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Mekbib KY, Muñoz W, Allington G, McGee S, Mehta NH, Shofi JP, Fortes C, Le HT, Nelson-Williams C, Nanda P, Dennis E, Kundishora AJ, Khanna A, Smith H, Ocken J, Greenberg ABW, Wu R, Moreno-De-Luca A, DeSpenza T, Zhao S, Marlier A, Jin SC, Alper SL, Butler WE, Kahle KT. Human genetics and molecular genomics of Chiari malformation type 1. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:1059-1075. [PMID: 37802664 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) is the most common structural brain disorder involving the craniocervical junction, characterized by caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum into the spinal canal. Despite the heterogeneity of CM1, its poorly understood patho-etiology has led to a 'one-size-fits-all' surgical approach, with predictably high rates of morbidity and treatment failure. In this review we present multiplex CM1 families, associated Mendelian syndromes, and candidate genes from recent whole exome sequencing (WES) and other genetic studies that suggest a significant genetic contribution from inherited and de novo germline variants impacting transcription regulation, craniovertebral osteogenesis, and embryonic developmental signaling. We suggest that more extensive WES may identify clinically relevant, genetically defined CM1 subtypes distinguished by unique neuroradiographic and neurophysiological endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedous Y Mekbib
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Center for Hydrocephalus and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William Muñoz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Center for Hydrocephalus and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Garrett Allington
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Neel H Mehta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John P Shofi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carla Fortes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Thi Le
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Pranav Nanda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evan Dennis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam J Kundishora
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arjun Khanna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jack Ocken
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ana B W Greenberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andres Moreno-De-Luca
- Department of Radiology, Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Genomic Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Tyrone DeSpenza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shujuan Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Sheng Chih Jin
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Seth L Alper
- Division of Nephrology and Vascular Biology Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William E Butler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristopher T Kahle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Center for Hydrocephalus and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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2
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Venkatakrishna SSB, McClure ME, Andronikou S. Natural History of Chiari 1 Deformity. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2023; 47:301-306. [PMID: 36728736 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chiari type 1 deformity (Ch1) is associated with bony deformity of the skull base and herniation of cerebellar tonsils more than 5 mm below the foramen magnum. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for diagnosis and surgery is advised for symptomatic children. We present a case series using MRI including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, in children with Ch1 to demonstrate a variety of outcomes, both surgical and spontaneous: spontaneous resolution, spontaneous worsening, postsurgical improvement, and postsurgical deterioration. CASE A 2-week-old female newborn underwent brain MRI demonstrating an ectopic neurohypophysis, under opercularization suggesting brain immaturity and a normal craniocervical junction (CCJ). Follow-up (F/U) MRI at 6 years of age showed interval spontaneous development of Ch1 with decreased CSF spaces at CCJ. CASE A 6-year-old girl referred for imaging with short stature and growth hormone deficiency demonstrated incidental findings of Ch1 without syringomyelia. There was 15-mm protrusion of pointed cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum and a reduced CSF space at the craniocervical junction. No surgery was performed, and F/U MRI at the age of 7 years demonstrated spontaneous resolution of the tonsillar ectopia (cerebellar tonsils now 3 mm right and 6 mm left) and expansion of the CSF spaces at CCJ. CASE A 7-year-old boy with headaches and staring spells underwent an MRI demonstrating 6-mm protrusion of pointed cerebellar tonsils and CSF space reduction at CCJ. No surgery was performed, and F/U imaging at the age of 9 years demonstrated spontaneous improvement in cerebellar tonsillar position and increased bidirectional CSF flow at CCJ. CASE A 17-month-old boy underwent brain MRI for unsteady gait and poor vestibular response, which showed Ch1 and narrow CSF spaces at the foramen magnum and with reduced CSF flow. At the age of 3 