Spinal arteriovenous metameric syndrome in a neonate presenting with congestive heart failure: case report

Malignancy-related Hypercalcemia Caused by Metameric Cutaneous Metastasis of Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein-producing Bladder Carcinoma with Squamous Cell Differentiation: An Autopsy Case of Cobb Syndrome

A 74-year-old woman was admitted with hypercalcemia and prolonged disturbance of consciousness. The left buttock to the anterior aspect of the left thigh was swollen and erythematous, with a collection of 1.0-cm large, firm, elastic nodules distributed in a zosteriform pattern in the L1-L4 region. Based on autopsy findings, a very rare case of Cobb syndrome was diagnosed due to a spinal vascular malformation at the Th12-L4 level and L5 vertebral hemangioma. Cobb syndrome-associated cutaneous metastasis extending along the same metamere was complicated by immunohistochemically proven parathyroid hormone-related protein-producing advanced bladder carcinoma in this case.

Clinical features and treatment strategy of paraspinal arteriovenous shunt (PAVS): a systematic review with individual participants data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Because of the rarity of the disease, paraspinal arteriovenous shunt (PAVS) is not well recognized, and therapeutic options remain controversial. To introduce a rare disease of PAVS and demonstrate its etiology, clinical features, treatment options, and outcomes, we presented a case report and conducted a systematic review and individual participants data (IPD) meta-analysis.

METHODS

Studies regarding on PAVS were integrated and IPD were obtained including patients' demographics, disease etiology, clinical and radiologic features, clinical courses and outcomes. Clinical manifestation and treatment outcomes were reviewed, and comparison analysis (cervical versus thoracolumbar) were performed. Further, logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the poor prognostic factors (incomplete obliteration).

RESULTS

Fifty-two articles were selected, and 88 patients enrolled. General and location-specific characteristics of PAVSs were identified: '3/4 of the isolated and 1/4 of the associated etiology', 'bruit, thrill, or murmur (cervical) and weakness (thoracolumbar) as common symptoms', '40% multiple feeders', and '22% intradural venous involvement'. Endovascular treatment was usually preferred (75%). Of 88 enrolled patients, 18 patients showed incomplete obliteration (20.5%). In multivariate analysis, 'etiologies of systematic genetic dysplasia (P = 0.031) and trauma (negatively, 0.038)' were significantly associated with incomplete obliteration. The parameters of 'multiple feeders (0.066)' and 'combined approach (negatively, 0.065)' are verified only in univariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

General as well as location-specific characteristics of PAVS is successfully demonstrated. Approximately 20% of the incomplete obliteration is noted, and three potential poor prognostic factors are identified, namely, 'etiology of systematic genetic dysplasia (positive) and trauma (negative)', 'combined approach (negative), and 'multiple feeders'.

Report of a case of Cobb syndrome: multimodality imaging

Cobb syndrome is a rare vascular disorder characterized by vascular skin lesions distributed in a dermatomal pattern, with corresponding muscular, osseous, paraspinal, and/or spinal vascular lesions occurring at the same body somite (metamere). We present a case of a 25-year-old man who presented with a history of right upper limb paresthesia followed by bilateral progressive upper and lower limb weakness and heaviness. Physical examination showed large cutaneous port wine stains on the right side of the chest, the nape, and along the whole right upper limb in a dermatomal distribution, with no corresponding limb hypertrophy or asymmetry. MRI and CT scan of the cervical spine showed aggressive vertebral hemangiomas involving the right side of C1 down to C4 vertebrae associated with extraosseous epidural lesion causing cervical cord compression, in addition to right paraspinal muscular low flow vascular malformations. Digital subtraction angiography of the neck vessels showed corresponding vascular blush and delayed contrast pooling in the affected regions. Cobb syndrome was diagnosed based on the dermatomal distribution of the cutaneous vascular lesions and the corresponding vertebral, epidural, and paraspinal vascular lesions occurring at the same metamere. The patient underwent a decompressive laminectomy at C2–C6 levels with removal of the epidural lesion, after which his symptoms had improved.

The Rare Neurocutaneous Disorders: Update on Clinical, Molecular, and Neuroimaging Features

Phakomatoses, also known as neurocutaneous disorders, comprise a vast number of entities that predominantly affect structures originated from the ectoderm such as the central nervous system and the skin, but also the mesoderm, particularly the vascular system. Extensive literature exists about the most common phakomatoses, namely neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, von Hippel-Lindau and Sturge-Weber syndrome. However, recent developments in the understanding of the molecular underpinnings of less common phakomatoses have sparked interest in these disorders. In this article, we review the clinical features, current pathogenesis, and modern neuroimaging findings of melanophakomatoses, vascular phakomatoses, and other rare neurocutaneous syndromes that may also include tissue overgrowth or neoplastic predisposition.