Endovascular Treatment for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Due to Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease.

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most common causes of acute ischemic stroke worldwide. Patients with acute large vessel occlusion due to underlying ICAD (ICAD-LVO) often do not achieve successful recanalization when undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) alone, requiring rescue treatment, including intra-arterial thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty, and stenting. Therefore, early detection of ICAD-LVO before the procedure is important to enable physicians to select the optimal treatment strategy for ICAD-LVO to improve clinical outcomes. Early diagnosis of ICAD-LVO is challenging in the absence of consensus diagnostic criteria on noninvasive imaging and early digital subtraction angiography. In this review, we summarize the clinical and diagnostic criteria, prediction of ICAD-LVO prior to the procedure, and EVT strategy of ICAD-LVO and provide recommendations according to the current literature.

Endovascular treatment for acute ischaemic stroke due to medium vessel occlusion: data from ANGEL-ACT registry.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) in the anterior circulation and to explore the independent predictors of the 90-day good outcome for such patients. METHODS: Data from ANGEL-ACT Registry were analysed in our study. The outcomes, such as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, successful recanalisation rate and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) rate, were compared between MeVO and acute large vessel occlusions (LVO). Then, the independent predictors of the good outcome at 90 days in MeVO patients were determined by the logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: We included 1032 subjects in the analysis, of which, 147 were MeVO and 885 were LVO. mRS at 90 days distribution (3 (0-4) vs 3 (0-5), common odds ratio (OR) =1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 1.38, p=0.994), SICH rate (4.8% vs 8.9%; OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.34, p=0.205) and successful recanalisation rate (89.8% vs 89.7%; OR=1.00 95% CI 0.51 to 1.93, p=0.992) were similar between the MeVO and LVO groups after adjusting for the confounders. We identified that baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≤4.1 (OR=2.13, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.99, p=0.019), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤14 (OR=1.96, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.80, p=0.045) and mechanical thrombectomy passes ≤1 (OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.11, p=0.021) were independent predictors of the 90-day good outcome in MeVO patients undergoing EVT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MeVO achieved similar 90-day mRS, SICH rate and successful recanalisation rate after EVT compared with patients with LVO. Several independent predictors of 90-day good outcome in MeVO patients undergoing EVT were determined, which should be highly considered in MeVO stroke management.

Preconditioning with Trehalose Protects the Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Under Oxidative Stress and Enhances the Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Cerebral Ischemic Stroke.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation has emerged as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke. Preconditioning with pharmacological agents before cell transplantation has been shown to increase the efficiency of cell therapy. In this study, trehalose (Tre), an autophagy inducer, was used as a pharmacological agent to treat BMSCs, and the neuroprotective effect of BMSCs preconditioned with Tre on cerebral ischemia was assessed. BMSCs were treated in vitro with different concentrations of Tre. Immunofluorescence staining of LC3B was performed to detect autophagy, and Western blotting for LC3, Beclin1, p-AMPK, and p-mTOR was performed. Flow cytometry and Western blotting analysis were performed to measure cell apoptosis in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the secretion levels of neurotrophic factors. An in vivo ischemia/reperfusion model was generated by middle cerebral artery occlusion in male Sprague Dawley rats, and Tre-preconditioned BMSCs were administered intralesionally 24 hours after ischemic injury. Histopathological examination and neurological function studies were conducted. In vitro, Tre promotes autophagy of BMSCs through the activation of the AMPK signal pathway. Tre protected BMSCs from H2O2-induced cell viability reduction and apoptosis. Moreover, Tre pretreatment increased the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor. In vivo, preconditioning with Tre could further enhance the survival of BMSCs, reduce infarct size, alleviate cell apoptosis, abate vessel decrease, and ultimately improve functional recovery. Our study indicates that Tre can enhance the survival of BMSCs under oxidative stress and enhance BMSC-based treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Prediction of the trans-stenotic pressure gradient with arteriography-derived hemodynamic features in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