years, after posterior fossa decompression, F/U MRI showed postsurgical improvement of the position of the cerebellar tonsils and increased CSF space at CCJ. CASE A 4-month-old male infant with a history of 34-week prematurity, prior germinal matrix hemorrhage, and neonatal subdural hemorrhage was referred for MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine for evaluation of developmental delay and hypotonia with torticollis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated mild protrusion of inferiorly pointed cerebellar tonsils up to the foramen magnum, with visible CSF and without retroflexion of the dens. Follow-up MRI scans demonstrated progressive worsening of the Chiari 1 deformity, even after multiple surgeries. CONCLUSIONS It is important to be aware of a variety of different outcomes with Ch1, including spontaneous resolution, spontaneous worsening, improvement with surgery, and even deterioration after surgery. More research is required to determine objective criteria for predicting outcome, which include both anatomic measures and physiologic measures of CSF flow, so that better surgical decisions can be made and for evaluating patients who have undergone surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meghan E McClure
- From the Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
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3
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Sun P, Zhou M, Liu Y, Du J, Zeng G. Fourth ventricle stent placement for treatment of type I Chiari malformation in children. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:671-676. [PMID: 36572815 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05793-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type I Chiari malformation (CM-I) is a common congenital malformation, often accompanied by syringomyelia. Obstruction of CSF circulation in the foramen magnum is the reason for the formation of the syringomyelia. Fourth ventricle stenting (FVS) could ensure the CSF flow from the fourth ventricle, which might represent an effective approach to achieve syringomyelia relief. METHODS We have reviewed four cases of CM-I children who received FVS implantation from November 2021 to July 2022. Each of the patients underwent FMD. The ventricular catheter of an Ommaya reservoir (Medtronic, Inc.) was used as a stent. Duraplasty was performed with autologous fascia. Cervical MRI rechecks were routinely done 3 months later, and the clinical symptoms were followed up. RESULTS Four children received FVS, including one boy and three girls, aged from 12 months to 10 years, with a mean age of 6.8 years. No major complication occurred. The syringomyelia or hydrocephalus in each patient were all attenuated, as observed on the reexamination MRI images. During the follow-up time with a mean of 10.8 months, no patient had new symptoms. CONCLUSION FVS is an effective and safe method for operation of CM-1 in children. The indications of FVS include redo-FMD, difficulties to ensure post-FMD CSF circulation patency at the foramen magnum and with obstructive hydrocephalus. A long-term follow-up duration is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mading Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gao Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Neurosurgical aspects of Noonan syndrome. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:849-856. [PMID: 36847963 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05888-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Noonan syndrome (NS) is a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by dysmorphic features, congenital heart defects, neurodevelopmental delay, and bleeding diathesis. Though rare, several neurosurgical manifestations have been associated with NS, such as Chiari malformation (CM-I), syringomyelia, brain tumors, moyamoya, and craniosynostosis. We describe our experience in treating children with NS and various neurosurgical conditions, and review the current literature on neurosurgical aspects of NS. METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of children with NS who were operated at a tertiary pediatric neurosurgery department, between 2014 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were clinical or genetic diagnosis of NS, age < 18 years at treatment, and need for a neurosurgical intervention of any kind. RESULTS Five cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two had tumors, one underwent surgical resection. Three had CM-I, syringomyelia, and hydrocephalus, of whom one also had craniosynostosis. Comorbidities included pulmonary stenosis in two patients and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in one. Three patients had bleeding diathesis, two of them with abnormal coagulation tests. Four patients were treated preoperatively with tranexamic acid, and two with Von Willebrand factor or platelets (1 each). One patient with a clinical bleeding predisposition developed hematomyelia following a syringe-subarachnoid shunt revision. CONCLUSIONS NS is associated with a spectrum of central nervous system abnormalities, some of which with known etiology, while in others a pathophysiological mechanism has been suggested in the literature. When operating on a child with NS, a meticulous anesthetic, hematologic, and cardiac evaluation should be conducted. Neurosurgical interventions should then be planned accordingly.
