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Giordano F, Moscheo C, Lenge M, Biagiotti R, Mari F, Sardi I, Buccoliero AM, Mongardi L, Aronica E, Guerrini R, Genitori L. Neurosurgical treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis complex: a series of 44 surgical procedures in 31 patients. Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:951-960. [PMID: 31853898 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) are benign tumors characteristic of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) that may cause hydrocephalus. Various treatments are nowadays available as mTOR inhibitors or surgery. Surgery is still a valid option especially for symptomatic and larger tumors. METHODS From January 1994 to December 2015, 31 TSC patients harboring SEGA underwent surgery at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Meyer Pediatric Hospital, Florence. Indications for surgery were tumor size and location, growth and cystization/hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus. Clinical data, preoperative and postoperative MRI, recurrence rate, further surgical procedures, and related complications were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 44 surgeries were performed in 31 TSC patients affected by SEGA, achieving gross total removal (GTR) and subtotal removal (STR), respectively, in 36 and 8 patients. Recurrences occurred in 11 patients; 9 of them underwent further surgical procedures and 2 were treated with mTOR pathway inhibitors. Surgical morbidity and mortality were, respectively, 22.7% and 2.3%. After a mean follow-up of 4.9 years, 90% of patients were tumor-free with good neurological status in 93.3%; twelve (40%) had a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) for hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS The present series confirms that the surgical approach, combined with mTOR inhibitors, is still a valid option for the treatment of SEGAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Giordano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy.
| | - Carla Moscheo
- Neuro-oncology Unit, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Matteo Lenge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy.,3. Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Roberto Biagiotti
- Division of Prenatal Diagnosis, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Francesco Mari
- 3. Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Iacopo Sardi
- Neuro-oncology Unit, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Buccoliero
- Pathology Unit, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mongardi
- Neurosurgery, Sant'Anna Hospital, Via Aldo Moro, Ferrara, 44124, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- 3. Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Genitori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital A. Meyer, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, 50139, Italy
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The clinical profile of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in the United Kingdom: A retrospective cohort study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2016; 20:296-308. [PMID: 26706603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multi-system genetic disorder characterised by the development of benign growths and diverse clinical manifestations, varying in severity, age at onset and with high clinical burden. AIMS This longitudinal study aims to describe the broad spectrum of clinical manifestation profiles in a large, representative cohort of TSC patients in the UK in order to better understand disease complexity. METHODS TSC patients in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and linked Hospital Episodes Statistics (CPRD-HES) were retrospectively identified between 1987 and 2013. Available history was extracted for each patient and clinical diagnosis, procedure and medication records reviewed. A random selection of patients from the CPRD-HES was used as a Comparator cohort. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty-four TSC patients with a mean (SD) age of 30.3 (18.6) years were identified (53% female). TSC was diagnosed at mean age 3.2 (4.2) years. Epilepsy and psychiatric manifestations were reported frequently in paediatric (77% and 55%, respectively) and adult patients (66% and 68%, respectively). The prevalence of manifestations in the TSC cohort was markedly higher versus the Comparator cohort. The majority of paediatric (46%) and adult TSC patients (62%) developed clinical manifestations affecting at least three organ systems and forty-nine distinctive organ system manifestation profiles were identified. CONCLUSIONS TSC patients present with multiple and complex clinical manifestations and profiles that necessitate the co-ordinated action of a multidisciplinary team in order to improve the quality and efficiency of care.
