Familial Nervous System Tumor Syndromes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although sporadic primary neoplasms account for the majority of nervous system tumors, familial nervous system tumor syndromes are important and clinically relevant conditions for the neurologist to understand. This article reviews common inherited nervous system tumor syndromes including neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, schwannomatosis, tuberous sclerosis complex, and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. The epidemiology, genetics, approach to diagnosis, neurologic and nonneurologic manifestations, and management options are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Awareness of the more common and clinically relevant familial nervous system tumor syndromes is important. These conditions teach us about the underlying biology that drives tumor development in the central and peripheral nervous systems including peripheral nerve sheath tumors (eg, neurofibroma, schwannoma), meningioma, vestibular schwannoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, and hemangioblastoma. Knowledge of the clinical manifestations ensures that the neurologist will be able to diagnose these conditions, recommend appropriate surveillance, refer to specialists, and support optimal management. Important discoveries in the role of the underlying genetics have contributed to the launch of several novel drug trials for these tumors, which are changing therapeutic options for patients.

SUMMARY

Familial nervous system tumor syndromes are uncommon conditions that require specialized surveillance and management strategies. Coordination across a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, neuro-oncologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, otolaryngologists, pathologists, neuropsychologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and geneticists is necessary for the optimal treatment of these patients.

Update on Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma from the SSO Endocrine/Head and Neck Disease-Site Work Group. Part 1 of 2: Advances in Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

This first part of a two-part review of pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas (PPGLs) addresses clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, treatment, and outcomes. In this first part, the epidemiology, prevalence, genetic etiology, clinical presentation, and biochemical and radiologic workup are discussed. In particular, recent advances in the genetics underlying PPGLs and the recommendation for genetic testing of all patients with PPGL are emphasized. Finally, the newer imaging methods for evaluating of PPGLs are discussed and highlighted.

Familial Kidney Cancer: Implications of New Syndromes and Molecular Insights

CONTEXT

Hereditary cases account for about 5% of all cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). With advances in next-generation sequencing, several new hereditary syndromes have been described in the last few years.

OBJECTIVE

To review and summarise the recent preclinical and clinical literature in hereditary renal cancer.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the literature was performed in November 2018 using PubMed and OMIM databases, with an emphasis on kidney cancer, genetics and genomics, clinical criteria, and management.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Several autosomal dominant hereditary RCC syndromes have been described, including those related to germline pathogenic variants in VHL, MET, FH, TSC1/TSC2, FLCN, SDHA/B/C/D, BAP1, CDC73, and MITF. Clinical spectrum of SDH, BAP1, and MITF is still being defined, although these appear to be associated with a lower incidence of RCC. FH and likely BAP1 RCC are associated with more aggressive disease. Preclinical and clinical studies show that using systemic therapy that exploits specific genetic pathways is a promising strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several well-described hereditary RCC syndromes, as well as recently identified ones, for which the full clinical spectrum is yet to be defined. In the new era of precision medicine, identification of these syndromes may play an important role in management and systemic treatment selection.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This review covers updates in the diagnosis and management of familial kidney cancer syndromes. We describe updates in testing and management of the most common syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau, and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma. We also provide insights into recently described familial kidney cancer syndromes.

MANAGEMENT OF RETINAL HEMANGIOBLASTOMA IN VON HIPPEL-LINDAU DISEASE

PURPOSE

To review the current state of diagnosis and management of retinal hemangioblastoma and retinal vascular proliferation arising from von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed. Consensus was reached among authors regarding current practice, with reference to published data where possible.

RESULTS

von Hippel-Lindau disease and its ocular manifestations are relatively rare, and there is limited evidence in the literature on which to base management. There was consensus on core principles, including 1) recognition and diagnosis of von Hippel-Lindau disease when present, with appropriate referral for care of this potentially lethal systemic condition; 2) regular ophthalmic evaluation for individuals with von Hippel-Lindau disease, to identify and offer timely treatment for new or active retinal hemangioblastomas; 3) ablative treatment of retinal hemangioblastomas that can be safely destroyed, to lower risk of vision loss; 4) observation or consideration of nonablative treatments for retinal hemangioblastomas that cannot be safely destroyed; and 5) observation of asymptomatic retinal vascular proliferation, with consideration of vitrectomy for lesions exerting effects on vision.

CONCLUSION

Ocular outcomes can be gratifying in many cases with appropriate management. Improved understanding of the molecular basis for the disease creates an opportunity for rational design of better therapies.

