[Analysis of the clinical impact of the diagnostic reclassification of brain gliomas according to the World Health Organization classification (2016)]. / Análisis del impacto clínico de la reclasificación diagnóstica de gliomas cerebrales según la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (2016).

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of genetic and molecular criteria in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of brain tumours, there has been a diagnostic reclassification between certain astrocytomas and oligodendro-gliomas with histological and genetic discordances, the prognosis of which is unknown. AIM: To analyse the implications of the diagnostic reclassification of brain gliomas according to the 2016 WHO criteria, especially depending on isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and 1p19q codeletion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of gliomas treated from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016, with analyses of clinicoradiological aspects and prognoses, and with available and complete follow-up until 31 March 2019. RESULTS: From a total of 147 brain gliomas, a molecular diagnosis and a diagnostic re-evaluation were carried out in 69 cases (grade II-IV astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas). Twenty-four reclassified gliomas were detected, usually oligodendro-gliomas that became astrocytomas, and which showed greater survival, derived from their not being classified as grade IV. The reclassified gliomas, all grades II/III, mostly began with seizures, without focus, with single lesions, < 17 cm3 and with oedema, although with similar survival rates. The prognostic factors were: young age, focus, grade II and no contrast enhancement or necrosis, or multiplicity. No variations were detected according to the molecular pattern with IDH mutation or codeletion. CONCLUSION: The changes in diagnosis after the WHO classification of 2016 present specific clinical-radiological characteristics in this series, but no greater survival, although, due to the habitual survival in these cases, they would require a longer follow-up time.

TITLE: Análisis del impacto clínico de la reclasificación diagnóstica de gliomas cerebrales según la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (2016).Introducción. Desde la introducción de los criterios genéticos y moleculares en la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) de tumores cerebrales de 2016, se ha producido una reclasificación diagnóstica entre determinados astrocitomas y oligodendrogliomas con discordancias histológicas y genéticas, cuyo pronóstico se desconoce. Objetivo. Analizar las implicaciones de la reclasificación diagnóstica de los gliomas cerebrales según los criterios de la OMS de 2016, especialmente según la mutación de la isocitrato deshidrogenasa (IDH) y la codeleción 1p19q. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de los gliomas tratados desde el 1 de enero de 2012 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2016, con análisis de los aspectos clinicorradiológicos y pronósticos, y con seguimiento disponible y completo hasta el 31 de marzo de 2019. Resultados. De 147 gliomas cerebrales, en 69 (astrocitomas u oligodendrogliomas de grados II-IV) se realizaron un diagnóstico molecular y una reevaluación diagnóstica. Se detectaron 24 gliomas reclasificados, habitualmente oligodendrogliomas que pasaron a astrocitomas, y que mostraron mayores supervivencias, derivadas de la no reclasificación en grado IV. Los gliomas reclasificados, todos de grados II/III, comenzaron mayoritariamente con crisis, sin focalidad, con lesiones únicas, < 17 cm3 y con edema, aunque con similar supervivencia. Los factores pronósticos fueron: edad joven, focalidad, grado II y no captación de contraste o necrosis, o multiplicidad. No se detectaron variaciones según el patrón molecular con mutación en la IDH o codeleción. Conclusión. Los cambios diagnósticos tras la clasificación de la OMS de 2016 presentan características clinicorradiológicas específicas en esta serie, aunque no mayores supervivencias, si bien, por la supervivencia habitual en estos casos, precisarían un mayor tiempo de seguimiento.

A novel strategy based on genomics and specific PCR reveals how a multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain became prevalent in Equatorial Guinea 15 years after its emergence.

OBJECTIVE: Molecular epidemiology techniques in tuberculosis (TB) can identify high-risk strains that are actively transmitted. We aimed to implement a novel strategy to optimize the identification and control of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB in a specific population. METHODS: We developed a strain-specific PCR tailored from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to track a specific MDR prevalent strain in Equatorial Guinea (EG-MDR). RESULTS: The PCR was applied prospectively on remnants of GeneXpert reaction mixtures owing to the lack of culture facilities in Equatorial Guinea. In 147 (93%) of 158 cases, we were able to differentiate between infection by the EG-MDR strain or by any other strain and found that 44% of all rifampicin-resistant TB cases were infected by EG-MDR. We also analysed 93 isolates obtained from Equatorial Guinea 15 years ago, before MDR-TB had become the problem it is today. We found that two of the scarce historical MDR cases were infected by EG-MDR. WGS revealed low variability-six single nucleotide polymorphisms acquired by this strain over 15 years-likely because of the lack in the country of a specific program to treat MDR-TB. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel strategy, which integrated WGS analysis and strain-specific PCRs, represents a low-cost, rapid and transferable strategy that allowed a prospective efficient survey and fast historical analysis of MDR-TB in a population.