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Sun P, Liu Z, Krueger D, Kohrman M. Direct medical costs for patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and surgical resection of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma: a US national cohort study. J Med Econ 2015; 18:349-56. [PMID: 25525770 DOI: 10.3111/13696998.2014.1001513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate direct medical costs for patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and surgical resection of subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma (SEGA). METHODS This retrospective cohort study selected patients who had SEGA surgery and TSC claims between 2000-2011 from three large US nationwide claims databases. Selected patients were age 35 or less and had continuous health insurance in the year before and the year after their first SEGA surgery claim. The study examined the patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and estimated inpatient, outpatient, medication, and total medical costs paid by insurance companies for the pre-surgery year, post-surgery year, and other study periods, respectively. Repeated measures analysis and bootstrapping technique were used to assess the impact of the surgery on the direct medical costs. RESULTS Select patients (n = 47) had a mean baseline age of 11.6 years and 66% were male. Many had seizures (91.0%), hydrocephalus (59.6%), vision disorders (38.3%), stroke and hemiparesis (36.2%), and shunt (34.0%) in the pre-surgery year. The mean direct medical costs were $8543 (inpatient: $3770; outpatient: $3473; medication: $1300) for the pre-surgery year, and $85,397 (inpatient: $71,562; outpatient: $11,497; medication: $2338) for the post-surgery year. With the exclusion of the costs during the surgery month, the inpatient, outpatient, medication, and total costs in the post-surgery year were 1.6-4.3 times as much as the costs in the pre-surgery year (inpatient: 4.3:1; outpatient: 2.5:1; medication: 1.6:1; total: 3.1:1, p < 0.05). Repeated measures analysis with bootstrapping confirmed a link between the surgery and increases in direct medical costs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS SEGA surgery had a substantial impact on direct medical costs. TSC patients with the surgery experienced significant post-surgery increases in their inpatient, outpatient, and medication costs. Additional research should be conducted to examine the surgery's cost-impact in a longer duration, or to compare the cost-effectiveness of the surgery vs other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sun
- Kailo Research Group , Indianapolis, IN , USA
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Rovira À, Ruiz-Falcó ML, García-Esparza E, López-Laso E, Macaya A, Málaga I, Vázquez É, Vicente J. Recommendations for the radiological diagnosis and follow-up of neuropathological abnormalities associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. J Neurooncol 2014; 118:205-223. [PMID: 24771286 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1429-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic condition with multisystem involvement, characterized by the development of tumors and other abnormalities in organs such as the brain, retina, skin, heart, kidneys, and lungs. Most patients have neuropathological abnormalities such as cortical tubers, white matter radial migration lines, subependymal nodules, and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs). These lesions are associated with different neurological manifestations that are frequently associated with TSC. These manifestations consist of epilepsy, intellectual disability, and neurobehavioral and psychiatric problems, including autism spectrum disorder. Hydrocephalus may also develop in patients with SEGAs due to ventricular obstruction, when this usually slow-growing tumor reaches sufficient size. Surgery has been the classical approach to treat SEGAs, although this treatment is associated with substantial morbidity and does not completely prevent tumor recurrence. Recently, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, everolimus, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of patients with SEGAs associated with TSC. However, the treatment of SEGAs with these agents requires the development of guidelines that establish a differential diagnosis between SENs and SEGAs, in which neuroradiological examinations play an essential role. With the aim of improving the neuroradiological diagnosis and follow-up of the neuropathological abnormalities associated with TSC, a group of experts in this field has reviewed different aspects related to these issues and put together, a series of statements and recommendations intended to provide guidance to specialists involved in the management of TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àlex Rovira
- Neuroradiology Unit (IDI), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Luz Ruiz-Falcó
- Neuropediatrics Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo, 65, 28009, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena García-Esparza
- Neuroradiology Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo, 65, 28009, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo López-Laso
- Neuropediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avenida Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alfons Macaya
- Neuropediatrics Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Málaga
- Child Neurology Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Calle de Celestino Villamil, s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Élida Vázquez
- Pediatric Radiology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Vicente
- Neuroradiology Department, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avenida Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