The pathogenesis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is attributed to segmental stenosis of the venous sinus. The current treatment paradigm requires a trans-stenotic pressure gradient of ≥8 mmHg or ≥6 mmHg threshold. This study aimed to develop a machine learning screening method to identify patients with IIH using hemodynamic features. A total of 204 venous manometry instances (n = 142, training and validation; n = 62, test) from 135 patients were included. Radiomic features extracted from five arteriography perfusion parameter maps were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and then entered into support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. The Thr8-23-SVM classifier was created with 23 radiomic features to predict if the pressure gradient was ≥8 mmHg. On an independent test dataset, prediction sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC were 0.972, 0.846, 0.919, and 0.980, respectively (95% confidence interval: 0.980-1.000). For the 6 mmHg threshold, thr6-28-SVM incorporated 28 features, and its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC were 0.923, 0.956, 0.935, and 0.969, respectively (95% confidence interval: 0.927-1.000). The trans-stenotic pressure gradient result was associated with perfusion pattern changes, and SVM classifiers trained with arteriography perfusion map-derived radiomic features could predict the 8 mmHg and 6 mmHg dichotomized trans-stenotic pressure gradients with favorable accuracy.

Non-contrast head CT alone for thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: analysis of the ANGEL-ACT registry.

BACKGROUD: The goal of this study was to determine if the choice of imaging paradigm performed in the emergency department influences the procedural or clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: This is a retrospective comparative outcome study which was conducted from the ANGEL-ACT registry. Comparisons were made between baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing MT with non-contrast head computed tomography (NCHCT) alone versus patients undergoing NCHCT plus non-invasive vessel imaging (NVI) (including CT angiography (with or without CT perfusion) and magnetic resonance angiography). The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included change in mRS score from baseline to 90 days, the proportions of mRS 0-1, 0-2, and 0-3, and dramatic clinical improvement at 24 hours. The safety outcomes were any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic ICH, and mortality within 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 894 patients met the inclusion criteria; 476 (53%) underwent NCHCT alone and 418 (47%) underwent NCHCT + NVI. In the NCHCT alone group, the door-to-reperfusion time was shorter by 47 min compared with the NCHCT + NVI group (219 vs 266 min, P<0.001). Patients in the NCHCT alone group showed a smaller increase in baseline mRS score at 90 days (median 3 vs 2 points; P=0.004) after adjustment. There were no significant differences between groups in the remaining clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients selected for MT using NCHCT alone versus NCHCT + NVI, there were improved procedural outcomes and smaller increases in baseline mRS scores at 90 days.

Intracranial Stenting as Rescue Therapy After Failure of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion: Data From the ANGEL-ACT Registry.

Background and Purpose: Studies on rescue therapy for acute posterior circulation stroke due to basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are limited in the modern era of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rescue stenting (RS) following MT failure in patients with BAO. Methods: Data were collected from the Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Work Flow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke (ANGEL-ACT) prospective registry in China. Patients who underwent MT for BAO with failure of recanalization were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into the RS and non-RS groups. Clinical and laboratory findings, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: Overall, 93 patients with acute BAO were analyzed. The RS group included 81 (87.1%) patients, and the non-RS group included 12 patients. A modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 2b/3 was achieved in 75 (92.6%) patients in the RS group. Compared with the non-RS group, the RS group had a significantly higher rate of successful recanalization and favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days post-procedure, 0-3: 16.7 vs. 51.9%, respectively; P = 0.023) without an increase in the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and a significantly lower mortality rate (58.3 vs. 18.5%, respectively; P = 0.006). Furthermore, the use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor improved the rate of recanalization of the target artery without increasing the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusions: Permanent stenting appears to be a feasible rescue modality when MT fails and might provide functional benefits in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to BAO.

