Glomus Tumor of Sella Turcica With Synaptophysin Expression Mimicking Pituitary Adenoma

Glomus tumor can rarely arise in the central nervous system as a sella turcica mass. In this article, we report a case of sellar glomus tumor in a female patient who presented at the age of 8 years with visual impairment. The tumor recurred at 4 years and 26 years after initial excision and gamma knife therapy. Histologic examination showed a monotonous population of oval cells accompanied by delicate blood vessels, features mimicking pituitary adenoma. The tumor showed histologic progression at the second recurrence. Synaptophysin staining was positive, but chromogranin and CD56 were negative. The tumor cells were negative for epithelial markers but expressed actin and SMA. Awareness of the rare occurrence of glomus tumor at this region, careful analysis of morphology, and appropriate immunohistochemical workup are essential to solve this diagnostic challenge. The clinicopathologic features of all previously reported cases are reviewed.

Inhibition of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, beta polypeptide (P4HB) attenuates temozolomide resistance in malignant glioma via the endoplasmic reticulum stress response (ERSR) pathways

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor of the central nervous system, is characterized by a relentless disease recurrence despite continued advancement in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Resistance to temozolomide (TMZ), a standard chemotherapeutic agent for GBM, remains a major challenge. Understanding the mechanisms behind TMZ resistance can direct the development of novel strategies for the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of tumor relapse.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our research platform, based on the establishment of 2 pairs of TMZ-sensitive/resistant GBM cells (D54-S and D54-R; U87-S and U87-R), has successfully identified prolyl 4-hydroxylase, beta polypeptide (P4HB) over-expression to be associated with an increased IC50 of TMZ. Elevated P4HB expression was verified using in vivo xenografts developed from U87-R cells. Clinically, we found that P4HB was relatively up-regulated in the recurrent GBM specimens that were initially responsive to TMZ but later developed acquired resistance, when compared with treatment-naive tumors. Functionally, P4HB inhibition by RNAi knockdown and bacitracin inhibition could sensitize D54-R and U87-R cells to TMZ in vitro and in vivo, whereas over-expression of P4HB in vitro conferred resistance to TMZ in both D54-S and U87-S cells. Moreover, targeting P4HB blocked its protective function and sensitized glioma cells to TMZ through the PERK arm of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified a novel target together with its functional pathway in the development of TMZ resistance. P4HB inhibition may be used alone or in combination with TMZ for the treatment of TMZ-resistant GBM.

Hyperoxia resensitizes chemoresistant human glioblastoma cells to temozolomide

Temozolomide (TMZ) is standard chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Intratumoral hypoxia is common in GBM and may be associated with the development of TMZ resistance. Oxygen therapy has previously been reported to potentiate the effect of chemotherapy in cancer. In this study, we investigated whether hyperoxia can enhance the TMZ-induced cytotoxicity of human GBM cells, and whether and how it would resensitize TMZ-resistant GBM cells to TMZ. TMZ-sensitive human GBM cells (D54-S and U87-S) were treated with TMZ to develop isogenic subclones of TMZ-resistant cells (D54-R and U87-R). All cell lines were then exposed to different oxygen levels (1, 21, 40, or 80 %), with or without concomitant TMZ treatment, before assessment of cell cytotoxicity and morphology. Cell death and survival pathways elicited by TMZ and/or hyperoxia were elucidated by western blotting. Our results showed that TMZ sensitivity of both chemo-sensitive and resistant cells was enhanced significantly under hyperoxia. At the cell line-specific optimum oxygen concentration (D54-R, 80 %; U87-R, 40 %), resistant cells had the same response to TMZ as the parent chemosensitive cells under normoxia via the caspase-dependent pathway. Both TMZ and hyperoxia were associated with increased phosphorylation of ERK p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2), but to a lesser extent in D54-R cells, suggesting that Erk1/2 activity may be involved in regulation of hyperoxia and TMZ-mediated cell death. Overall, hyperoxia enhanced TMZ toxicity in GBM cells by induction of apoptosis, possibly via MAPK-related pathways. Induced hyperoxia is a potentially promising approach for treatment of TMZ-resistant GBM.

Using bevacizumab in the fight against malignant glioma: first results in Asian patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of bevacizumab in combination with irinotecan in Hong Kong Chinese patients with recurrent malignant glioma and to determine whether their response differed from that reported in other populations.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Two private clinics and a public hospital in Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

Fourteen individuals who presented with recurrent glioma presenting to the hospital between November 2005 and November 2009.

INTERVENTION

Salvage therapy with bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) and irinotecan (125 mg/m(2) [340 mg/m(2) for those taking enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs]) on a 14-day schedule.

