Correlation between cytogenetic data and ganglioside pattern in human meningiomas.

Partial or total loss of chromosome 22 is often associated with tumors of the central nervous system and in particular with meningiomas. As in the case of other tumors, the ganglioside pattern is modified in transformed tissues. Cytogenetic analysis of 30 human meningiomas has been performed and the results compared to biochemical analysis of ganglioside distribution on the membrane surface. The meningiomas were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the presence or absence of chromosome 22. Thirteen tumors exhibited partial or total monosomy of the chromosome, whereas 17 were normal or showed other chromosomal anomalies. The GM3 and GD3 content of the meningiomas belonging to the 2 groups revealed a significant correlation between amount and reciprocal ratio of these 2 gangliosides and cytogenetic data. Tumors with monosomy 22 had a higher content of ganglioside GD3 than samples without monosomy 22, where the main ganglioside was GM3. Other gangliosides such as GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT were present in various amounts in the 2 groups. Considering the biosynthetic pathway of gangliosides, we hypothesize the involvement of a gene located on chromosome 22 in the regulation of the enzymes which catalyze either GD3 synthesis (sialyltransferase 2, SAT-2) or its degradation to GM3 (neuraminidase).

[Intracranial aneurysm in children. Peculiar clinico-radiologic aspects and the choice of surgical timing]. / Gli aneurismi intracranici in età infantile. Aspetti clinico-radiologici peculiari e scelta del "timing" chirurgico.

The authors report their experience with 11 patients in pediatric age affected by intracranial aneurysms. They try to reply to the question: "Are aneurysms congenital?" and consider the different problems concerning clinical suspect of intracranial haemorrhage. Vasospasm is an important prognostic factor in adults but in children it doesn't affect surgical "timing" as it happens in older patients. Since the incidence of rebleeding in patients treated conservatively is very high, Authors conclude that a prompt surgery in necessary in these young patients.

[Pseudotumor cerebri: 19 cases in childhood]. / Pseudotumor cerebri: 19 casi in età pediatrica.

Nineteen patients affected by Pseudotumor Cerebri and treated in the Neurosurgical Department of U.S.L. 10/D of Florence, are considered by Authors. Patients age varied from 4 to 14 years and their selection was made following Boddie, Banna and Bradley criteria published in 1974. Plain X Ray of the Skull was positive in 5 cases while ventriculography (when executed) were always normal. Quite normal were Angiography and CT scan. There were no pathological findings in CSF. The series of patients is considered analyzing somatic features, sex and possible aetiologic noxae. An interesting data is the presence of fever (39 degrees C) from 7 to 20 days before the onset of cranial hypertension. The possibility of blood-brain barrier alteration following infectious disease which causes an interstitial edema is considered and proposed by authors as a starting point for future research.

Neurosurgical indications during pregnancy.

The Authors take into consideration some important forms of vascular and tumoral pathology of neurosurgical interest which can affect pregnant women. Some criteria of urgency or delay of the surgical treatment are proposed in the attempt of saving the mother's and the foetus' life.