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Kotulska K, Borkowska J, Mandera M, Roszkowski M, Jurkiewicz E, Grajkowska W, Bilska M, Jóźwiak S. Congenital subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Childs Nerv Syst 2014; 30:2037-42. [PMID: 25227171 PMCID: PMC4223570 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-014-2555-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a brain tumor associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It usually grows in a second decade of life, but may develop in the first months of life. The aim of this work was to establish the incidence, clinical features, and outcome of congenital SEGA in TSC patients. METHODS Cohort of 452 TSC patients was reviewed to identify cases with growing or hydrocephalus producing SEGAs in the first 3 months of life. Clinical presentation, size of the tumor, growth rate, mutational analysis, treatment applied, and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS Ten (2.2 %) patients presented with SEGA in the first 3 months of life. All of them had documented SEGA growth and all developed hydrocephalus. In eight patients, mutational analysis was done, and in all of them, TSC2 gene mutations were identified. Mean maximum SEGA diameter at baseline was 21.8 mm. Mean SEGA growth rate observed postnatally was 2.78 mm per month and tended to be higher (5.43 mm per month) in patients with TSC2/PKD1 mutation than in other cases. Seven patients underwent SEGA surgery and surgery-related complications were observed in 57.1 % cases. One patient was successfully treated with everolimus as a primary treatment. CONCLUSIONS Congenital SEGA develops 2.2 % of TSC patients. Patients with TSC2 mutations, and especially with TSC2/PKD1 mutations, are more prone to develop SEGA earlier in childhood and should be screened for SEGA from birth. In young infants with SEGA, both surgery and mTOR inhibitor should be considered as a treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kotulska
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland,
| | - Julita Borkowska
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Mandera
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Roszkowski
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Jurkiewicz
- Department of Radiology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiesława Grajkowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Bilska
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sergiusz Jóźwiak
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The indications for surgery and outcomes of patients who underwent surgical removal of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) in our institution between 2000 and 2011 were reviewed. METHODS We reviewed the clinical details of 16 patients with a diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) who underwent surgery for SEGA in Bristol since 2000. We collected information on age, sex, epilepsy history and cognitive status. We reviewed the indications for surgery, age at surgery, surgical approach, and the size and location of the lesions. We analysed mortality, completeness of tumour resection, intraoperative blood transfusion, shunt placements, and surgical complications. RESULTS 13 patients had surgery due to hydrocephalus. Increasing size of SEGA without hydrocephalus was an indication for surgery in two patients, and in one patient, the SEGA was removed because of its size and location at initial scan. 13 patients had complete tumour resection. One patient had tumour recurrence. Hydrocephalus failed to resolve or reoccurred in four patients post operatively necessitating shunt insertion. The surgical approach was transcortical in 14 patients and transcallosal in two. There was zero mortality in this series. There were no reports of cognitive decline or worsening epilepsy following surgery. CONCLUSION Surgery is a safe and effective treatment for SEGA. It is the authors' view that surgery remains the most appropriate treatment strategy for SEGAs that are amenable to surgery. More work needs to be undertaken to assess prospectively the neurocognitive impact of surgery, and the relative advantages of different surgical approaches.
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Abstract
MR imaging without and with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) is an important imaging tool for defining normal anatomy and characteristics of lesions. GBCAs have been used in contrast-enhanced MR imaging in defining and characterizing lesions of the central nervous system for more than 20 years. The combination of unenhanced and GBCA-enhanced MR imaging is the clinical gold standard for the noninvasive detection and delineation of most intracranial and spinal lesions. MR imaging has a high predictive value that rules out neoplasm and most inflammatory and demyelinating processes of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bum-soo Kim
- Department of Radiology, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Sun P, Krueger D, Liu J, Guo A, Rogerio J, Kohrman M. Surgical resection of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) and changes in SEGA-related conditions: a US national claims database study. Curr Med Res Opin 2012; 28:651-6. [PMID: 22375957 DOI: 10.1185/03007995.2012.658908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the prevalence rates of clinical conditions related to subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) before and after SEGA surgery among patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). METHODS Based on three US national claims databases, we analyzed and compared the prevalence rates of 21 SEGA-related conditions (including seizures, hydrocephalus, headaches and stroke or hemiparesis) in the six months preceding surgery with the rates in the second through sixth post-surgery months and in the seventh through twelfth post-surgery months among TSC patients who underwent SEGA surgery during 2000-2009. Repeated measures analysis with a bootstrapping method was used to assess the surgery impact. RESULTS Patients (N = 47) had a mean age of 11.5 years at their first SEGA surgery, and 66% were male. Compared with the six months preceding surgery, the post-surgery prevalence rates increased by 23-26% for seizures, 21-26% for hydrocephalus, 17-19% for headache and 6-9% for stroke or hemiparesis (all p < 0.05). Repeated measures analysis confirmed the impact of surgery on the prevalence rate of these five conditions (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS SEGA surgery has its important role in SEGA treatment. However, after SEGA surgery this group of TSC patients had increased prevalence rates of seizures, hydrocephalus, vision disorders, headaches, stroke or hemiparesis, and autism. Future research to examine the causes of these symptoms is imperative. LIMITATIONS The study results have limitations in data source representativeness, coding accuracy, and study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sun
