Ileo-ileal intussusception secondary to a Peutz-Jeghers hamartomatous polyp in an infant.

We report the case of ileo-ileal intussusception secondary to a Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) hamartomatous polyp in a male infant. The patient presented with non-bilious vomiting and a single episode of passing blood in his stool. An upper gastrointestinal contrast study showed proximal bowel obstruction. At laparotomy, ileo-ileal intussusception was identified with a papillary mass acting as a lead point. The mass was resected, and a primary anastomosis was performed. The patient recovered well and was discharged on postoperative day 5. Histological assessment diagnosed a PJS hamartoma. The patient was well at 1 month follow-up. This case report describes a rare cause of intussusception in an infant that should be considered in the differential diagnosis. The diagnosis of PJS in infancy is uncommon and requires long-term follow-up.

Direct resection is a safe and effective strategy to control seizures in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma.

Achieving favorable seizure outcomes is challenging in patients with seizures resulting from hypothalamic hamartoma. Although minimally invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures are used to treat this population, these procedures have limitations. Therefore, we analyzed the outcomes of patients with hypothalamic hamartoma following direct resection. We included 159 patients with hypothalamic hamartoma who underwent direct resection using the transcallosal interforniceal approach between 2011 and 2018. The relationships between clinical parameters and seizure outcomes were analyzed. In total, 55.3% achieved gross total resection and 25.2% underwent near-total resection. Of all patients, 79.2% were overall seizure-free at one year, but this number dropped to 77.0% at more than five years. Moreover, 88.4% (129/146) reached gelastic seizure (GS)-free status at one year and this number increased to 89.0% (97/109) at more than five years. Seventy-one patients took antiseizure medication (ASM) long-term, 68 took it for one year, and 11 took it for one-half year. The duration of ASM consumption (p < 0.001) and extent of hypothalamic hamartoma resection (p = 0.016) were significant independent predictors of long-term overall seizure-free survival, while the duration of ASM consumption (p = 0.011) and extent of hypothalamic hamartoma resection (p = 0.026) were significant independent predictors of long-term GS-free survival. Most patients' behavior, school performance, and intelligence were not affected after surgery. Direct resection is effective and safe strategy for patients with hypothalamic hamartomas. Hypothalamic hamartomas should be removed as completely as possible, and patients should take ASM long-term following surgery to reach long-term overall seizure-free or GS-free status.

Intraoperative changes in large-scale thalamic circuitry following laser ablation of hypothalamic hamartomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gelastic seizures due to hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are challenging to treat, in part due to an incomplete understanding of seizure propagation pathways. Although magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a promising intervention to disconnect HH from ictal propagation networks, the optimal site of ablation to achieve seizure freedom is not known. In this study, we investigated intraoperative post-ablation changes in resting-state functional connectivity to identify large-scale networks associated with successful disconnection of HH. METHODS: Children who underwent MRgLITT for HH at two institutions were consecutively recruited and followed for a minimum of one year. Seizure freedom was defined as Engel score of 1A at the last available follow-up. Immediate pre- and post- ablation resting-state functional MRI scans were acquired while maintaining a constant depth of general anesthetic. Multivariable generalized linear models were used to identify intraoperative changes in large-scale connectivity associated with seizure outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent MRgLITT for HH, five of whom were seizure-free at their last follow-up. Intraprocedural changes in thalamocortical circuitry involving the anterior cingulate cortex were associated with seizure-freedom. Children who were seizure-free demonstrated an increase and decrease in connectivity to the pregenual and dorsal anterior cingulate cortices, respectively. In addition, children who became seizure-free demonstrated increased thalamic connectivity to the periaqueductal gray immediately following MRgLITT. DISCUSSION: Successful disconnection of HH is associated with intraoperative, large-scale changes in thalamocortical connectivity. These changes provide novel insights into the large-scale basis of gelastic seizures and may represent intraoperative biomarkers of treatment success.

Hypothalamic Hamartoma related epilepsy: A systematic review exploring clinical, neuropsychological, and psychiatric outcome after surgery.