Tabaquismo materno como un factor posiblemente implicado en el desarrollo de la obesidad infantil / Possible effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on the development of childhood obesity

El tabaquismo es la adicción al tabaco provocada principalmente por diversos componentes activos y tóxicos como la nicotina. El consumo de cigarrillo durante la gestación puede provocar desprendimiento de placenta, placenta previa, embarazo ectópico y aborto espontáneo, como también inducir alteraciones en el feto. En la presente revisión de la literatura se recopiló información en bases de datos como Pub-Med, Embase y Google Académico, concerniente a los posibles efectos del tabaquismo materno durante la gestación sobre el desarrollo de la obesidad infantil. Fueron seleccionados 38 artículos escritos en el idioma inglés y español, publicados a partir de año de 1988 hasta el año 2015, que incluyeron metaanálisis, artículos originales, y revisiones de tema. Se encontró que la exposición al humo del tabaco durante la gestación ha sido ampliamente descrita como un factor de riesgo para la manifestación de alteraciones en el desarrollo fetal como retardo del crecimiento intrauterino y bajo peso al nacer. Además, se ha asociado ampliamente con trastornos del desarrollo infantil en etapas avanzadas, como preescolares y escolares, manifestados en un aumento del índice de masa corporal con respecto al percentil adecuado para la edad; incremento de la incidencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en el infante. Se concluye que la exposición al humo del cigarrillo durante la gestación se relaciona con alteraciones en el crecimiento del niño y en el desarrollo de enfermedades prevalentes asociadas a la obesidad.

Most smokers use tobacco regularly because they are addicted to various active and toxic compounds such as nicotine. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy can cause abruption, placenta previa, ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion, as well as induce alterations in the fetus. In this review, information was collected in databases such as PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar, concerning the possible effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on the development of childhood obesity. Thirty-eigth articles written in English and Spanish published from year 1988 to 2015, which included meta-analysis, original articles and reviews were selected topic. It was found that exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy has been widely described as a risk factor for alterations in fetal development such as intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. In addition, it has been widely associated with disorders of child development in advanced stages, preschool and school age: increased body mass index regarding the appropriate percentile for age, and increase in childhood overweight and obesity. It is concluded that exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy is associated with changes in child growth and development of prevalent diseases associated with obesity.

Altered responsiveness of BNST and amygdala neurons in trauma-induced anxiety.

A highly conserved network of brain structures regulates the expression of fear and anxiety in mammals. Many of these structures display abnormal activity levels in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, some of them, like the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and amygdala, are comprised of several small sub-regions or nuclei that cannot be resolved with human neuroimaging techniques. Therefore, we used a well-characterized rat model of PTSD to compare neuronal properties in resilient vs PTSD-like rats using patch recordings obtained from different BNST and amygdala regions in vitro. In this model, a persistent state of extreme anxiety is induced in a subset of susceptible rats following predatory threat. Previous animal studies have revealed that the central amygdala (CeA) and BNST are differentially involved in the genesis of fear and anxiety-like states, respectively. Consistent with these earlier findings, we found that between resilient and PTSD-like rats were marked differences in the synaptic responsiveness of neurons in different sectors of BNST and CeA, but whose polarity was region specific. In light of prior data about the role of these regions, our results suggest that control of fear/anxiety expression is altered in PTSD-like rats such that the influence of CeA is minimized whereas that of BNST is enhanced. A model of the amygdalo-BNST interactions supporting the PTSD-like state is proposed.

