Pseudotumoral Encephalic Schistosomiasis: A Literature Review.

Pseudotumoral encephalic schistosomiasis (PES) is the chronic form of cerebral neuroschistosomiasis, and is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Clinically, PES closely resembles other intracranial space-occupying lesions including brain tumors. Laboratory investigations are usually inconclusive, and neuroradiologic findings are frequently reported as non-specific. Such diagnostic difficulties may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Across the literature, there is a paucity of information about and controversy over many aspects of the disease. Particularly, inconsistent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, a wide variation of medical treatment protocols, lacking consensus regarding the indications of surgery, and undetermined information regarding the impact of the extent of resection on prognosis. We herein review the pertinent literature with the aim of providing focused information regarding the pathogenesis of PES, its currently identified more distinctive neuroimaging features, and the indications and extent of surgery in light of the state-of-the-art operative neurosurgical practice. A distinctive multinodular arborizing pattern of PES lesions can often be observed on MRI in patients with PES. Praziquantel is considered by many authors to be the drug of choice in all cases, and seems to be effective at variable dose regimens. Although lesion excision utilizing current technology is generally safe, the indications and extent of surgery are still undetermined and should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Multicenter collaborative research is further needed to fill the existing gaps in the current knowledge on PES.

Shoulder Lipoblastoma in a 2-Year-Old Boy Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Lipoblastoma is a rare mesenchymal benign tumor of the white fat cells that affect mostly infants and children below 3 years old. MLipoblastoma can be found in various locations in the body, however, it is usually located in the extremities, lower extremities in particular. Case Report: We describe a case of a 2-year-old Middle Eastern boy who has a rare lipoblastoma of his left shoulder that is unusual. Conclusion: The most common presentation of this rare tumor is a child younger than 3 years old with asymptomatic, painless, rapidly growing mass that warrants an appropriate index of suspicion to avoid misdiagnosis. Complete excision with free margins is fundamental as a definitive treatment of this benign tumor to eradicate any chance of recurrence or any possible complications including compressive symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in identifying the nature of the mass, however, the diagnosis confirmed postoperatively through histological and cytogenetic analysis. Chromosomal analysis is quite helpful in differentiating lipoblastoma from liposarcoma because they have different management and prognosis.