Cavernous angioma of the brain stem simulating diffuse pontine glioma

Aquaporin-4 autoimmunity masquerading as a brainstem tumor

Brainstem glioma is a highly devastating disease, and any mass-like lesion in the brainstem can raise suspicion of this diagnosis. However, other inflammatory, demyelinating, or degenerative diseases can mimic brainstem glioma in clinical presentation and imaging features. Therefore, diagnosis based solely on imaging is often insufficient for brainstem lesions and may lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. This case report is the first description of central nervous system aquaporin-4 (AQP4) autoimmunity confined mainly to the brainstem. It demonstrates the wide spectrum of neuroinflammatory diseases in children and highlights the utility of surgical biopsy for suspicious brainstem lesions with atypical imaging features for glioma.

Multiple intracranial cavernous malformations: clinical features and treatment

BACKGROUND

Although patients with MCMs have increasingly been found in clinics, little has been focused on them. Thus, we intended to investigate these patients' clinical presentations, family history, radiological characters, and treatment strategy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the files and family investigations were conducted for 30 patients with MCMs. All patients underwent MRI examination. Symptomatic patients underwent the surgical treatment with image-guided technique.

RESULTS

There were 19 male and 11 female patients with a total 79 lesions. The common presentations were seizures, hemorrhages, or focal neurological deficits. Nine patients had positive or doubtful family history. The FLAIR sequence of MRI showed the highest sensitivity in the detection of CM lesions. In 27 symptomatic patients with 69 lesions, total removal was achieved in 19 patients with 48 lesions. In the other 8 patients with 21 lesions, 13 lesions were removed. Preoperative symptoms were improved in 21 patients and unchanged in 5. Preoperative neurological deficits temporarily worsened in one, and a new onset of seizure occurred in other one; but both gradually improved during the follow-up period. Among 3 patients with asymptomatic MCMs, one patient had hemorrhage during the follow-up period and underwent surgical operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Because a high frequency of family CM occurs in MCMs, a detailed family investigation is mandatory for each patient with MCM. Selection of higher sensitive MRI sequence would contribute to detection of more CM lesions. Microsurgery assisted with the neuroimaging techniques is the treatment of choice for symptomatic MCMs.