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5
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Chiari I Malformation and Sleep-Disordered Breathing. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2023; 34:35-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Massimi L, Vetrano IG, Peretta P, Chiapparini L, Saletti V, Ciaramitaro P, Visocchi M, Valentini LG. Chiari Malformation Type 1 and Syringomyelia: Why Do Patients Claim for International Guidelines? Commentary on the 2021 Chiari and Syringomyelia Consensus Document. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2023; 135:139-145. [PMID: 38153462 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36084-8_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) and Syringomyelia (Syr) has become increasingly common during the past few years. Contemporarily, the body of literature on these topics is growing, although randomized controlled studies on significant case series to drive guidelines are missing in the pediatric and adult populations. As a result of the different opinions about surgical indications and techniques raised by CM1-Syr, an increasing number of well-informed but disoriented patients is emerging. To bridge this gap, an International Consensus Conference on CM1-Syr held in Milan in November 2019 aimed to find a consensus among international experts, to suggest some recommendations that, in the near future, could lead to guidelines. Here, we comment on the most relevant recommendations about the definition, diagnosis, surgical management, failures and re-intervention, and outcome. We also focus on some "wrong" indications or techniques that, although widely disapproved by the experts, and negatively experienced by many patients, are still largely in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massimi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Peretta
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Chiapparini
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Saletti
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Mariani Foundation Center for Complex Disabilities, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Palma Ciaramitaro
- CRESSC, Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, AOU Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Laura Grazia Valentini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
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Valentini LG, Galbiati TF, Saletti V, Farinotti M, Erbetta A, Croci C, Vetrano IG. Evaluation of Adult and Pediatric Chiari Type 1 Malformation Patients: Do Consensus Documents Fit Everyday Practice? ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2023; 135:147-155. [PMID: 38153463 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36084-8_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The management of Chiari 1 malformation (CM1) and Syringomyelia (Syr) has shown many changes in surgical indications and techniques over time. The dedicated neurosurgical and neurological community recently planned to analyze the state of the art and find conduct uniformity. This led to international consensus documents on diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies. We aimed to evaluate, in a large, monocentric surgical series of adult and children CM1 patients, if the daily clinical practice reflects the consensus documents. Our series comprises 190 pediatric and 220 adult Chiari patients submitted to surgery from 2000 to 2021. The main indications for the treatment were the presence of Syr and symptoms related to CM1. While there is great correspondence with the statements derived from the consensus documents about what to do for Syr and symptomatic CM1, the accordance is less evident in CM1 associated with craniosynostosis or hydrocephalus, especially when considering the early part of the series. However, we think that performing such studies could increase the homogeneity of surgical series, find a common way to evaluate long-term outcomes, and reinforce the comparability of different strategies adopted in different referral centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grazia Valentini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Saletti
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Mariani Foundation Center for Complex Disabilities, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariangela Farinotti
- Neuroepidemiology Unit - Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Erbetta
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Carolina Croci
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Mariani Foundation Center for Complex Disabilities, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Ignazio Gaspare Vetrano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
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Soleman J, Roth J, Constantini S. Chiari Type 1 Malformation and Syringomyelia in Children: Classification and Treatment Options. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2023; 48:73-107. [PMID: 37770682 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36785-4_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Chiari type 1 malformation (CIM) is defined as tonsillar ectopia of >5 mm, while syringomyelia (SM) is defined as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cavity larger than 3 mm dissecting the spinal cord. Over the last decades, our understanding of these pathologies has grown; however, many controversies still exist almost in every aspect of CIM and SM, including etiology, indication for treatment, timing of treatment, surgical technique, follow-up regime, and outcome. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview on different aspects of CIM and SM and on the still existing controversies, based on the evidence presently available. Future directions for clinical research concerning CIM and SM treatment and outcome are elaborated and discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehuda Soleman
