Co-localisation of Azaspiracid Analogs with the Dinoflagellate Species Azadinium spinosum and Amphidoma languida in the Southwest of Ireland.

Phytoplankton and biotoxin monitoring programmes have been implemented in many countries to protect human health and to mitigate the impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the aquaculture industry. Several amphidomatacean species have been confirmed in Irish coastal waters, including the azaspiracid-producing species Azadinium spinosum and Amphidoma languida. Biogeographic distribution studies have been hampered by the fact that these small, armoured dinoflagellates share remarkably similar morphologies when observed by light microscopy. The recent releases of species-specific molecular detection assays have, in this context, been welcome developments. A survey of the south west and west coasts of Ireland was carried out in August 2017 to investigate the late summer distribution of toxic amphidomataceans and azaspiracid toxins. Azadinium spinosum and Am. languida were detected in 83% of samples in the southwest along the Crease Line and Bantry Bay transects between 20 and 70 m depth, with maximal cell concentrations of 7000 and 470,000 cells/L, respectively. Azaspiracid concentrations were well aligned with the distributions of Az. spinosum and Am. languida, up to 1.1 ng/L and 4.9 ng/L for combined AZA-1, -2, -33, and combined AZA-38, -39, respectively. Although a snapshot in time, this survey provides new insights in the late summer prominence of AZAs and AZA-producing species in the southwest of Ireland, where major shellfish aquaculture operations are located. Results showed a substantial overlap in the distribution of amphidomatacean species in the area and provide valuable baseline information in the context of ongoing monitoring efforts of toxigenic amphidomataceans in the region.

Sporadic Intradural Extramedullary Hemangioblastoma of the Cauda Equina: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Spinal hemangioblastomas account for 1%-5% of all spinal cord tumors. Although spinal hemangioblastomas are rare, it is exceedingly rare to have a case of intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma of the spine, especially in isolation without von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. The purpose of this report is to present a rare case of intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma of the cauda equina and a literature review. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 82-year-old man presented with an intradural mass at the L4 spinal level on magnetic resonance imaging. Given the benign appearance on magnetic resonance imaging and lack of radiculopathy, the decision was made to observe the patient. Over the course of 4 years, the tumor enlarged and caused left lower extremity radicular pain. Posterior laminectomy and tumor excision was performed. Owing to intimate involvement with multiple nerve roots, subtotal resection was performed. Immunohistopathologic analysis revealed a highly vascular and cellular tumor, with findings consistent with intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma. The patient ultimately underwent CyberKnife radiosurgery for residual tumor, with improvement in neurologic symptoms. Follow-up studies at 2 years failed to show any tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: Literature review revealed cauda equina intradural extramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma to be a rare diagnosis. Furthermore, this was a sporadic case without associated von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Only 20 previous cases have been reported. Immunohistopathologic analysis was required to make the diagnosis. Radiosurgery appears to be useful in cases of residual tumor after subtotal tumor resection.