[Supratentorial endodermal cyst. Case report]. / Quiste endodérmico supratentorial: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

Endodermal cysts (EC) of the central nervous system are very uncommon lesions predominantly located in the spinal canal. Although rare, intracranial EC have been mainly described in the posterior fossa, with the supratentorial location considered exceptional. Apart from the low frequency of these lesions, their pathoembriology still remais unknown. We report a patient with a huge frontal EC and review the literature. A 62-year-old man presented with abnormal behaviour, disorientation and decreased level of consciousness after moderate head injury. Initial cranial CT scan revealed a large cyst in the left frontal region with marked midline shift. Emergency puncture and decompression of the cyst demonstrated a milky fluid with high protein levels. Cranial MRI after patient improvement confirmed the existence of the cystic lesion with less mass effect. Delayed surgery was performed with craniotomy and total removal of the cyst. Pathological examination confirmed the presence of a typical EC. Patient made a complete recovery on follow-up with no recurrence on postoperative MRIs. Differential diagnosis of EC based on radiological data is quite difficult. As aggresive behaviour of this condition has been described following incomplete resections, the treatment of choice is a radical removal of the cyst in one or two stages depending on patient clinical condition.

Quiste endodérmico supratentorial, caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Supratentorial endodermal cyst. Case report

Los quistes endodérmicos que afectan al sistema nervioso central son lesiones expansivas muy poco frecuentes que se sitúan con mayor frecuencia a nivel espinal. Existen poco casos de localización intracraneal descritos en la literatura, la mayoría de ellos en la fosa posterior. Su etiopatogenia permanece aún desconocida. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 62 años que debuta con un cuadro de desorientación y comportamiento desinhibido tras sufrir un traumatismo craneoencefálico como consecuencia de un accidente de trá- fico. En la TC craneal realizada de urgencia se objetiva una lesión quística frontal izquierda de gran tamaño con importante desplazamiento de línea media. Se punciona y evacua el contenido del quiste obteniéndose un líquido opalino rico en proteínas y elementos celulares no identificados. La RMN nos confirma los hallazgos radiológicos previos. El paciente es intervenido de forma reglada mediante craneotomía, evacuación completa del contenido y extirpación de las paredes de la lesión. El estudio anatomopatológico resulta ser compatible con el diagnóstico de quiste endodérmico. Se han descrito casos de evolución agresiva con diseminación y recidiva tras manipulación quirúrgica de la lesión; por lo tanto, el tratamiento debe consistir en la extirpación completa de la misma. Para ello será necesario realizar el diagnóstico diferencial con otras lesiones quísticas intracraneales con el fin de adecuar el tratamiento a cada caso (AU)

Endodermal cysts (EC) of the central nervous system are very uncommon lesions predominantly located in the spinal canal. Although rare, intracranial EC have been mainly described in the posterior fossa, with the supratentorial location considered exceptional. Apart from the low frequency of these lesions, their pathoembriology still remais unknown. We report a patient with a huge frontal EC and review the literature. A 62-year-old man presented with abnormal behaviour, disorientation and decreased level of consciousness after moderate head injury. Initial cranial CT scan revealed a large cyst in the left frontal region with marked midline shift. Emergency puncture and decompression of the cyst demonstrated a milky fluid with high protein levels. Cranial MRI after patient improvement confirmed the existence of the cystic lesion with less mass effect. Delayed surgery was performed with craniotomy and total removal of the cyst. Pathological examination confirmed the presence of a typical EC. Patient made a complete recovery on follow-up with no recurrence on postoperative MRIs. Differential diagnosis of EC based on radiological data is quite difficult. As aggresive behaviour of this condition has been described following incomplete resections, the treatment of choice is a radical removal of the cyst in one or two stages depending on patient clinical condition (AU)

Latin American Brain Mapping Network (LABMAN).

On March 8, 2008 in Havana, the Latin American Network for Brain Mapping (LABMAN) was created with participants from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico. The focus of LABMAN is to promote neuroimaging and systems neuroscience in the region through the implementation of training and exchange programs, and to increase public awareness of the Latin American potential to contribute both to basic and applied research in human brain mapping.

[Radiation-induced cranial tumors: clinical series and literature review]. / Tumores craneales radioinducidos: serie clínica y revisión de la literatura.