The post-surgical outcome for Hypothalamic Hamartoma (HH) related epilepsy in terms of seizure freedom (SF) has been extensively studied, while cognitive and psychiatric outcome has been less frequently reported and defined. This is a systematic review of English language papers, analyzing the post-surgical outcome in series of patients with HH-related epilepsy (≥5 patients, at least 6 months follow-up), published within January 2002-December 2022. SF was measured using Engel scale/equivalent scales. We looked at the outcome related to different surgical techniques, and HH types according to Delalande classification. We evaluated the neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric status after surgery, and the occurrence of post-surgical complications. Forty-six articles reporting 1318 patients were included, of which ten pediatric series. SF was reported in 686/1222 patients (56,1%). Delalande classification was reported in 663 patients from 24 studies, of which 70 were type I HH (10%), 320 were type II HH (48%), 189 were type III HH (29%) and 84 were type IV HH (13%). The outcome in term of SF was reported in 243 out of 663 patients. SF was reported in 12 of 24 type I HH (50%), 80 of 132 type II HH (60,6%), 32 of 59 type III HH (54,2%) and 12 of 28 type IV HH (42,9%). SF was reached in 129/262 (49,2%) after microsurgery, 102/199 (51,3%) after endoscopic surgery, 46/114 (40,6%) after gamma knife surgery, 245/353 (69,4%) after radiofrequency thermocoagulation, and 107/152 (70,4%) after MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy. Hyperphagia/weight gain were the most reported surgical complications. Others were electrolyte alterations, diabetes insipidus, hypotiroidism, transient hyperthermia/poikilothermia. The highest percentage of memory deficits was reported after microsurgery, while hemiparesis and cranial nerves palsy were reported after microsurgery or endoscopic surgery. Thirty studies reported developmental delay/intellectual disability in 424/819 (51,7%) patients. 248/346 patients obtained a global improvement (72%), 70/346 were stable (20%), 28/346 got worse (8%). 22 studies reported psychiatric disorders in 257/465 patients (55,3%). 78/98 patients improved (80%), 13/98 remained stable (13%), 7/98 got worse (7%). Most of the patients had non-structured cognitive/psychiatric assessments. Based on the available data, the surgical management in patients with HH related epilepsy should be individualized, aiming to reach not only the best epilepsy result, but also the optimal cognitive and psychiatric outcome.

Arterial embolization in the treatment of multiple renal and hepatic hamartomas with spontaneous hemorrhage and 2-year follow-up: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hamartoma is a common benign tumor that usually occurs in the kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas. Large renal hamartomas may spontaneously rupture and hemorrhage, which is potentially life-threatening. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes a 46-year-old Han Chinese female patient with multiple renal and hepatic hamartomas with rupture and hemorrhage of giant hamartoma in the left kidney. She underwent arterial embolization three times successively, and her condition was stable during the 2-year follow-up. This report includes a review of the relevant literature CONCLUSIONS: the findings in this report and previous literature suggest that arterial embolization can not only rapidly treat hamartoma hemorrhage in the acute phase but can also effectively control multiple lesions in the long term after repeated multisite arterial embolization.

Multimodal Approach for the Treatment of Complex Hypothalamic Hamartomas.

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are rare congenital lesions formed by heterotopic neuronal and glial cells attached to the mammillary bodies, tuber cinereum, and hypothalamus.They often present with an intractable epilepsy typically characterized by gelastic seizures but commonly associated with other types of refractory seizures. The clinical course is progressive in most of the cases, starting with gelastic seizures in infancy and deteriorating into complex seizure disorders that result in catastrophic epilepsy associated with cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances.Hamartomas are known to be intrinsically epileptogenic and the site of origin for the gelastic seizures. As antiepileptic drugs are typically ineffective in controlling HH-related epilepsy, different surgical options have been proposed as a treatment to achieve seizure control. Resection or complete disconnection of the hamartoma from the mammillothalamic tract has proved to achieve a long-lasting control of the epileptic syndrome.Usually, symptoms and their severity are typically related to the size, localization, and type of attachment. Precocious puberty appears mostly in the pedunculated type, while epileptic syndrome and behavioral decline are frequently related to the sessile type. For this reason, different classifications of HHs have been developed based on their size, extension, and type of attachment to the hypothalamus.The bigger and more complex hypothalamic hamartomas typically present with severe refractory epilepsy, behavioral disturbances, and progressive cognitive decline posing a formidable challenge for the control of these symptoms.We present here our experience with the multimodal treatment for complex hypothalamic hamartomas. After an in-depth review of the literature, we systematize our approach for the different types of hypothalamic hamartomas.