Spontaneous Hyaloidal Contraction and Complex Retinal Detachment in a Patient With Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

The authors present an interventional case report of a patient with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome who developed simultaneous exudative and combined tractional, rhegmatogenous, and exudative retinal detachment (RD) in the right and left eyes, respectively, following uneventful cryotherapy application of retinal capillary hemangioblastoma (RCH). After pars plana vitrectomy combined with encircling scleral buckling with radial element placement and silicone oil injection, complete retinal reattachment was achieved. The exudative RD of the fellow eye was managed initially with intense topical corticosteroid treatment and subsequent placement of a radial scleral buckle due to the presence of clinically apparent traction. Both eyes remained stable after successful surgical interventions, and long-term follow-up revealed no evidence of recurrent disease. The authors conclude that rapid worsening of vitreoretinal traction and exudation are complications that can occur after treatment of RCH in patients with VHL syndrome leading to complex retinal detachments. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:238-241.].

65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: Could Watson and Crick have envisioned the true impact of their discovery?

Landmark scientific findings are applauded. However, at the time of discovery, the future impact that these types of new knowledge might have on patients is not foreseen. This article discusses how unraveling the structure of DNA has advanced medical treatment, particularly for patients with rare diseases. In addition, each new scientific discovery brings with it the emotion of hope for improved diagnosis and treatment, as well as enhanced outcomes and increased longevity for patients facing a life-long disease.

Current Treatment of Endolymphatic Sac Tumor of the Temporal Bone

An endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is a rare, indolent but locally aggressive tumor arising in the posterior petrous ridge. Patients present with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. As the tumor progresses, patients may experience vertigo, ataxia, facial nerve paresis, pain and otorrhea. Most patients present in their 4th or 5th decade with a wide age range. Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease have an increased likelihood of developing ELST. Histologically, ELST is a low-grade adenocarcinoma. As it progresses, it destroys bone and extends into adjacent tissues. The likelihood of regional or distant metastases is remote. The optimal treatment is resection with negative margins. Patients with positive margins, gross residual disease, or unresectable tumor are treated with radiotherapy or radiosurgery. Late recurrences are common, so long follow-up is necessary to assess efficacy. The likelihood of cure depends on tumor extent and is probably in the range of 50-75%.

[Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome - a case report]

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (vHL, familial cerebello-retinal angiomatosis) is a rare genetic autosomal dominant disorder associated with predisposition to vascular tumors. Mutations of VHL tumor suppressor gene, located on chromosome 3p25-26, are responsible for clinical manifestation of the disease. The VHL gene product encodes VHL protein, which is responsible for HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1) dependent cell cycle regulation and cellular pathways mediated by VEGF, PDGF, TGF-α, EPO. The mechanism substantiates the hypoxia dependent vascular tumor growth caused by loss of wild-type VHL protein. The clinical spectrum of vHL syndrome includes multiple tumors of various localization and low histologic grade, often bilateral. The most typical for the syndrome are: hemangioblastoma of central nervous system (typically posterior fossa or medulla), retinal hemangioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma and pheochromocytoma. The aim of the case report is to remind the typical clinical manifestation of von Hippel- Lindau syndrome, update the diagnostic criteria, recommended diagnostic and follow up methods.

Hemangioblastoma in Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer Syndrome: a phenotypic overlap between VHL and HLRCC Syndromes

Hemangioblastomas are rare vascularized central nervous system tumors, which can occur sporadically or be associated with von Hippel Lindau Syndrome. The pathogenesis of hemangioblastomas in von Hippel Lindau Syndrome is proposed to involve a pseudohypoxic intracellular state induced by dysregulation of hypoxia inducible factor alpha due to the absence of von Hippel Lindau protein complex mediated destruction. Dysregulation of fumarate hydratase, a tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme, occurs in Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer Syndrome due to germline fumarate hydratase gene mutations, and also results in oncogenesis via hypoxia inducible factor alpha dysregulation. We present a case study of hemangioblastoma occurrence in a Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer Syndrome patient and propose it as possible evidence of a phenotypic overlap between von Hippel Lindau and Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer Syndromes due to their overlapping role in the biochemical regulation of hypoxia inducible factor alpha.

BIlateral juxtapapillary retinal capillary haemangioma: Usefulness of aflibercept in the management of its complications

CASE REPORT

A 45 year-old man with a history of adrenal phaeochromocytoma presented with a subretinal juxtapapillary haemorrhage on his left eye and a small asymptomatic vascular tumour in the contralateral eye. With the mentioned findings, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral retinal capillary haemangioma in the context of a von Hippel Lindau disease. Intravitreal aflibercept was prescribed, with a good outcome of the disease.

DISCUSSION

Many treatments have been proposed for the management of juxtapapillary retinal capillary haemangioma with variable results. Intravitreal aflibercept can be a useful treatment with a good safety profile.