Radiation induced tumors are well-known but rare complications of radiotherapy. Meningiomas are the most common radiation-induced (RI) cranial tumors, followed by gliomas and sarcomas, while other tumors as haemangioblastomas remain extremely exceptional. We present 7 patients with RI brain tumors diagnosed and treated at our institution between 1990 and 2006. Retrospective review of their clinical charts is supplied. All patients were irradiated during childhood as a treatment for another disease, and fulfilled the criteria of RI neoplasia. Four patients developed meningiomas and three developed other tumors (one glioblastoma, one softtissue sarcoma and one hemangioblastoma). In all cases a complete surgical removal was achieved. Preoperative assessment based on MRI supplied the correct diagnosis in six patients. The most important risks factors described in the literature for developing RI tumors are the age at which radiotherapy was administered and the dose of radiation applied. Differential diagnosis of RI tumors includes any tumor appearing after radiotheraphy, especially recurrences of the primary disease, as RI neoplasias are a rare complication. Even in cases with complete surgical resection, prognosis of this clinical entity is basically related to the histology of the RI tumor.

Manifestaciones oculares como presentación de un síndrome de vena cava superior / Severe ocular symptoms as an initial manifestation of superior vena cava syndrome

El síndrome de vena cava superior es una complicación grave de una amplia variedad de procesos (el más frecuente es el cáncer de pulmón) que obstruyen el flujo de la vena cava superior y provocan la aparición de manifestaciones clínicas características, por el aumento de presión en el territorio venoso de la cabeza, los miembros superiores y la parte superior del tórax. Dentro de estas manifestaciones las referidas al ojo son poco frecuentes, y cuando aparecen raramente son el síntoma de presentación y tienen la expresividad del caso de este varón fumador al que diagnosticamos un síndrome de vena cava superior tras consultar por acusada sintomatología ocular

Superior vena cava syndrome is obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava (SVC). It is most commonly caused by neoplasm, especially lung cancer. An obstructed SVC initiates collateral venous return to the heart from the upper half of the body and the classic symptoms and signs become obvious. Superior vena cava síndrome is a rare cause of ocular manifestations. We report a case of periorbital swelling, conjunctival edema an orbital proptosis in a male patient presenting malignant superior vena cava obstruction

Tumores craneales radioinducidos: serie clínica y revisión de la literatura / Radiation-induced cranial tumors: clinical series and literature review

La inducción de neoplasias constituye una complicaciónbien conocida, aunque poco frecuente, de la irradiacióncraneal. Los meningiomas son las neoplasiascraneales radioinducidas (RI) más frecuentes, seguidasde los gliomas y los sarcomas, siendo extremadamenteraros otros tipos tumorales tales como loshemangioblastomas.Presentamos 7 pacientes con tumores cranealessecundarios a radioterapia, diagnosticados en nuestrohospital entre los años 1990 y 2006. Se realizó unarevisión retrospectiva de sus datos clínicos. Todos lospacientes habían sido irradiados en la infancia comotratamiento de otra enfermedad, y cumplían los criteriosde neoplasia RI.Cuatro pacientes desarrollaron meningiomas, mientrasque los 3 restantes presentaron otros tumores (unglioblastomas multiforme, un hemangioblastoma y unosteosarcoma de partes blandas). En los siete casos selogró una resección quirúrgica completa. El diagnósticopreoperatorio basado en resonancia magnética (RM)coincidió con el diagnóstico histológico en seis casos.Los factores de riesgo más importantes para desarrollaruna neoplasia RI son, según la literatura, la edad enel momento de la irradiación y la dosis administrada.El diagnóstico diferencial de estas neoplasias se planteacon aquellas lesiones que aparezcan tras la irradiacióncraneal, especialmente las recidivas, ya que el desarrollo de neoplasias RI constituye una complicación muy poco frecuente. El pronóstico de esta enfermedad, incluso tras resecciones completas, depende del diagnóstico histológico del tumor RI

Induction of tumors are , although rare , known complicaciónbien of cranial irradiation . Meningiomas are the most common radiation cranial neoplasms (RI ), followed by gliomas and sarcomas , being extremely rare other tumor types such as hemangioblastomas . Present 7 patients with RI brain tumors diagnosed in our hospital between 1990 and 2006. Unarevisión retrospective of his clinical data was performed . All patients were irradiated in childhood for treatment of other diseases , and met the RI criteriosde neoplasia . Four patients developed meningiomas, while the remaining 3 had other tumors ( unglioblastomas multiforme , a hemangioblastoma and a soft tissue osteosarcoma ) . In all cases a complete surgical resection was achieved . Preoperative diagnosis based on magnetic resonance (MR ) coincided with the diagnosis in six cases. The most important risk factors for developing RI tumors are, in the literature, age at irradiation and the dose administered. The differential diagnosis of these neoplasms arise with those injuries that arise after cranial irradiation , especially recurrences , since the development of malignancies RI is a very rare complication . The prognosis of this disease , even after complete resection depends on the histologic diagnosis of tumor RI

[Severe ocular symptoms as an initial manifestation of superior vena cava syndrome]. / Manifestaciones oculares como presentación de un síndrome de vena cava superior.

