraints. The use of intraoperative pMRI may be a cost-effective and efficient substitute for conventional MRI machines. The authors present a case where a pMRI device was used intraoperatively in an LMIC setting. Case Description: The authors performed a microscopic transsphenoidal resection of a sellar lesion with intraoperative imaging using the pMRI system on a 45-year-old man with a nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma. Without the need for an MRI suite or other MRI-compatible equipment, the scan was conducted within the confinements of a standard operating room. Low-field MRI showed some residual disease and postsurgical changes, comparable to postoperative high-field MRI. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our report provides the first documented successful intraoperative transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma using an ultra-low-field pMRI device. The device can potentially enhance neurosurgical capacity in resource-constrained settings and improve patient outcomes in developing country.

SIOP PODC-adapted treatment guidelines for craniopharyngioma in low- and middle-income settings.

Pediatric craniopharyngioma is a rare tumor with excellent survival but significant long-term morbidities due to the loco-regional tumor growth or secondary to its treatment. Visual impairment, panhypopituitarism, hypothalamic damage, and behavioral changes are among the main challenges. This tumor should be managed under the care of a multidisciplinary team to determine the optimum treatment within the available resources. This is particularly important for low middle-income countries where resources are variable. This report provides risk-stratified management guidelines for children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma in a resource-limited setting.

Redundant nerve roots indicate higher degree of stenosis in lumbar spine stenotic patients.

OBJECTIVES: Redundant Nerve Root (RNR) is a tortuous and elongated radiological appearance of cauda equina on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis (LSCS) patients. This study evaluated preoperative spinal morphometry associated with the development of RNR. METHODS: The retrospective cohort was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, and included patients undergoing decompressive spinal surgery secondary to degenerative LSCS in 2015. The patients were divided into two groups with respect to the presence of preoperative RNR. Spinal morphometry was defined by several radiological parameters, including areas of dural sac (DSA), spinal canal, spinal foramen, facets, and spinal joints, and bilateral angles based on vertebral anatomy. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 57.1 years, in which 22 (40%) expressed RNR in their MRI. The RNR group had significantly lower mean DSA (59.64 vs 84.01 mm2; p = 0.028), bilateral posterior facet angle (Right: 33.84 vs 46.21, p = 0.004; Left: 36.43 vs 43.80, p = 0.039) and higher bilateral anterior facet angles (Right: 54.85 vs 44.57, p = 0.026; Left: 55.27 vs 46.36, p = 0.050) compared to the non-RNR group. The other bidimensional and angular parameters did not observe any statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: RNR was associated with a higher degree of stenosis in patients with LSCS. Bilateral anterior and posterior facets angles contribute to its development, indicating particular spinal morphology to be vulnerable to the stenotic disease.

Multifocal oligodendroglioma with callosal and brainstem involvement.

Background: Oligodendrogliomas are generally low-grade glial neoplasms commonly occurring in a cortical or subcortical location and frequently contain coarse calcifications. Tumors with 1p and 19q codeletions behave atypically and are more likely to have ill-defined margins and tend to have calcification. Very rarely, diffuse pattern and gliomatosis type of infiltrative nature of oligodendrogliomas have been described in sporadic case reports. Case Description: In this article, we present a case of a 31-year-old male who had diffuse multifocal oligodendroglioma with rare features of extensive callosal and brainstem involvement on imaging. Conclusion: Rare cases of oligodendrocytic gliomatosis cerebri or oligodendrogliomatosis with diffuse white matter spread of these tumors usually lead to a detrimental course of neurological status and a poor prognosis in these patients.

Case report: Primary ependymoma of the trigeminal nerve presenting as trigeminal neuralgia.

Background: Ependymomas are usually found in the posterior fossa originating from the fourth ventricle. Primary ependymomas arising from cranial nerves are rare with only a handful of reported cases. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is rarely due to space occupying lesions. Case Description: A 20-year-old female presented with TN with a rare presentation of a pure extra-axial ependymoma involving the right trigeminal nerve in the cerebellopontine angle. Conclusion: It is essential to explore the possibility of a mass arising from the trigeminal nerve when investigating the cause of TN.

Giant Central Nervous System Aspergilloma Mimicking Butterfly Neoplasm of the Corpus Callosum.

