1
|
de Gennaro L, Messina R, Bruno MC, Bozzi MT, Speranzon L, Delvecchio C, Chibbaro S, Marani W, Montemurro N, Signorelli F. The role of neurosurgeon in the multidisciplinary approach to ectopic or bifocal intracranial germinoma: A systematic review and report of two illustrative cases. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2024; 244:108408. [PMID: 38954867 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pure germinoma typically originates from the midline and is usually found in the pineal and suprasellar regions in 76-90 % of cases. When it is in both regions, it is considered bifocal (10 % at diagnosis). If pure germinoma is located outside of the midline, it is considered ectopic, with a global incidence of about 0.7 %. The study aims to describe the clinical and surgical approach to patients with atypical intracranial ectopic germinoma (IEG) and bifocal germinoma (BG) through a literature review with the goal to delineate the correct diagnostic and therapeutic pathway, to reduce the diagnostic delay and improve the prognosis of these patients. METHODS A systematic review of the literature in most common electronic database (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE) on IEG and BG, in according with the "PRISMA statement" criteria, from January 1990 to September 2022 was done. In addition, two rare cases of IEG and BG were reported. RESULTS This systematic review included 16 papers (20 patients) with a final diagnosis of IEG and 30 papers (121 patients) with a final diagnosis of BG. IEGs seems to involve primary basal ganglia (40 %) and corpus callosum (40 %). For IEGs, biopsy (70 %, 14 cases out of 20) was the most common surgical approach: open approach (35 %), stereotactic minimally invasive approach (30 %) or endoscopic trans-sphenoidal approach (5 %). Partial resection was performed in 10 % of cases, whereas a total resection was performed in 20 % of cases. Also for BGs, biopsy was the most common surgical approach in 80 % of patients, whereas surgical resection (partial or total) was performed in 5.3 % of patients. CONCLUSION IEG and BG are rare type of primary intracranial germ cell tumor, whose unusual location often can cause delays in diagnosis, which can have a significant impact on the patient's prognosis and requiring a multidisciplinary and timely approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi de Gennaro
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Messina
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Teresa Bozzi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Speranzon
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Delvecchio
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Chibbaro
- Division of Neurosurgery, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Neuroscienze, Università di Siena, Italy
| | - Walter Marani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Montemurro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesco Signorelli
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ho C, Sato M, Crawford JR. Neuroimaging features of non-germinomatous germ cell tumour with subtle pineal gland involvement in a child. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e261273. [PMID: 39079907 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-261273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Clarice Ho
- School of Medicine, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Mariko Sato
- Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Orange County, Orange, Florida, USA
| | - John Ross Crawford
- Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Orange County, Orange, Florida, USA
- Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Angelini A, Mosele N, Gnassi A, Baracco R, Rodà MG, Cerchiaro M, Ruggieri P. Vertebra Plana: A Narrative Clinical and Imaging Overview among Possible Differential Diagnoses. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081438. [PMID: 37189540 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebra plana is a rare radiologic condition characterized by a uniform loss of height of a vertebral body that represents a diagnostic challenge for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to review all possible differential diagnoses that may present with a vertebra plana (VP) described in the current literature. For that purpose, we performed a narrative literature review in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, analyzing 602 articles. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics and diagnoses were investigated. VP is not a pathognomonic feature of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, but other oncologic and non-oncologic conditions should be considered. The list of differential diagnoses, based on our literature review, can be recalled with the mnemonic HEIGHT OF HOMO: H-Histiocytosis; E-Ewing's sarcoma; I-Infection; G-Giant cell tumor; H-Hematologic neoplasms; T-Tuberculosis; O-Osteogenesis imperfecta; F-Fracture; H-Hemangioma; O-Osteoblastoma; M-Metastasis; O-Osteomyelitis, chronic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angelini
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Nicolò Mosele
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Gnassi
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Baracco
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Rodà
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Cerchiaro
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Ruggieri
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Paun L, Lavé A, Patet G, Bartoli A. Supratentorial Pediatric Midline Tumors and Tumor-like Lesions: Clinical Spectrum, Natural History and Treatment Options. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9040534. [PMID: 35455578 PMCID: PMC9032564 DOI: 10.3390/children9040534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Childhood Central Nervous System tumors account for 25% of all pediatric tumors. Large availability and broadening of indications to imaging has made incidental findings more common. Among these, midline lesions have different clinical relevance depending on their intrinsic pattern of behaviour and on their specific location. In this narrative review we describe the natural history and treatment options of midline lesions in children.