McCune-Albright syndrome associated with pituitary adenoma: a clinicopathological study of ten cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare genetic, non-inheritable disease and is characterized by fibrous dysplasia, hyperendocrinism, and café-au-lait macules. Pituitary adenomas could be concurrent with this syndrome but clinicopathological features and the surgical management of such disorders is unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed ten MAS-associated pituitary adenoma patients with follow-up in Beijing Tiantan Hospital and analyzed their clinicohistological data, surgical strategies, neuro-imaging, genetic mutations, and prognosis. Moreover, a critical review of the English language literature was also conducted. RESULTS: All of the ten MAS-associated adenoma patients underwent surgeries to remove the tumor (nine transsphenoidal approaches and one transcranial approach). None of these patients had a decompression of the optic canal. Notably, the growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and IGF-1 level had a significant reduction after the resection of the tumor while vision improvement was observed in most patients (6/7) with visual deficits. No tumor recurrence was observed during the follow-up from 16 to 150 months. The pathological examination showed a moderate Ki-67 LI (mean 1.19%, range from 0.1% to 3.3%) and the positive staining of Gsα and PKA C-beta. GNAS gene mutation (R201C) was detected in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Hormone excess (including GH and PRL) could be significantly reduced and the visual deficits are greatly improved after the surgery without the decompression of the optic canal. In addition, MAS-associated pituitary adenomas have a moderate expression of Ki-67 and positive expression of Gsα and PKA C-beta, indicating a mildly proliferative nature of these tumors and the possible linking between MAS and adenomas.

Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in patients with versus without atrial fibrillation: a matched-control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of AF with outcomes after EVT in AIS patients. METHODS: Subjects were selected from ANGEL-ACT registry (Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Work Flow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke) - a prospective consecutive cohort of AIS patients undergoing EVT at 111 hospitals in China between November 2017 and March 2019, and then grouped according to having a history of AF or not. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the outcome measures including the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, successful recanalization after final attempt, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) within 24 h, and death within 90 days were compared. RESULTS: A total of 1755 patients, 550 with AF and 1205 without AF, were included. Among 407 pairs of patients identified after matching, no significant differences were found in the mRS score (median: 3 vs. 3 points; P = 0.29), successful recanalization (87.2 vs. 85.3%; P = 0.42), symptomatic ICH (9. 4 vs. 9.1%; P = 0.86) and death (16.3 vs. 18.4%; P = 0.44) between patients with and without AF. CONCLUSION: The findings of this matched-control study show comparable outcomes of EVT in Chinese AIS patients with and without AF, which do not support withholding EVT in patients with both AIS and AF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03370939 First registration date: 28/09/2017 First posted date: 13/12/2017.

Intracranial Choroid Plexus Carcinomas: Report of 11 Cases from a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus carcinoma is a central nervous system tumor pathologically corresponding to World Health Organization grade III. Choroid plexus carcinoma mainly affects pediatric patients with a poor prognosis. Due to its rarity, standardized treatment has not yet been outlined. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 11 patients with histopathologically diagnosed choroid plexus carcinoma between January 2008 and December 2016. They were treated with surgical resection with or without adjuvant therapies. The clinical profiles and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 16.0 years (median, 7.0 years; range, 4 months to ∼59 years). Gross total resection was achieved in 9 cases, and subtotal resection in 2 cases. Seven patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, and 2 patients underwent chemotherapy. The mean overall survival was 34.8 months, and the mean progression-free survival was 24.5 months. During the follow-up period, 4 patients succumbed to central nervous system dissemination of choroid plexus carcinoma including 2 patients with malignant transformation from atypical choroid plexus papilloma to choroid plexus carcinoma and 1 patient treated with the combined chemotherapy protocol. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we described the clinicoradiologic characteristics of choroid plexus carcinomas. Surgical resection is the mainstream treatment. Due to the paucity of clinical evidence, the standard regimen of adjuvant therapies still needs further research.

Impact of the Perioperative Blood Pressure on Clinical Outcome after Thrombectomy in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion.