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Roth
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomi Constantini
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Wrzosek MA, Banasik AE, Owsińska-Schmidt K, Zimny A. Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Syringomyelia Secondary to Chiari Malformation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233405. [PMID: 36496926 PMCID: PMC9740166 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Syringomyelia secondary to Chiari-like malformation (so-called CM-SM syndrome) is a common disorder in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) that is diagnosed using standard structural MRI, though imaging findings often do not correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a technique that defines subtle microstructural changes in the course of many brain and spinal cord diseases, that are not visible on standard MRI. The aim of the study was to identify the correlation between the presence of clinical symptoms and DTI parameters, such as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) within the spinal cord in the course of CM-SM. Study subjects included 18 dogs, CKCS with MRI-confirmed SM (SM group), and 12 CKCS dogs without SM (non-SM group). The SM group was divided into SM-symptomatic group (n = 8) and SM-asymptomatic group, n = 10). All dogs underwent same clinical and neurological assessment followed by MRI examination. All MRI studies were performed on a 1.5T MRI scanner. The MRI spine protocol included: transverse and sagittal T2-weighted images followed by DTI performed in the sagittal plane. The measurements of FA and ADC values were performed manually using the region of interest (ROI) method at the level of three intervertebral discs between C1 and C4. Notable differences in age and body weight were found. No significant differences in FA and ADC values between the SM and non-SM groups were found, but between non-SM, SM-asymptomatic and SM-symptomatic groups significant differences were found in ADC values in all three ROIs and in FA values in ROI-1 and ROI-3. SM-symptomatic dogs compared to non-SM, showed decreased FA value in ROI-1 and ROI-3 also increased ADC value in ROI-1, ROI-2 and ROI-3. SM-symptomatic dogs compared to SM-asymptomatic showed also decreased FA value in ROI-1 and ROI-3, and also increased ADC value in ROI-1, ROI-2 and ROI-3. The results suggest that the values of DTI parameters correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms in the course of CM-SM in animals. The use of DTI evaluation of CM-SM patients carries a potential value as a clinically relevant protocol for an objective assessment of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Adam Wrzosek
- Department of Internal Diseases with a Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Aleksandra Ewa Banasik
- Department of Internal Diseases with a Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Karolina Owsińska-Schmidt
- Department of Internal Diseases with a Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Zimny
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-551 Wrocław, Poland
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Chiari 1 Malformation and Epilepsy in Children: A Missing Relationship. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206182. [PMID: 36294502 PMCID: PMC9604608 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Once believed a result of pathophysiological correlations, the association between Chiari 1 malformation (CM1) and epilepsy has since been considered as a coincidence, due to missing etiologic or clinical matching points. At present, the problem is being newly debated because of the increasing number of CM1 diagnoses, often among children with seizures. No specific studies on this topic are available yet. The present study aimed at updating the information on this topic by reporting on a series of children specifically enrolled and retrospectively analyzed for this purpose. Methods: All children admitted between January 2015 and June 2020 for epilepsy and CM1 were considered (Group 1). They were compared with children admitted in the same period for symptoms/signs related to CM1 and/or syringomyelia (Group 2). Syndromic patients were excluded, as well as those with tumoral or other overt intracranial lesions. All patients received a complete preoperative work-up, including MRI and EEG. Symptomatic children with CM1/syringomyelia were operated on. The pertinent literature was reviewed. Results: Group 1 was composed of 29 children (mean age: 6.2 years) showing CM1 and epilepsy with several types of seizures. A share of 27% had CM1-related symptoms and syringomyelia. The mean tonsillar ectopia was 7.5 mm. Surgery was performed in 31% of cases. Overall, 62% of children are currently seizure-free (including 5/9 children who were operated on). Tonsillar herniation and syringomyelia regressed in 4/9 cases and 4/8 cases, improved in 4/9 cases and 3/8 cases, and remained stable in 1/9 and 1/8 cases, respectively. CM1 signs/symptoms regressed completely in 6/8 cases and improved or remained stable in one case in each of the two remaining patients. Group 2 consisted of 77 children (mean age: 8.9 years) showing symptoms of CM1 (75%) and/or syringomyelia (39%). The mean tonsillar ectopia was 11.8 mm. Non-specific EEG anomalies were detected in 13 children (17%). Surgery was performed in 76.5% of cases (18 children were not operated on because of oligosymptomatic). Preoperative symptoms regressed in 26%, improved in 50%, remained stable 22%, and worsened in 2%; CM1 radiologically regressed in 39%, improved in 37%, remained unchanged in 22%, and worsened in 2%; and syringomyelia/hydromyelia regressed in 61%, improved in 30%, and was stable in 9%. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were detected regarding the M/F ratio, presence of syringomyelia/hydromyelia, or CM1/syringomyelia outcome; moreover, no correlation occurred between seizure-free condition and PF decompression in Group 1, or between disappearance of EEG anomalies and PF decompression in Group 2. A significant difference between the two groups was noticed regarding the mean age at admission (p = 0.003), amount of tonsillar herniation (p < 0.00001), and PF decompression (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings do not support clinical correlations between CM1 and epilepsy. Their course depends on surgery and antiepileptic drugs, respectively. The analysis of the literature does not provide evidence of a relationship between seizures and cerebellar anomalies such as CM1. Rather than being linked to a syndrome that could explain such an association, the connection between the two now has to be considered to be random.
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11
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Macchiaiolo M, Panfili FM, Vecchio D, Gonfiantini MV, Cortellessa F, Caciolo C, Zollino M, Accadia M, Seri M, Chinali M, Mammì C, Tartaglia M, Bartuli A, Alfieri P, Priolo M. A deep phenotyping experience: up to date in management and diagnosis of Malan syndrome in a single center surveillance report. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:235. [PMID: 35717370 PMCID: PMC9206304 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malan syndrome (MALNS) is a recently described ultrarare syndrome lacking guidelines for diagnosis, management and monitoring of evolutive complications. Less than 90 patients are reported in the literature and limited clinical information are available to assure a proper health surveillance.
Results A multidisciplinary team with high expertise in MALNS has been launched at the “Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù”, Rome, Italy. Sixteen Italian MALNS individuals with molecular confirmed clinical diagnosis of MALNS were enrolled in the program. For all patients, 1-year surveillance in a dedicated outpatient Clinic was attained. The expert panel group enrolled 16 patients and performed a deep phenotyping analysis directed to clinically profiling the disorder and performing critical revision of previously reported individuals. Some evolutive complications were also assessed. Previously unappreciated features (e.g., high risk of bone fractures in childhood, neurological/neurovegetative symptoms, noise sensitivity and Chiari malformation type 1) requiring active surveillance were identified. A second case of neoplasm was recorded. No major cardiovascular anomalies were noticed. An accurate clinical description of 9 new MALNS cases was provided. Conclusions Deep phenotyping has provided a more accurate characterization of the main clinical features of MALNS and allows broadening the spectrum of disease. A minimal dataset of clinical evaluations and follow-up timeline has been proposed for proper management of patients affected by this ultrarare disorder. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02384-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Macchiaiolo
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics Unit, University-Hospital Pediatric Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Piazza di Sant'Onofrio, 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - Filippo M Panfili
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Vecchio
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics Unit, University-Hospital Pediatric Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Piazza di Sant'Onofrio, 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Michaela V Gonfiantini
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics Unit, University-Hospital Pediatric Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Piazza di Sant'Onofrio, 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Cortellessa
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics Unit, University-Hospital Pediatric Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Piazza di Sant'Onofrio, 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Caciolo
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Zollino
- Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento Universitario Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Accadia
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marco Seri
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Chinali
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Mammì
- Operative Unit of Medical Genetics, Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital, V. Melacrino, 89100, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Disease Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Bartuli
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics Unit, University-Hospital Pediatric Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Piazza di Sant'Onofrio, 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Alfieri
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Priolo
- Operative Unit of Medical Genetics, Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital, V. Melacrino, 89100, Reggio Calabria, Italy.
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