[Gastroenterological manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease - a case report]

Gastrointestinal organs are involved in the course of von Hippel Lindau disease. Typically pancreas in von Hippel Lindau syndrome is a site of cystic and solid tumors. Differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions includes benign lesions (cysts, serous cystic adenomas), potentially malignant (neuroendocrine) and malignant tumors(metastases).In this work we present a patient with VHL syndrome with pancreatic cysts and neuroendocrine tumor.

[Gastroenterological manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease]

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is rare autosomal dominant disorder that results from mutation of VHL gene. Typical manifestations of this syndrome include haemangioblastomas of retina, cerebellum and spinal cord, endolymphatic sac tumors, clear cell cancer and kidney cysts, pheochromocytoma, pancreatic cysts and neuroendocrine tumors. The differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions in patients with von Hippel Lindau syndrome plays an important role. The pancreas in VHL disease is not only site of benign lesions (cysts, serous systic adenomas) but also of potentially malignant (neuroendocrine) and malignant tumors(metastases).The gastroenterological manifestations can be the first symptoms of von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Posterior Pole and Peripheral Retinal Fibrovascular Proliferation in von Hippel Lindau Disease

PURPOSE

To report the occurrence of fibrovascular proliferation (FVP) in the retina in von Hippel-lindau (VHl) patients and its association with prior treatment.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 101 VHL patients. Fundus photos were available for 28 patients. FVP was classified into peripheral and posterior pole.

RESULTS

All 28 patients had retinal capillary hemangioblastomas (RCH) in 1 or both eyes; 15 patients were found to have FVP (group A), whereas 13 patients did not (group B). Mean age of patients in group A was 35 ± 11.3 years and 36.6 ± 13.8 in group B (P = 0.74). In group A, 27 eyes had RCH; 21 (77.77%) had FVP. In group B, 19 eyes had RCH. The number of treated eyes was significantly higher in group A (81.48%) than group B (42.1%) (P = 0.007). In group A, FVP was noted in the posterior pole in 9 eyes, in the periphery in 5 eyes, and 7 eyes developed both posterior pole and peripheral FVP.

CONCLUSIONS

FVP can occur in the peripheral retina and in the posterior pole. There is a significant association between prior treatment of RCH and the occurrence of FVP.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease involving pancreas and biliary system: A rare case report

RATIONALE

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare inherited, autosomal-dominant syndrome caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the VHL gene. VHL patients are prone to develop benign and malignant tumors and cysts in multiple organ systems involving kidneys, pancreas and central nervous system (CNS). The varied and complex clinical manifestations and radiological findings of VHL are of interest.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a 38-year-old woman with a ten-year history of VHL disease involving both pancreas and biliary system. To the best of our knowledge, direct involvement of the biliary system in VHL disease has never been reported.

DIAGNOSES

The diagnosis was established via computed tomography scan and was confirmed by genetic testing.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient chose to receive conservative treatment and was followed up by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance imaging examination.

OUTCOMES

Renal angiomas and cysts were found during follow-up and there were no evidence of malignant change of the pancreas and biliary system.

LESSONS

We described the first case of VHL-associated choledochal cysts and may present new visceral manifestations of VHL disease. Gastroenterologists should be aware of the clinical presentations of this rare disease for early detection of its life-threatening manifestations.

Pancreatic mixed serous neuroendocrine neoplasm with clear cells leading to diagnosis of von Hippel Lindau disease

Mixed serous neuroendocrine neoplasms are extremely rare tumors that are usually seen in female patients and are often associated with von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease. We describe the case of a 38-year-old male who presented with complaints of anorexia, weight loss, and abdominal pain. CT abdomen showed a mass in the head of the pancreas, multiple small nodules in the body of pancreas, and bilateral adrenal masses. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the mass showed features of a neuroendocrine tumor, with many of the cells demonstrating abundant clear cytoplasm. Histopathological examination of the pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen showed a mixed serous neuroendocrine neoplasm with two components viz. serous cystadenoma and neuroendocrine tumor (NET) World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2. In addition, he was diagnosed to have bilateral pheochromocytomas and a paraganglioma. The synchronicity of these tumors suggested the possibility of VHL disease. Thus, identification of a NET with clear cells or of a mixed serous neuroendocrine neoplasm should raise suspicion of VHL disease. In a mixed tumor, FNAC may identify only one of the two components. Thorough processing of all pancreatic serous tumors for pathological examination is recommended, as NET may occur as a small nodule within the serous cystadenoma.

[Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome - two sides of the same coin]

Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) is a rare genetic disease. Its incidence is 1 : 36,000, there is the familial occurrence in 80 % of cases , the remaining cases are de novo mutations. The disease is caused by the highly penetrant mutations in the VHL gene (3p25.3) and is characterized by the occurrence of benign and malignant neoplasms. The most common VHL tumors are the tumors of the retina, brain and spinal hemangioblastomas, renal cell carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, endolymfatic sac tumors and pancreatic tumors and cysts. The mean age of the VHL patients during the diagnosis is 20-40 years. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a positive family history and the presence of one of the typical tumor. In case of no family history, the diagnosis has to be assessed by the presence of the multiple tumors. The clinical signs and prognosis of VHL depend on the location and extent of the tumors. The life expectancy is 50 years. The most common causes of death are complications of the renal cancer and the brain tumors. The treatment requires a multidisciplinary collaboration through the whole life of patients. This 2 cases report we demonstrate the differences among the patients with de novo mutations disease and the patient with familial incidence.Key words: pheochromocytoma - renal cell carcinoma - von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.

[Hemangioblastoma cerebellum during pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

Authors describe a case of woman in the age of 27 years, 36th+0 week of pregnancy, who was hospitalized for headache and vomittin. Magnestic resonance showed the cystic expansion in the left hemisphere of cerebellum with the overpressure in the IV. ventricle and wiht the beginning obstructive hydrocephalus.

STUDY TYPE

Case report.

SETTING

Hospital of Uherské Hradiště, Inc., Gynecology and Maternity Department.

METHOD

Own observation.

VON HIPPEL LINDAU SYNDROME AND SURVEILLANCE: A FIVE YEAR FOLLOW UP CASE REPORT

Von Hipple Lindau disease is a rare genetic autosomal dominant disorder, characterized by formation of tumors and fluid-filled cysts (sacs) in multiple organs of the body, which also carry a potential for malignancy. We are reporting a case of a young 20 years old female who presented to our department with von Hipple Lindau disease.

T-cell lymphoma with von Hippel-Lindau disease: a rare case report and review of literature

von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHLD) comprises a series of complicated clinical manifestations. We hereby described a unique case of co-existing T-cell lymphoma (TCL) and confirmed VHLD. The symptoms in this 42-year-old male included fever and pancytopenia. Overall tests and examination made an infectious process unlikely. The results of bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The purposes we described this case were to probe into the relationship between TCL and VHLD, which was not mentioned in previously literature. Combination of clinical, radiological, immunophenotypic, pathological, and genetic data plays an important role in improving the rate of diagnosis, particularly in the challenge for diagnosis of T cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease type 2 in a Chinese family with a VHL p.W88X truncation

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant syndrome caused by germline mutations in the synonymous VHL gene encoding a tumor suppressor. Affected individuals are susceptible to various benign and malignant tumors. Based on the phenotypes, VHL disease is classified as type 1 and type 2. Here, we describe a Chinese family diagnosed as VHL disease type 2, with different metabolic status of tumors on FDG PET-CT. Genetic analysis revealed a germline c.264G>A point mutation, resulting in premature termination at codon 88 (p.W88X). This pedigree represents a rare link between p.W88X nonsense mutation (genotype) and VHL disease type 2 (phenotype), which has not been previously described. This is also the first nonsense mutation to manifest as VHL disease type 2 in ethnic Chinese. We also reviewed the literature and provided an outline of mutations associated with VHL disease in China.

Proteomic profiling – A novel method for differential diagnosis?

Tumors with identical phenotype can have markedly different biologic behavior. The differentiation between hemangioblastoma, a benign vascular brain tumor, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a malignant tumor that can metastasize to the brain, is a well-known pathological quandary. We report a 59-year-old female with von Hippel-Lindau disease and known RCC. She presented with a cystic cerebellar tumor that had typical MRI appearance of a hemangioblastoma. Progressive symptoms led to surgical intervention. The histology included features consistent with either hemangioblastoma with epitheloid phenotype or atypical RCC metastasis mimicking hemangioblastoma. The discrepancy between the benign clinical course and the histologic phenotype could not be clearly resolved using conventional clinical techniques. We used proteomic profiling to clarify this diagnostic dilemma. We compared the proteomic expression pattern of the unknown lesion with the patterns of three typical hemangioblastomas and three typical RCCs by using selective tissue microdissection combined with two-dimensional proteomic profiling and protein sequencing. The results clearly indicated a protein profile consistent with RCC. Proteomics may complement pathological evaluation and characterization of tumors in the future. Furthermore, these results show that metastasis of malignant RCC is not necessarily equivalent to aggressive growth patterns.

Von hippel-lindau disease associated pulmonary carcinoid with cranial metastasis

CONTEXT

Carcinoids have rarely been described in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the first reported case of a patient with VHL who developed a pulmonary carcinoid that subsequently metastasized to a pre-existent cranial hemangioblastoma.

RESULTS

Histological and immunohistochemical features of the metastatic lesion were similar to the primary carcinoid. Both lesions demonstrated heterozygous VHL gene deletions with fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This case provides direct molecular genetic evidence of an association between VHL and carcinoids.