AIM: Optimal blood pressure (BP) management in vertebrobasilar circulation stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy remains undetermined. We aimed to evaluate the impact of perioperative BP on clinical outcome after MT in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients hospitalized with acute basilar artery occlusion administered endovascular treatment within 24 h from January 2012 to July 2018 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. BP was measured at regular intervals during the first 24 h after stroke onset, during and after thrombectomy. The clinical outcomes assessed at 3-month follow up were functional independence (mRS score of 0-2) and mortality (mRS score of 6). RESULTS: Of the 187 treated patients, 157 were male; patient ages were 60±10 years. The median NIHSS on admission was 22. Totally in 179 patients had complete BP level assessment. In these individuals, univariate analysis revealed significant associations of postoperative Max SBP and Max MAP with mortality (all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis also demonstrated that postoperative Max SBP (OR=0.964, 95% CI 0.941 to 0.987, P < 0.003) and Max MAP (OR=0.942, 95% CI 0.907 to 0.979, P < 0.002) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In acute BAO patients administered thrombectomy, Max SBP between 120 and 160 mmHg may be associated with better outcome, with a trend of reduced risk of mortality.

Retrospective investigation of hereditary syndromes in patients with medulloblastoma in a single institution.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence rate of hereditary disease in patients with medulloblastoma. METHODS: The genetic reports of 129 patients with medulloblastoma from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A panel sequence of 39 genes (Genetron Health) were used for all patients to evaluate the tumor subgroup. Four genes (TP53, APC, PTCH1, SUFU) were screened to routinely rule out germline mutation. RESULTS: Five patients (3.9%) were found with hereditary disease, and all belonged to the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup. Two patients were retrospectively diagnosed with Gorlin-Goltz disease with germline PTCH1 and SUFU mutations. One patient (PTCH1 mutation) accepted whole craniospinal irradiation and had scalp nevoid basal cell carcinoma 5 years later. The other patient (SUFU mutation) accepted chemotherapy and had local tumor relapse 1 year later. Three patients were diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and carried the TP53 mutation; all three patients died. One of the patients had bone osteosarcoma, while all three had early tumor relapse. CONCLUSION: Patients with SHH medulloblastoma should routinely undergo genetic testing. We propose that whole genome, whole exome sequence, or custom-designed panel-targeted exome sequencing should be performed.

Effect of Hyperglycemia at Presentation on Outcomes in Acute Large Artery Occlusion Patients Treated With Solitaire Stent Thrombectomy.

Background: Sporadic data showed hyperglycemia at presentation is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) under mechanical thrombectomy (MT) treatment. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the relationship of admission hyperglycemia and outcomes in patients treated with solitaire stent thrombectomy. Methods: This multicenter prospective study registered patients with AIS due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) suitable for MT with Solitaire stent retriever. We analyzed the influence of admission hyperglycemia (≥7.8 mmol/L) and serum glucose on functional independence which is defined as modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 0-2, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and several outcomes of interest using univariable and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: This study involved 17 stroke centers across China and consecutively recruited 149 patients. Patients with hyperglycemia at presentation less frequently exhibited a functional independence at 3 months than patients without hyperglycemia (22.2 vs. 66.4%; odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.61-0.92; P = 0.005). Higher glucose levels were correlated with worse outcome (per 1 mmol/L increase in glucose: odds ratio for mRS score 0-2 at 3 months 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.45; P < 0.001) at 3 months and sICH (per 1 mmol/L increase in glucose: odds ratio for sICH was 8.2, 95% confidence interval 1.13-29.57; P < 0.001) after thrombectomy. Conclusions: Higher admission serum glucose and hyperglycemia were independently correlated with lower functional independence at 3 months in patients treated with Solitaire stent thrombectomy of anterior circulation LVO. Higher admission serum glucose was also associated with sICH after thrombectomy.

Intraoperative Test Occlusion as Adjustment of Extracranial-to-Intracranial Bypass Strategy for Unclippable Giant Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery.