Comprehensive review of status gelasticus: Diagnostic challenges and therapeutic insights.

Status gelasticus is a rare form of status epilepticus characterized by prolonged and/or clustered gelastic seizures. The review encompasses an analysis of cases reported in the literature, focusing on causes, clinical-electroencephalographic features, and therapeutic interventions. The study reveals the challenges in defining and understanding status gelasticus due to its diverse etiologies and limited reported cases. The association with hypothalamic hamartomas and other brain abnormalities underscores the importance of thorough evaluations. The review also discusses new treatments, including medications and less invasive surgeries. While progress has been made, the study points out challenges in diagnosing and managing this complex condition, highlighting the importance of ongoing research.

Multiple rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartomas in a patient with mosaic Barber-Say syndrome.

Barber-Say syndrome (BSS) is a rare congenital ectodermal dysplasia with few cases reported in the literature. We describe a 9-year-old boy with congenital generalized hypertrichosis and multiple rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartomas (RMHs) on his nose and periocular region. Next-generation sequencing, performed in DNA from a blood sample, and RMH tissue, revealed a pathogenic variant in the TWIST2 gene, which was not detected in a salivary sample of the patient, nor in his parents. Therefore, we consider this variant as de novo mosaicism. To our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple RMHs associated with BSS.

Oncocytoma-Like Angiomyolipoma of the Kidney: A Closer Look into the Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Characteristics of a Rare Entity with Review of the Literature.

Introduction. Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a mesenchymal neoplasm that belongs to the perivascular epithelioid cell tumor family (PEComa). AMLs can be subtyped into several patterns dependent on cell type, morphology, and tissue composition. One of the patterns, oncocytoma-like AML is a rare entity with only three cases published in the literature. Case presentation. We present a case of a previously healthy 29-year-old woman who underwent a left partial nephrectomy secondary to a 4.6 cm heterogeneous renal neoplasm. Gross examination demonstrated a well-circumscribed renal mass. Modified Giemsa stain preparation showed oncocytic cells in syncytial pattern with ample granular cytoplasm and round nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Histology assessment showed an oncocytic neoplasm with interspersed adipose tissue. The tumor exhibited tubular architecture with the tubules lined by eosinophilic epithelioid cells with nuclear atypia and prominent nucleoli. Thick blood vessels with emanating epithelioid cells were present. High-grade histology features were not identified. The tumor cells were positive for HMB-45 and SMA and negative for PAX8, keratins, KIT, and vimentin. A diagnosis of oncocytoma-like AML was rendered. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and RNA fusion were performed. NGS revealed no pathogenic variants and RNA fusion identified no rearrangements. Chromosomal copy number alterations were present in the long arm of chromosome 1 (1p) and chromosome 22. Conclusions. We describe and discuss the clinical, cytomorphologic, histologic, and molecular findings of oncocytoma-like AML, a rare renal neoplasm, and provide a review of the literature.

Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium: 4 cases with multimodal imaging.

BACKGROUND: Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium is often identified as an incidental finding. One important issue is the differentiation of these benign lesions from other lesions which could be potentially sight-threatening. METHODS: This study describes 4 cases of congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium that were referred to a university-based hospital. Multimodal imaging including fundus photo, multicolor fundus photo, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, fluorescein angiography and multifocal electroretinogram is provided. RESULTS: The first case is a young man with an incidental finding of this lesion. The second and third cases are diabetic patients with congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium and diabetic macular edema and the fourth one is a case of congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium with a full-thickness macular hole. CONCLUSIONS: Differentiation of congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium from other potentially sight-threatening lesions is important. Multimodal imaging can be helpful regarding this issue. Besides typical findings described in the literature, unique features in our cases include concurrent diabetic macular edema and association with a full-thickness macular hole.

Neurofibroma: Case Series with Clinical Features and Recommendations.