RESULTS

A radiological response was observed in 12 (86%) of the patients, four (33%) of whom had a complete response. The median progression-free survival was 6 (range, 1-15) months; 71% remained progression-free at 6 months. The median overall survival was 18 (range, 9-61) months. The most common adverse events during the bevacizumab and irinotecan treatment period were haematological; five patients had grade 2/3 adverse events. Pulmonary embolism occurred in two patients, one of whom died. Intracranial haemorrhage was not detected in any of the 14 treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab plus irinotecan was at least as effective at treating Chinese patients with recurrent glioma as previously reported in clinical trials in different patient populations.

Safety and comfort during sedation for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures

Sedation during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures must be safe and comfortable for patients. To achieve this, additional suitably qualified staff must be available throughout the procedure to administer sedation and monitor the patient. Anaesthesiologists possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform sedation safely but are often unavailable. Non-anaesthesiologists performing sedation should be fully trained in the physiology of sedation, the pharmacology of sedatives and analgesics, the monitoring of patients, and in airway support, ventilatory care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The presence of an anaesthesiologist is desirable when dealing with patients at high-risk of complications. Good sedation practice involves presedation assessment and optimal selection of patients, careful monitoring and support from dedicated staff, and adherence to recovery and discharge criteria.

Primary histiocytic lymphoma of the central nervous system: a neoplasm frequently overshadowed by a prominent inflammatory component

True histiocytic lymphoma, as defined by strict criteria, is a very rare neoplasm. We describe three cases occurring as primary tumors in the central nervous system. The patients, two females and one male, ranged in age from 11 to 69 years. The tumors involved the brain in two cases and spinal cord in one, with a size ranging from 7 to 17 mm. Two patients died at 4 months and 8 months, respectively, and one was alive with disease at 5 months. Pathologically, the tumors comprised groups and sheets of noncohesive large cells with pleomorphic vesicular nuclei, distinct nucleoli, and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. A dense inflammatory infiltrate consisting of neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes was present, with multiple foci of necrosis and abscess formation. All three cases demonstrated an identical immunophenotype: positive for CD68 and lysozyme; focally positive for S-100 protein, CD45RB, and CD4; and negative for CD3, CD20, CD21/CD35, CD1a, CD30, ALK1, myeloperoxidase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and cytokeratin. The proliferative index ranged from 20% to 35%. Ultrastructural examination further confirmed the histiocytic nature of the tumor cells, characterized by irregularly folded or multisegmented nuclei and abundant cytoplasm containing lysosomes; Birbeck granules, interdigitating cell processes, and cell junctions were not found. Although the presence of abundant inflammatory cells could obscure the neoplastic histiocytes, making the distinction from inflammatory conditions difficult, awareness of this unusual histologic feature and the invariable finding of pleomorphic cells in some areas of the lesion permit the correct diagnosis to be made.

Case report: magnetic resonance imaging of primary lymphoma of the cauda equina

Malignant lymphoma of the central nervous system is usually confined within the cranium, with primary involvement of the spinal cord and nerve roots being very rare. The occurrence of primary lymphoma in the cauda equina in a 16-year-old Chinese male is reported. Contrast enhancement during magnetic resonance imaging is useful in accurately demonstrating disease extent prior to surgery.

Case report: Acute haemorrhagic presentation of trigeminal neuroma

The acute presentation of trigeminal neuroma, due to sudden haemorrhage, in a 26-year-old Chinese man, is described. The clinical, CT and MRI features are reviewed together with the other four cases reported in the literature.

Maxillary swing approach for resection of tumors in and around the nasopharynx

The efficacy of the anterolateral approach to the nasopharynx and its vicinity was evaluated. Using this maxillary swing approach, we have removed tumors in and around the nasopharyngeal region in 26 patients. Among them, 18 suffered from recurrent primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma after external radiotherapy, three patients had chordoma, two had schwannoma, one had adenocarcinoma of the nasopharynx, and one had malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The last patient had a recurrent deep-lobe parotid gland tumor localized in the paranasopharyngeal space. The facial wounds in all 26 patients healed primarily with no evidence of necrosis of the maxilla. Seven patients developed palatal fistula, five of them subsequently healed, whereas one patient required surgical closure and one had to wear a dental plate. This group of patients was followed up from 4 to 42 months (median, 15 months). Among the 18 patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, five had local recurrence, four died of other conditions, and nine of them are still alive with no evidence of disease. This gives an actuarial control of tumor in the nasopharynx of 42% at 3.5 years. In the eight patients remaining, one died of recurrent chordoma, two are alive with recurrent disease, and five are free of disease. Exposure of the nasopharynx and the paranasopharyngeal space is possible using the anterolateral approach. The associated morbidity is low.

Prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of ranitidine in preventing postoperative gastroduodenal complications in high-risk neurosurgical patients

To determine the efficacy of ranitidine in preventing clinically acute overt gastroduodenal (GD) complications (bleeding and/or perforation) after neurosurgery, 101 patients with nontraumatic cerebral disease considered at high risk of developing postoperative GD complications were randomized in a standard double-blind manner to receive either ranitidine (50 mg every 6 hours) or placebo medication preoperatively. Postoperative serial GD endoscopy was used to document the occurrence of complications: an overt symptomatic complication was defined as bleeding requiring blood transfusion and/or surgery. Fifty-two patients received ranitidine and 49 received a placebo preoperatively; 30 developed overt GD bleeding; nine of these received ranitidine and 21 received a placebo. Ranitidine significantly reduced the incidence of bleeding (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three factors of independent significance in predicting overt GD bleeding: use of a placebo drug, a gastric pH of less than 4, and a high daily volume of gastric output. The authors conclude that ranitidine is useful in preventing postoperative GD complications in high-risk neurosurgical patients.

Paradoxical response of a pineal immature teratoma to combination chemotherapy

A case of primary intracranial germ cell tumour is reported in a 5-year-old Chinese boy who presented with symptoms and signs of increased intracranial pressure. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed a multicystic tumour over the pineal region. Stereotactic biopsy yielded enteric epithelium and isolated cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, suggesting the diagnosis of an immature teratoma. Grossly elevated serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of alpha-fetoprotein and mildly elevated levels of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin suggested the simultaneous presence of embryonal tissues. Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin resulted in a gradual but complete normalisation of the serum and CSF tumour markers. Paradoxically, the patient's consciousness deteriorated and repeat CT scan after 3 months of treatment showed that the tumour was actually increasing in size. Complete surgical removal was attempted and histologic sections of the specimen revealed only mature teratomatous tissues. The child is now well and remains disease-free with minimal left hemiparesis 12 months after completion of treatment. This case illustrates the importance of combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery in the management of intracranial non-germinomatous germ cell tumour harbouring both germ cell and teratomatous components, while monitoring of both biochemical and radiological parameters are necessary in assessing the clinical behaviour of mixed germ cell tumours.

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor. A tumor with small neuronal cells resembling oligodendroglioma

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) is a clinicopathologically unique group of tumors, mostly located in the temporal lobe, associated with intractable complex partial seizure in young patients. We report two unusual cases with multifocal involvement of diverse sites in the central nervous system. Case 1 is that of a 50-year-old man with 9-year history of grand mal seizures, who died of acute myocardial infarction. Case 2 is that of a 10-year-old girl with intractable complex partial seizures and behavioral disorder. Postmortem examination in case 1 showed multifocal tumor in the left temporal lobe, third ventricle, and basal ganglia. Magnetic resonance imaging in case 2 showed tumor in the right temporal lobe, both thalami, right cerebellar hemisphere, and pons. Histologically, both tumors were characterized by a multinodular appearance with a predominant component of alveolar arrangement of oligodendroglial-like cells around delicate capillaries, with mucoid matrix containing floating ganglion cells. There were also astrocytic nodules resembling pilocytic astrocytoma in case 1, and a gangliocytoma-like area merging with surrounding cortical dysplasia in case 2. Ultrastructural examination showed ganglionic differentiation in the oligodendroglial-like cells in case 2. They possessed dense core neurosecretory granules and many slender neuritic processes with microtubules arranged in parallel and terminating in synaptic junctions. The periventricularly located tumor with nodular extension to the periphery suggests an origin from subependymal germinal matrix with nests of primitive neuroblasts arrested in their embryonal migration. DNTs are related to ganglioglioma based on their common location and clinical behavior and on the presence of both ganglionic and astrocytic cells. They are also related to pilocytic astrocytoma by morphological and behavioral similarity. Together with cerebral neuroblastoma and central neurocytoma, they form a spectrum of tumors harboring small neuronal cells. The differentiation of DNT from oligodendroglioma is important so as to avoid unnecessarily aggressive therapy.

Investigation of nimodipine pharmacokinetics in Chinese patients with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage

Nimodipine pharmacokinetics was investigated in 12 Chinese patients with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage receiving an IV infusion of 1.6 or 2 mg/h (based on estimated body weight) for 10 days. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected for up to 4 days and plasma nimodipine was assayed by GC/ECD. The mean value was taken as the steady state concentration (Css) and Clearance (CL) (hourly dose/Css) was calculated. Eight survivors were given oral nimodipine (60 or 90 mg) every 6h (based on body weight), blood was sampled over 6 h and the plasma nimodipine level determined. The values for Css, CL and CL.kg-1 were 33.5 micrograms.l-1, 58 l.h-1 and 1.0 l.h-1 x kg-1 respectively; in survivors receiving the drug orally, bioavailability of the 30 mg tablet was 9%. In one very sick patient given crushed tablets by naso-gastric tube, the AUC was very low; in vitro studies indicated that adsorption of nimodipine by the tubing was unlikely to have been the cause. The pharmacokinetic findings in Chinese patients are comparable to previously reported values in Caucasians.