Superior vena cava syndrome is obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava (SVC). It is most commonly caused by neoplasm, especially lung cancer. An obstructed SVC initiates collateral venous return to the heart from the upper half of the body and the classic symptoms and signs become obvious. Superior vena cava síndrome is a rare cause of ocular manifestations. We report a case of periorbital swelling, conjunctival edema an orbital proptosis in a male patient presenting malignant superior vena cava obstruction.

[Intraventricular tension pneumocephalus after transsphenoidal surgery: a case report and literature review]. / Neumoencéfalo intraventricular a tensión secundario a cirugía transesfenoidal: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication of transsphenoidal approaches. The case of a 37 year old woman with a transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma who presented self-limited rhinoliquorrhea postoperatively is reported. Three days later the patient developed progressive decreased consciousness, amnesia and headache, showing an intraventricular tension pneumocephalus on CT scan. Urgent treatment with bilateral external ventricular drainage and anterior nasal tamponade was performed with good clinical outcome. Later transsphenoidal sealing of the dural defect was achieved without recurrence. Tension pneumocephalus following transsphenoidal surgery usually occurs after the presentation of a cerebrospinal fluid leak due to an incomplete sealing of the sphenoid sinus. The postoperative insertion of a lumbar drainage seems to be a predisposing condition for this complication. The combined approach of tension pneumocephalus with external ventricular drainage and repair of the sphenoid sinus offers optimal results solving the acute neurological deterioration and avoiding recurrence.

Neumoencéfalo intraventricular a tensión secundario a cirugía transesfenoidal: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Intraventricular tensión pneumocephalus after transsphenoidal surgery: a case report and literature review

El neumoencéfalo a tensión (NT) es una complicaciónrara de los abordajes transesfenoidales. Se describeel caso de una mujer de 37 años intervenida de unadenoma de hipófisis por vía transesfenoidal que presentórinolicuorrea autolimitada en el postoperatorio.A los tres días la paciente desarrolló un deterioro progresivode conciencia, amnesia anterógrada y cefalea,detectándose en la TC un NT intraventricular. Se realizóun tratamiento urgente con drenaje ventricularexterno bilateral y taponamiento nasal anterior conbuena respuesta clínica. De modo diferido se procedió ala revisión del abordaje esfenoidal lográndose el cierredefinitivo del defecto dural sin recidiva posterior.El NT después de la cirugía por vía esfenoidal sueleocurrir tras la aparición de una fístula de LCR debido alsellado incompleto del seno esfenoidal. La colocación deun drenaje lumbar postoperatorio parece predisponera esta complicación. El enfoque terapéutico combinadodel NT mediante drenaje ventricular externo y reparacióndel seno esfenoidal ofrece un resultado óptimo conuna solución rápida para el deterioro neurológico delpaciente y evita las recidivas

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication of transsphenoidal approaches. The case of a 37 yearold woman with a transsphenoidal resection of a pituitaryadenoma who presented self-limited rhinoliquorrheapostoperatively is reported. Three days later thepatient developed progressive decreased consciousness,amnesia and headache, showing an intraventriculartension pneumocephalus on CT scan. Urgent treatmentwith bilateral external ventricular drainage and anteriornasal tamponade was performed with good clinicaloutcome. Later transsphenoidal sealing of the duraldefect was achieved without recurrence.Tension pneumocephalus following transsphenoidalsurgery usually occurs after the presentation of a cerebrospinalfluid leak due to an incomplete sealing of thesphenoid sinus. The postoperative insertion of a lumbardrainage seems to be a predisposing condition for thiscomplication. The combined approach of tension pneumocephaluswith external ventricular drainage andrepair of the sphenoid sinus offers optimal results solvingthe acute neurological deterioration and avoidingrecurrence

[Familiar glioblastoma presenting as a true multicentric tumor: etiopathogenic and prognostic features]. / Glioblastoma familiar múltiple de aparición metácrona: implicaciones etiopatogénicas y pronósticas.

