Toward a transitional care from childhood and adolescence to adulthood in surgical neurooncology? A lesson from the Necker-Enfants Malades and the Sainte-Anne Hospitals collaboration

Pediatric sellar teratoma - Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Intracranial teratoma represents a rare neoplasm, occurring predominantly during childhood. Characteristic symptoms depend on the location but are mainly hydrocephalus, visual disturbances, hypopituitarism, and diabetes insipidus. Initial diagnosis can be challenging due to similar radiological features in both teratomas and other lesions such as craniopharyngiomas. Gross total resection is recommended if feasible and associated with a good prognosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 10-year-old girl presented with newly diagnosed growth retardation, fatigue, cephalgia and bilateral hemianopia. Further laboratory analysis confirmed central hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic space-occupying lesion in the sellar and suprasellar compartment with compression of the optic chiasm without hydrocephalus present, suspicious of craniopharyngioma. Subsequently, an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal near-total tumor resection with decompression of the optic chiasm was performed. During postoperative recovery the patient developed transient diabetes insipidus, the bilateral hemianopia remained unchanged. The patient could be discharged in a stable condition, while hormone replacement for multiple pituitary hormone deficiency was required. Surprisingly, histopathology revealed conspicuous areas of skin with formation of hairs and squamous epithelia, compatible with a mature teratoma.

CONCLUSIONS

We present an extremely rare case of pediatric sellar teratoma originating from the pituitary gland and a review of literature focusing on the variation in presentation and treatment. Sellar teratomas are often mistaken for craniopharyngioma due to their similar radiographic appearances. However, the primary goal of treatment for both pathologies is to decompress eloquent surrounding structures such as the optic tract, and if applicable, resolution of hydrocephalus while avoiding damage to the pituitary stalk and especially the hypothalamic structures. If feasible, the aim of surgery should be gross total resection.

Transitional Care in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Due to advances in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors (PBT), an increasing number of patients are experiencing the transition from the pediatric to the adult health care system. This requires efficient transitional models.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature regarding PBT concerning different transitional models and aspects of the transitional period. For this purpose, PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases were searched systematically through January 2022.

RESULTS

We reviewed a total of 304 studies, of which 15 were ultimately included. We identified five transition models described within the literature, while the most frequently mentioned ones were the "adult caregiver model" (45.5%), "joint caregiver model" (45.5%), "continued caregiver model" (27.3%), and the "specialized clinic model" (27.3%). During the transition, the most frequent challenges mentioned by the patients were the lack of knowledge about the disease by the adult health care professionals (62.5%) and the difficulty of establishing a new relationship with the new physician, environment, or hospital (37.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

An efficient transitional model is mandatory for patients with PBT. Continuity in the treatment and care of the patient and their family is essential. For this purpose, in patients with PBT, the "continued caregiver model", and for NF1 and TSC patients, the "specialized clinic model" seems optimal to offer continuity of care. If such models are unavailable, efficient communication with patients, families, and specialists in a multidisciplinary network is even more critical.