Neurofibroma is an autosomal benign disorder. It can be localized, diffuse or invasive like plexiform neurofibroma that involves the nerves, muscle, tissues, skeleton. It represents itself as a destructive variant of neurofibroma, mostly present as orbital or periorbital neurofibroma or may be associated with autosomal dominant disease. Clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis (NF) according to National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria should have more than two of the seven features including lisch nodules, cafe'- au-lait spots, plexiform neurofibroma, optic glioma, freckling, first degree relative with NF or dysplasia of cortical bones. However, proper early diagnosis is still crucial due to its various presentation such as cheek mass, painless swelling on skin, chalazion, intratracheal tumor, genital swelling or ptosis. It is reported that neurofibroma often represents as ocular or facial swelling. Here we are presenting features of neurofibroma of eight cases of patients from Civil Hospital, Karachi. These cases had main complain of overhanging skin mass mainly on orbital or periorbital region that damage the area and with poor daily activities. Multiple nodules on face and body along with them Cafe'-au-lait spots and lisch nodules were main signs. While, other signs i.e. ptosis, pterygium, telecanthus and muddy discoloration of conjunctiva need further evaluation for correlation with neurofibromatosis. Debulking surgery was planned for most of the cases but the huge disfigurement caused by overhanging skin mass and nodules made it a challenge for plastic surgeons to provide good outcomes with minimum damage. Keywords: neurofibroma; lisch nodules; ptosis; Cafe'-au-lait spot; periorbital; overhanging skin.

Trigeminal Lipomatosis: A Rare Cause of Intractable Neuralgia.

Lipomatosis of nerve, earlier known as fibrolipomatous hamartoma is a rare condition which predominantly affects peripheral nerves, cranial nerve involvement being extremely uncommon. Preoperative consideration of this entity is of paramount importance as its inadvertent complete surgical resection may inevitably result in significant neurological deficit. We report a case of trigeminal lipomatosis in a young patient with trigeminal neuralgia.

Biliary microhamartomas (von Meyenburg complexes), liver metastasis simulators: a series of eight cases.

BACKGROUND: Von Meyenburg complexes are benign hamartomatous lesions, they are part of the spectrum of ductal plate malformations. They are rare, reported in 0.35-5.6% of the general population, predominantly in adults, with no clear predilection for sex. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical characteristics of Von Meyenburg complexes in our region. METHOD: We searched all cases with diagnosis of Von Meyenburg complexes in a period from 2012 to 2022, in our institutions. RESULTS: We identified eight cases, with an average age of 59.25 years, with a predominance of females and with one case associated with gastric carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to adequately recognize this entity, since due to its multifocal nature it can easily simulate metastasis, additionally, and its presence does not rule out other synchronous neoplasms.

ANTECEDENTES: Los complejos de Von Meyenburg son lesiones hamartomatosas benignas que forman parte del espectro de las malformaciones de la placa ductal. Son poco frecuentes, se reportan en un 0.35-5.6% de la población general, predominantemente en adultos, sin clara predilección por un sexo. OBJETIVO: Presentar las características clínicas de los complejos de Von Meyenburg en nuestro medio. MÉTODO: Se buscaron todos los casos con diagnóstico de complejos de Von Meyenburg en nuestras instituciones entre 2012 y 2022. RESULTADOS: Identificamos ocho casos, con un promedio de edad de 59.25 años, con predominio por el sexo femenino y con un caso asociado a carcinoma gástrico. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante reconocer y diagnosticar adecuadamente esta afección, ya que por su naturaleza multifocal fácilmente puede simular metástasis, y además su presencia no descarta otros procesos neoplásicos sincrónicos.