Central neurocytoma: its differentiation from intraventricular oligodendroglioma

Two patients with intraventricular tumours are presented. Both had similar features on light microscopic examination. On the basis of the specific immunohistochemical staining patterns and the ultrastructural findings, one was diagnosed as a central neurocytoma while the other was diagnosed as an intraventricular oligodendroglioma. The possibility of central neurocytoma should be considered in all young patients including children presenting with an intraventricular lesion. Definitive diagnosis requires electron microscopic and immunohistochemical studies.

Suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma presenting as cranial diabetes insipidus

We describe the occurrence of a supracellar ectopic pituitary adenoma in a 34 year old woman who presented with cranial diabetes insipidus and subsequently developed galactorrhoea-amenorrhoea. The tumour was demonstrated by both contrast computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium enhancement and was confirmed at operation. Histological examination showed that the suprasellar lesion consisted of a pituitary adenoma while the pituitary biopsy revealed an unrelated pituitary microadenoma embedded in normal pituitary tissues. A review is made of the reported cases of ectopic pituitary adenomas.

Delayed myelopathy after a stab wound with a retained intraspinal foreign body: case report

A case of delayed myelopathy appearing 15 years after a stab wound to the thoracic spine with a retained foreign body in the spinal canal is reported. Severe inflammatory reaction to iron corrosion was found, with granuloma and sterile pus formation. Removal of the foreign body and partial excision of the granuloma resulted in clinical improvement. Reaction to foreign body corrosion is believed to be the major cause of delayed neurologic deficit and is an important guideline for removal of asymptomatic intraspinal foreign bodies.

Unusual case of Klüver-Bucy syndrome in a Chinese boy

Following an encephalopathic illness, a 13-year-old Chinese boy had a partial form of Klüver-Bucy syndrome with emotional disturbance, recent memory loss, hypersexuality, and polyphagia. Other unusual features included narcolepsy, polydipsia, and polyuria. Virologic studies failed to incriminate the etiologic agent, including herpes simplex virus. Brain biopsy of the frontal lobe demonstrated Alzheimer type II astrocytosis.

MRI features of spinal ganglioglioma

Spinal cord ganglioglioma is a rare tumor most often encountered in the first three decades. Scanty computed tomography (CT) reports on the tumor describe it as a hypodense or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dense area with little contrast enhancement despite its solid nature. We report two cases of spinal ganglioglioma both involving almost the whole spinal cord. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumors appear hypointense to the spinal cord on T1 and hyperintense to the cord on T2 images, and were mainly solid at exploration. It is important to recognize these tumors as long survival can be achieved after surgical resection.

Ganglioneuroma of the spinal cord

This report describes a 2-year-old boy who harbored an intramedullary ganglioneuroma involving almost the entire length of the spinal cord. The terminology, pathology, and neurobiological behavior of this tumor is discussed.

An epithelial cyst in the cerebellopontine angle. Case report

A case of a benign epithelial cyst in the posterior cranial fossa is described. It had the unique histological feature of a double-layered cuboidal epithelial lining. Detailed immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies supported an endodermal origin. The differential diagnosis and the histogenesis of epithelial cysts in the central nervous system are discussed.

Basilar impression in a child with hypochondroplasia

A 4-year-old boy with hypochondroplasia presented with delay in gross motor development. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated basilar impression with compression at the craniovertebral junction and mild degree of hydrocephalus. Posterior fossa decompression resulted in improvement in neurologic function and relief of hydrocephalus.

A simple computerized tomography adapter for conventional stereotactic frame

This paper introduces a new technique to convert a conventional Leksell stereotactic frame into a computerized tomography compatible system. Accurate calculation of the tumour coordinates can be made by means of two adapter plates with double diagonal lines on each side thus obviating the requirement of careful alignment of the scanner. The adapter plates are of simple design and easy to prepare.

The pathological spectrum of desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas

A rare supratentorial neuroepithelial tumour in a 10-month-old girl is described. It was characterized by its voluminous size, a predominant leptomeningeal growth pattern with intense desmoplasia and divergent differentiation along astrocytic, neuronal and Schwann cell lines. The differential diagnoses are discussed with special reference to the recently described clinicopathological entity of desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma.

Sparganosis of the spinal cord. Case report

Sparganosis of the spinal cord is a rare disease: only two cases have previously been described. A third case of spinal sparganosis is reported in which a sparganum was removed from the central canal of the patient's spinal cord. The clinical presentation and pathology are described. A brief review of the life cycle of the Spirometra is given and the possible mode of infestation is discussed.

Spinal meningioma arising from a lumbar nerve root. Case report

A case is reported of cauda equina compression from an intradural meningioma arising from the L-5 nerve root in a young man.