Familial glioblastoma multiforme is a rather uncommon entity, being in most cases associated to known genetic disorders (as Turcot syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, etc.). However, familial gliomas have also been described, although less frequently, independently of these genetic syndromes showing some special features regarding its etiology and clinical manifestations. Less than 10% of gliomas may be considered as true multicentric tumours either synchronous or metachronous in clinical presentation. Metachronous glioblastomas have been associated to better prognosis in some studies, with genetic studies having found clear differences among the tumors within same patients. Familial glioblastoma with metachronous presentation is an exceptional disorder. These tumors show special therapeutic implications due to the limitations of radiotherapy once the patient has already irradiated. A variety of non-specific mutations have been found in these patients but true characterization of this disorder remains unclear and will be based on further genetic studies. We present a clinical report on a patient harbouring a familial and metachronous glioblastoma. The main aspects of this entity are reviewed.

Glioblastoma familiar múltiple de aparición metácrona: implicaciones etiopatogénicas y pronósticas / Familiar glioblastoma presentig as a true multicentric tumor: etiopathogenic and pronostic features

El Glioblastoma multiforme con agregación familiares poco frecuente, asociándose la mayor parte de los casos a síndromes genéticos conocidos (como el síndrome de Turcot, el síndrome de Li-Fraumeni, la neurofibromatosis, etc). Sin embargo, existenotros gliomas familiares no asociados a estos cuadros sindrómicos que, aunque menos frecuentes, han mostrado unas características etiológicas y clínicas diferentes a las de los gliomas esporádicos. Por otra parte, hasta un 10% de los gliomas se consideran verdaderamente multicéntricos, apareciendo de modo síncrono o metácrono. Los glioblastomas de aparición metácrona han mostrado en algunos estudios un mejor pronóstico, habiéndose encontrado trastornos genéticos diferentes en los tumores de un mismo paciente. Los gliomas familiares con presentación metácrona son excepcionales. Estos tumores presentan unas implicaciones terapéuticas especiales por la limitación del tratamiento radioterápico tras el tratamiento inicial. Aunque se han identificado mutaciones variadas en estos pacientes, la identificación precisa de dichos trastornos se basará en el estudio de su sustrato genético específico. Presentamos un caso clínico que combina ambas peculiaridades revisando las características de esta patología

Familial glioblastoma multiforme is a rather uncommonentity, being in most cases associated to known genetic disorders (as Turcot syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, etc.). However, family algliomas have also been described, although less frequently, independently of these genetic syndromes showing some special features regarding its etiology and clinical manifestations. Less than 10% of gliomas may be considered as true multicentric tumours either synchronous ormetachronous in clinical presentation. Metachronous glioblastomas have been associated to better prognosis in some studies, with genetic studies having found clear differences among the tumors within same patients. Familial glioblastoma with metachronous presentation is an exceptional disorder. These tumors show special therapeutic implications due to the limitations of radiotherapy once the patient has already irradiated. A variety of non-specific mutations have been found in these patients but true characterization of this disorder remains unclear and will be based on further genetic studies. We present a clinical report on a patient harbouring a familial and metachronous glioblastoma. The main aspects of this entity are reviwed

[Cerebral cavernomas. A review and update of aetiological, clinical and therapeutic features]. / Cavernomas cerebrales. Revisión y actualización etiológica, clínica y terapéutica.

INTRODUCTION: Cavernous angiomas are uncommon lesions, with a reported incidence of 0.4 to 0.8%, presenting a controversial management especially regarding their surgical treatment. AIM: To update cavernous angiomas characteristics and management through a deep review of the literature concerning their aetiology, epidemiology, history, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and surgical and radiosurgical treatment. DEVELOPMENT AND CONCLUSIONS: Most important advances found in the recent literature include the identification of the genetic basis responsible for the familial form of cavernomatosis (CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3), the identification of the dynamic pattern of these lesions based on their pathology and imaging features, the deeper knowledge on their natural history depending on their supra/infratentorial location, and the main indications for surgical treatment and radiosurgical therapy suggested by the recent series.