- Kailo Research Group, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Sun P, Kohrman M, Liu J, Guo A, Rogerio J, Krueger D. Outcomes of resecting subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) among patients with SEGA-related tuberous sclerosis complex: a national claims database analysis. Curr Med Res Opin 2012; 28:657-63. [PMID: 22375958 DOI: 10.1185/03007995.2012.658907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the outcomes following resection of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) among patients with SEGA-associated tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). METHODS Using three large US national healthcare claims databases, we retrospectively examined the outcomes of SEGA surgery among TSC patients who underwent SEGA surgery between 2000 and 2009. The examined outcomes were: prevalence rates of post-surgery SEGA, repeated SEGA surgery, and postoperative complications (surgical procedure complications, nervous system complications, postoperative infections, complications of subdural empyemas, and complications of epidural abscesses). Descriptive data analysis and two-sided one sample t-test for mean or proportion were used to assess the characteristics of patients and the outcomes of SEGA surgery. RESULTS The selected patients (N = 47) had a mean age of 11.6 years at their first SEGA surgery and 66% were male. During the third through twelfth months following surgery, 34% had post-surgery SEGA (diagnosis) and 12% underwent repeated SEGA surgeries. During the first post-surgery year, 48.9% of patients developed postoperative complications (34.0% had complications relating to the surgical procedure, 12.8% had nervous system complications, 6.4% developed postoperative infections, 17.0% had complications of subdural empyemas, and 2.1% had complications of epidural abscesses). CONCLUSIONS SEGA surgery was associated with statistically significant risks of developing post-surgery SEGA, requiring repeated SEGA surgery and developing postoperative complications. Future efforts in reducing these outcomes, either through improving surgical procedures or through alternative treatments, are urgently needed. LIMITATIONS This study has its limitation in data source representativeness and measurement accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sun
- Kailo Research Group, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Pascual-Castroviejo I. Neurosurgical treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex lesions. Childs Nerv Syst 2011; 27:1211-9. [PMID: 21607641 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-011-1488-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominantly inherited syndrome. Renal disease is the main cause of death. Brain disorders are the origin of more frequent and severe problems, such as tumors, epilepsy, and mental retardation. Participation of neurosurgeons in the study and especially in the treatment of TSC patients is often required. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two types of pathological conditions mainly require neurosurgical interventions in TSC: subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SGCA) and cortical tubers. SGCA are located in the cerebral region close to the foramina of Monroe, uni- or bilaterally, and originate in hamartomas that can grow slowly as well as rapidly, even suddenly, especially in cases with intratumoral cyst, causing increased intracranial pressure (ICP) with severe risk for visual loss and life. Neurosurgeons have to participate in the follow-up of the patients as soon as the risk of ICP exists to remove the tumor when the criteria of SGCA growth are present. The other intracranial lesions that require neurosurgical intervention by are the cortical tubers. CONCLUSION These dysplastic lesions are associated with TSC in almost the 100% of affected persons and are the cause of epilepsy in most patients. The seizures can be resistant to antiepileptic medication in many cases in which a tuber is identified as the origin of the focal seizures after functional studies, such as EEG, MR, PET, etc. In these cases, only surgical removal of the tuber and the perituberal epileptogenic foci can cure the epilepsy. Large tubers are more epileptogenic than smaller ones.
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The management of subependymal giant cell tumors in tuberous sclerosis: a clinician's perspective. Childs Nerv Syst 2011; 27:1203-10. [PMID: 21305305 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-011-1406-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a genetic multisystem disorder associated with hamartomas in several organs including subependymal giant cell tumors (SGCT). SGCT have the potential to grow and therefore to become symptomatic and are one of the main causes of death in TSC individuals. Surgical resection is the procedure of choice for SGCT. However, the discovery of mTOR pathway upregulation in TSC-associated tumors and recent evidence that mTOR inhibitors may induce regression of SGCT open up new treatment strategies. Based on a review of the currently available literature and on personal experience, current options for the management of TSC patients and appropriate indications, taking into account benefits and risks of surgery and pharmacotherapy, are discussed. DISCUSSION An earlier diagnosis of SGCT in neurologically asymptomatic children may allow a precocious surgical removal of the tumor, thus minimizing surgery-related morbidity and mortality. Biologically targeted pharmacotherapy with mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus and everolimus provides a safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with SGCT and has the potential to change the clinical management of these tumors. However, whether pharmacotherapy is sufficient to control growth or if it only delays the need for surgical removal of symptomatic SGCT remains unclear. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal levels of mTOR inhibitors that preserve maximal anti-tumor efficacy while minimizing side effects.
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