Collapse
|
5
|
Pineal Gland Tumors: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071547. [PMID: 33801639 PMCID: PMC8036741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pineal neoplasms are tumors with different and variable morphological, histological, and radiological characteristics and, consequently different diagnosis and management. Due to their rarity, pineal tumors may be misdiagnosed. Pineal tumors, are divided into germ cell tumors, pineal parenchymal tumors and tumors that derive from adjacent structures. In this review, we report the clinical relevance of the main pineal gland tumors, underlining the importance of studying the triggering causes of pineal region carcinogenesis, to realize appropriate diagnosis and, consequently, better clinical management. Abstract The pineal gland is a small, pinecone-shaped endocrine gland that participates in the biological rhythm regulation of vertebrates. The recognized major product of the pineal gland is melatonin—a multifunctional endogenous indoleamine. Accumulating evidence suggests that the pineal gland is important for preserving ideal health conditions in vertebrate. Tumors of the pineal region account for approximately 3–11% of pediatric brain neoplasms but fewer than 1% of brain neoplasms in adults. It is fundamental to expand advanced imaging techniques together with both clinical and laboratory knowledge, to help to differentiate among pineal neoplasms and thus facilitate accurate primary diagnoses and proper therapeutic interventions. In this review, we report the gross anatomy of the pineal gland and its functional significance and discuss the clinical relevance of pineal gland tumors, underlining the importance of identifying the leading causes of pineal region masses.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hána V, Salenave S, Chanson P. Pituitary Stalk Enlargement in Adults. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:809-821. [PMID: 32074610 DOI: 10.1159/000506641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pathologies involving the pituitary stalk (PS) are generally revealed by the presence of diabetes insipidus. The availability of MRI provides a major diagnostic contribution by enabling the visualization of the site of the culprit lesion, especially when it is small. However, when only an enlarged PS is found, the etiological workup may be difficult, particularly because the biopsy of the stalk is difficult, harmful and often not contributive. The pathological proof of the etiology thus needs to be obtained indirectly. The aim of this article was to provide an accurate review of the literature about PS enlargement in adults describing the differences between the numerous etiologies involved and consequent different diagnostic approaches. The etiological diagnostic procedure begins with the search for possible other lesions suggestive of histiocytosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis or other etiologies elsewhere in the body that could be more easily biopsied. We usually perform neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis CT scan; positron emission tomography scan; bone scan; or other imaging methods when we suspect generalized lesions. Measurement of serum markers such as human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein, angiotensin converting enzyme, and IgG4 may also be helpful. Obviously, in the presence of an underlying carcinoma (particularly breast or bronchopulmonary), one must first consider a metastasis located in the PS. In the case of an isolated PS enlargement, simple monitoring, without histological proof, can be proposed (by repeating MRI at 3-6 months) with the hypothesis of a germinoma (particularly in a teenager or a young adult) that, by increasing in size, necessitates a biopsy. In contrast, a spontaneous diminution of the lesion is suggestive of infundibulo-neurohypophysitis. We prefer not to initiate steroid therapy to monitor the spontaneous course when a watch-and-see attitude is preferred. However, in many cases, the etiological diagnosis remains uncertain, requiring either close monitoring of the lesion or, in exceptional situations, trying to obtain definitive pathological evidence by a biopsy, which, unfortunately, is in most cases performed by the transcranial route. If a simple surveillance is chosen, it has to be very prolonged (annual surveillance). Indeed, progression of histiocytosis or germinoma may be delayed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Václav Hána
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital and 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sylvie Salenave
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France,
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ. Paris-Sud, Inserm, Signalisation Hormonale, Physiopathologie Endocrinienne et Métabolique, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France,
| |
Collapse
|