Cavernomas cerebrales. Revisión y actualización etiológica, clínica y terapéutica / Cerebral cavernomas. A review and update of aetiological, clinical and therapeutic features

Introducción. Los cavernomas son lesiones poco habituales, con una incidencia estimada del 0,4 al 0,8%, y que plantean múltiples controversias especialmente en lo que concierne a su tratamiento. Objetivo. Actualizar mediante una revisión bibliográfica extensa las principales características etiológicas, epidemiológicas, históricas, clínicas, diagnósticas y de tratamiento de los angiomas cavernosos en el sistema nervioso central. Desarrollo y conclusiones. Entre los principales hallazgos obtenidos destacan los avances en el origen genético de las cavernomatosis familiares, con la identificación de los genes responsables (CCM1, CCM2 y CCM3), la condición dinámica de los angiomas cavernosos según los estudios histológicos y de imagen, los avances en el conocimiento de su historia natural según su localización supra/infratentorial, y las indicaciones de tratamiento quirúrgico sugeridas por las distintas series revisadas, así como el papel actual del tratamiento mediante radiocirugía de los cavernomas no accesibles quirúrgicamente

Introduction. Cavernous angiomas are uncommon lesions, with a reported incidence of 0,4 to 0,8%, presenting a controversial management especially regarding their surgical treatment. Aim. To update cavernous angiomas characteristics and management through a deep review of the literature concerning their aetiology, epidemiology, history, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and surgical and radiosurgical treatment. Development and conclusions. Most important advances found in the recent literature include the identification of the genetic basis responsible for the familial form of cavernomatosis (CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3), the identification of the dynamic pattern of these lesions based on their pathology and imaging features, the deeper knowledge on their natural history depending on their supra/infratentorial location, and the main indications for surgical treatment and radiosurgical therapy suggested by the recent series

[Immunotherapy in high grade astrocytomas: principles and current state]. / Immunoterapia en astrocitomas de alto grado: principios y estado actual

It is generally accepted that tumour development promotes a systemic response leading to protect the host against cancer. However, tumours may as well elicit a partial immunodeficiency to avoid the development of a complete and active immune response. Since Bloom's first studies on immunotherapy to treat high grade gliomas in 1960, many attempts have been made from different medical specialties to use the immune system as a weapon against a great diversity of cancers. Main objective of this study is to outline the basic features of the immune response inside the Central Nervous System, the strategies employed by astrocytic tumours to evade body defences, and to provide an extended literature review on research on immunotherapy, especially concerning its patho-physiology and the clinical results achieved till date.

Inmunoterapia en astrocitomas de alto grado: principios y estado actual / Immunotherapy in high grade astrocytomas: principles and current state

Desde hace tiempo se conoce que la presencia de un tumor origina en el organismo una reacción del sistema inmune enfocada a eliminar la amenaza que el desarrollo tumoral implica. Sin embargo, se van averiguando diferentes mecanismos por los cuales los tumores provocan un estado de inmunosupresión que dificulta el desarrollo de una reacción inmunitaria eficaz. La utilización del sistema inmune como arma frente a los astrocitomas de alto grado constituye una de las principales estrategias de investigación desde los primeros ensayos de Bloom en 1960, siendo hoy en día una práctica habitual en la terapia antineoplásica de múltiples disciplinas médicas. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características de las reacciones inmunológicas del sistema nervioso central, los mecanismos utilizados por los tumores astrocitarios para despistar las defensas del organismo y las diferentes líneas de investigación llevadas a cabo hasta la fecha, mostrando sus bases fisiopatológicas y los resultados obtenidos, basándonos en una extensa revisión bibliográfica

It is generally accepted that tumour development promotes a systemic response leading to protect the host against cancer. However, tumours may as well elicit a partial immunodeficiency to avoid the development of a complete and active immune response. Since Bloom´s first studies on immunotherapy to treat high grade gliomas in 1960, many attempts have been made from different medical specialties to use the immune system as a weapon against a great diversity of cancers. Main objective of this study is to outline the basic features of the immune response inside the Central Nervous System, the strategies employed by astrocytic tumours to evade body defences, and to provide an extended literature review on research on immunotherapy, especially concerning its patho-physiology and the clinical results achieved till date