BACKGROUND: There is still a controversy for low-flow extracranial-intracranial or high-flow extracranial-intracranial bypass with proximal occlusion in the treatment of unclippable giant internal carotid artery aneurysms. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of double vision. Neuroimages revealed an unclippable giant internal carotid artery aneurysm located from the cavernous sinus to proximal site of the posterior communicating artery. Ipsilateral A1 of the anterior cerebral artery was hypoplastic, and posterior communicating artery was patent. Intraoperative proximal test occlusion at cervical internal carotid artery under neurophysiological monitoring, instead of preoperative balloon test occlusion, was performed to assess whether low-flow bypass was sufficient. The monitoring was unchanged during test occlusion, and the aneurysm was successfully trapped without high-flow bypass. Neither ischemic lesion nor neurologic deficits were found postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative proximal test occlusion is useful to decide on the surgical procedure of revascularization in patients with unclippable internal carotid aneurysm.

Evaluation of Prognosis in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Using Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: We investigate the change of the default mode network (DMN) by using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and functional connectivity (FC) methods in acute phase patients after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and correlate these changes with prognosis. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with sTBI were included. Twenty-one healthy sex-, age-, and education-matched control subjects were recruited for the control group. Of the 21 patients with sTBI, 12 patients regained consciousness (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score >2) and 9 patients remained unconscious (GOS score <2). FC and ALFF values were measured in the DMN and compared between the groups. We further assessed and compared the FC and ALFF values in both groups. RESULTS: Patients with sTBI showed significantly decreased FC and ALFF values in the DMN. However, patients with a better prognosis showed a significant increase in FC and ALFF values in the DMN. The conscious subgroup showed significantly enhanced FC in the medial superior frontal gyrus, left temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, posterior cingulate gyrus, and parietal cortex compared with the coma subgroup. Increased ALFF values in the right frontal gyrus, right temporal gyrus, and right inferior parietal gyrus were significant in the conscious subgroup compared with the coma subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in FC and ALFF values in the DMN are related to better prognosis in patients with sTBI.

Restoring electrical connection using a conductive biomaterial provides a new therapeutic strategy for rats with spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves damage to the central nervous system, and there is no effective treatment available currently. The injured spinal cord is unable to transmit physiological electrical signals caudal to the location of the injury after a complete transection. In this study, we attempted to use a conductive biomaterial as a novel scaffold to aid SCI repair. A composite biomaterial was fabricated by embedding conductive polypyrrole (PPy) in an electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrous scaffold (PLA/PPy scaffold), and an electrospun PLA nanofibrous scaffold without the PPy component was used as a control. The scaffolds were implanted into rats having complete T9 spinal cord resection. Immunofluorescent staining, western blot analysis, and TUNEL assay were used to study histological changes in injured spinal cord tissues. Our data demonstrated that PLA/PPy scaffolds had beneficial effects, as evident from the motor evoked-potentials (MEPs) test and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotion rating scale. Implantation of the PLA/PPy scaffold significantly alleviated secondary tissue damage by reducing apoptosis and autophagy in neural cells in comparison with the implantation of the control PLA scaffold. Notably, six weeks after injury, the use of PLA/PPy scaffolds significantly reduced the activation of astrocytes and increased axonal regeneration, as indicated by immunofluorescent markers (GFAP and NF200) in the region of injury. Our present study suggests that restoring electrical conductivity using a biological scaffold is beneficial to the microenvironment and favorable for the regeneration and functional recovery of spinal cord tissue in an SCI rat model.

A Simple and Rapid Puncture Method for Draining Hematoma in Pontine Hemorrhage.

We present a patient with pontine hemorrhage. On admission, the patient was in a comatose state (Glasgow coma scale, 3). Due to rapid deterioration of his breathing, we immediately performed a direct puncture to the hematoma site. We present a simple and rapid puncture method for drainage of hematomas. The method is described and discussed in detail in this article. The described technique may be beneficial in emergency situations where the condition of the patient, particularly their respiration is declining rapidly.