Radiological presentation of central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis is variable and depends on the immune status of the patients. Typical features of meningoencephalitis, infarction, abscess, and mycotic aneurysms commonly occur in immunocompromised patients. A rare mass-like or tumoral form of cerebral aspergillosis has been described mostly in immunocompetent patients which results in a diagnostic dilemma, thus potentially causing a delay in the management. We present a case of a large CNS aspergilloma mimicking an infiltrative callosal neoplasm in a young immunocompetent patient. Careful evaluation of imaging features, anatomical location, enhancement pattern, concomitant sinonasal and orbital extension, and angio-aggressive nature of the mass lesion with a high index of suspicion can help diagnose CNS aspergillosis in such patients.

Spinal Radiology associated with Redundant Nerve Roots of cauda equina in lumbar spine stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Redundant Nerve Roots (RNR) is a common radiological observation of elongated tortuous appearance of cauda equina nerve roots in sagittal MRI. It is considered a poor prognostic factor, but the associated spinal morphometry remains unfamiliar. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan. Patients, aged 18 or above, undergoing decompressive spinal surgery due to degenerative Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis (LSCS) in 2015 were included. Patients were divided in groups as per presence of RNR and assessed for spinal morphometric parameters. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients, aged 57.52 ± 12.08 years, were enrolled in the study. The patients in RNR group were older than those in non-RNR group (p = 0.023). RNR was significantly associated with sedimentation sign (15 vs 11; p = 0.011), as well as L2/L3 (12 vs 9; p = 0.043) and L3/L4 (18 vs 18; p = 0.034) stenosis. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy at the most stenotic level was more common in the RNR group (20 vs 19; p = 0.006). The only quantitative parameter statistically associated with RNR was lower ligamentous interfacet distance (5.07 ± 1.95 vs 8.07 ± 4.26 mm; p = 0.010). All other parameters did not contribute to the development of RNR in LSCS patients. The multivariate model revealed significant contribution of age, male sex, ligamentous interfacet distance and disc bulge to develop RNR. CONCLUSION: Certain spinal morphometric parameters contribute towards RNR formation, which represents higher degree of spinal stenosis. These parameters, along with RNR, should be regularly reported for preoperative consideration of LSCS management.

Building the ecosystem for pediatric neuro-oncology care in Pakistan: Results of a 7-year long twinning program between Canada and Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries sustain the majority of pediatric cancer burden, with significantly poorer survival rates compared to high-income countries. Collaboration between institutions in low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries is one of the ways to improve cancer outcomes. METHODS: Patient characteristics and effects of a pediatric neuro-oncology twinning program between the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada and several hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan over 7 years are described in this article. RESULTS: A total of 460 patients were included in the study. The most common primary central nervous system tumors were low-grade gliomas (26.7%), followed by medulloblastomas (18%), high-grade gliomas (15%), ependymomas (11%), and craniopharyngiomas (11.7%). Changes to the proposed management plans were made in consultation with expert physicians from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. On average, 24% of the discussed cases required a change in the original management plan over the course of the twinning program. However, a decreasing trend in change in management plans was observed, from 36% during the first 3.5 years to 16% in the last 3 years. This program also led to the launch of a national pediatric neuro-oncology telemedicine program in Pakistan. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary and collaborative efforts by experts from across the world have aided in the correct diagnosis and treatment of children with brain tumors and helped establish local treatment protocols. This experience may be a model for other low- and middle-income countries that are planning on creating similar programs.

Radiomics for precision medicine in glioblastoma.

INTRODUCTION: Being the most common primary brain tumor, glioblastoma presents as an extremely challenging malignancy to treat with dismal outcomes despite treatment. Varying molecular epidemiology of glioblastoma between patients and intra-tumoral heterogeneity explains the failure of current one-size-fits-all treatment modalities. Radiomics uses machine learning to identify salient features of the tumor on brain imaging and promises patient-specific management in glioblastoma patients. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive review of the available literature on studies investigating the role of radiomics and radiogenomics models for the diagnosis, stratification, prognostication as well as treatment planning and monitoring of glioblastoma. RESULTS: Classifiers based on a combination of various MRI sequences, genetic information and clinical data can predict non-invasive tumor diagnosis, overall survival and treatment response with reasonable accuracy. However, the use of radiomics for glioblastoma treatment remains in infancy as larger sample sizes, standardized image acquisition and data extraction techniques are needed to develop machine learning models that can be translated effectively into clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Radiomics has the potential to transform the scope of glioblastoma management through personalized medicine.