Seizure outcomes and safety profiles of surgical options for epilepsy associated to hypothalamic hamartomas. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Several surgical options are available for treating hypothalamic hamartoma-related epilepsy but their respective efficacy and safety profiles are poorly defined. METHODS: A literature search identified English-language articles reporting series of patients (minimum 3 patients with a follow-up ≥12 months) operated on by either microsurgery, endoscopic surgery, radiosurgery, radiofrequency thermocoagulation or laser interstitial thermal therapy for hypothalamic hamartoma-related epilepsy. The unit of analysis was each selected study. Pooled rates of seizure freedom and of neurological and endocrinological complications were analyzed using meta-analysis to calculate both fixed and random effects. The results of meta-analyses were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies were included. There were 568 and 514 participants for seizure outcome and complication analyses, respectively. The pairwise comparison showed that: i) the proportion of seizure-free cases was significantly lower for radiosurgery as compared to microsurgery, radiofrequency thermocoagulation and laser ablation, and significantly lower for endoscopic surgery as compared to radiofrequency thermocoagulation; ii) the proportion of permanent hypothalamic dysfunction was significantly higher for microsurgery as compared to all other techniques, and significantly lower for endoscopic surgery as compared to radiofrequency thermocoagulation and laser ablation; iii) the incidence of permanent neurological disorders was significantly higher for microsurgery as compared to endoscopic surgery, radiosurgery and radiofrequency thermocoagulation, and significantly lower for radiosurgery as compared to laser ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgical techniques, including endoscopic surgery, radiofrequency thermocoagulation and laser ablation, represent an acceptable compromise between efficacy and safety in the treatment of hypothalamic hamartoma-related epilepsy. Microsurgery and radiosurgery should be considered in carefully selected cases.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Arising from Biliary Hamartomas in Patients with Recurrent Acute Cholangitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Biliary hamartomas are tumor-like malformations of the liver. Biliary hamartomas are a type of fibrocystic disorder originating from ductal plate malformation and are typically considered benign, but with the risk of malignant transformation. In this case report, we present a rare occurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) that developed from biliary hamartomas, along with a literature review. A 76-year-old man with a diagnosis of biliary hamartomas had a history of recurrent cholangitis for 12 years, necessitating cholecystectomy, ERCP, and repeated antibiotic treatments. During his last episode, imaging studies revealed a hypervascular infiltrative mass in the right posterior liver segment. A liver biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma and subsequent surgical pathology revealed ICC originating from biliary hamartomas. Chronic inflammation in the bile duct associated with biliary hamartomas may serve as a potential trigger for malignant transformation, as observed in this case. Therefore, close surveillance is essential for patients with biliary hamartomas presenting with infectious complications.

CHRONIC ANEMIA CAUSED BY GIANT AND SOLITARY PEUTZ-JEGHERS HAMARTOMATOUS POLYP TREATED BY ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION.

•Giant and solitary polyps evolve with anemia. •EUS is an important tool for stage and manage this disease. •Endoscopic treatment is the best treatment choice. •Supplementary video available on this case report.

Long term outcome after surgical treatment for hypothalamic hamartoma.

PURPOSE: To determine long-term outcome for seizure control and clinical predictors for seizure freedom in patients undergoing surgical treatment for epilepsy associated with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). METHODS: 155 patients underwent surgical treatment for HHs and treatment-resistant epilepsy at one center (Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA) between February 2003 and June 2010. Data collection included medical record review and direct follow-up interviews to determine seizure outcome. Statistical analysis included descriptive summaries of patient characteristics and time-to-event analysis for seizure freedom. RESULTS: Long-term survival with follow-up of at least five years since first surgical treatment was available for 108 patients (69.7% of the treatment cohort). The surgical approach for first HH intervention consisted of transventricular endoscopic resection (n = 57; 52.8%), transcallosal interforniceal resection (n = 35; 32.4%), pterional resection (n = 7; 6.5%), and gamma knife radiosurgery (n = 9; 8.3%). Multiple surgical procedures were required for 39 patients (36.1%). There were 10 known deaths from all causes in the treatment cohort (6.5%). Of these, one (0.6%) was related to immediate complications of HH surgery, three (1.9%) were attributed to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epileptic Persons (SUDEP), and one (0.6%) to complications of status epilepticus. For surviving patients with long-term follow-up, 55 (50.9%) were seizure-free for all seizure types. Univariable analysis showed that seizure-freedom was related to 1) absence of a pre-operative history for central precocious puberty (p = 0.01), and 2) higher percentage of HH lesion disconnection after surgery (p = 0.047). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows that long-term seizure outcome following HH surgery is comparable to short-term results. SUMMARY: These uncontrolled observational results show that long-term seizure control following HH surgical treatment is comparable to other forms of epilepsy surgery. Late relapse (at least one year after surgery) and SUDEP do occur, but in a relatively small number of treated patients. These results inform clinical practice and serve as a comparable benchmark for newer technologies for HH surgery, such as magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy, where long-term outcome results are not yet available.