Cerebral Fat Embolism as Complication of Facial Fat Graft: Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, and Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare complication that usually occurs after trauma injury. The incidence of CFE due to aesthetic surgery is extremely rare and can lead to fatal outcome. Due to the rarity of this complication, there is still lack of knowledge and standardization of the treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: Herein, we reported 6 cases of CFE that occurred in patients who underwent cosmetic surgery. Among 5 patients who had large artery occlusion, 3 patients survived and 2 patients died due to progression of the disease. One patient had the ophthalmic artery occlusion. In addition, embolectomy was performed in 5 patients and 3 patients had decompressive craniectomy following endovascular treatment due to severe brain edema. CONCLUSIONS: CFE is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and early surgical intervention can improve the prognosis.

Transcallosal Anterior Interforniceal Approach for Removal of Superior Midbrain Cavernous Malformations in Children: A Retrospective Series of 10 Cases in a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) remains a great challenge for neurosurgeons. Several cases published in the literature have addressed surgical approaches. However, no surgical approach has been reported to provide better exposure for CMs located in the superior midbrain. METHODS: We presented 10 cases of superior midbrain CMs in children treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital from 2002 to 2016. The most common presenting signs and symptoms were hydrocephalus and cranial nerve deficit. We used the transcallosal anterior interforniceal approach in all patients to remove the CM lesion. RESULTS: Total resection was achieved in all patients. During the follow-up period, temporary short-term memory impairment was present in 5 patients, unilateral ptosis occurred in 1 patient, and upward gaze dysfunction occurred in 2 patients. There was complete neurologic functional improvement for cranial nerves. Exacerbation of hydrocephalus occurred in 4 patients requiring additional ventriculoperitoneal shunt postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The transcallosal anterior interforniceal approach can provide good exposure and direct visualization to superior midbrain CMs. Complications are short-term and reversible.

Gunshot penetrating brain injury in children: report of three cases with review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Gunshot penetrating brain injury is common in military conflict area and in urban violence area, but similar incident in pediatric population is rarely reported. CASE REPORT: We reported three cases of gunshot penetrating brain injury in children. Two patients had a good recovery after surgery and no significant deficit on his neurologic function, the other patient was not having surgery due to the severity of the condition. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest surgery should be performed immediately to prevent further injury and refractory brain edema due to the injury, in any case of penetrating brain injury; a good prognosis can be achieved from early surgery and with appropriate post-operative treatment.

Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Characteristics, Therapeutic Aspects, and Prognostic Factors of 18 Cases of Childhood Pineoblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Pineoblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the pineal gland, which is more common in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 18 cases of pineoblastoma in children (10 girls), including general, clinical, and therapeutic information, and factors affecting prognosis. RESULTS: The median age of the children was 51.7 months (range, 19-156 months). Presenting symptoms included vomiting (64.70%), headache (47.06%), weak or unsteady walking (35.29%), and nausea (29.41%). Rarer symptoms (1 patient each) included limb rigidity, inability to speak, double vision, fever, and Parinaud syndrome. Five and 13 children, respectively, underwent subtotal and gross total resection; 5 and 13 children received adjuvant craniospinal irradiation therapy and chemotherapy. Two children received both craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival of the patients was 27.8% (5/18). The survival rate of children older than 4 years (66.7%) was significantly higher than that of younger children (8.3%). The 5-year overall survival rate of boys (50.7%) was higher than that of girls (10.0%); that of children who underwent gross total resection (30.8%) was higher than that of children who underwent subtotal resection (20.0%); and that of children treated with adjuvant craniospinal irradiation (50.7%) was higher than that of those not given craniospinal irradiation (10.0%). However, in each of these 3 comparisons the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Pineoblastoma is rare but often fatal, especially in children younger than 4 years. Survival rates tend to be higher in boys, children undergoing gross total resection (rather than subtotal), and those given craniospinal irradiation.