Prenatal Diagnosis of Nasal Glioma Associated with Metopic Craniosynostosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Nasal glial heterotopia: a systematic review of the literature and case report

Nasal glial heterotopia (NGH) is a rare congenital, non-neoplastic displacement of cerebral tissue in extracranial sites. Together with a case report of NGH, we present the first systematic review of all published cases in order to summarise the relevant clinical findings and appropriate therapy, making the available evidence accessible to decision makers. A total of 72 original publications including 152 NGH cases were identified. The male:female ratio was 3:2. Most patients were children under 18 years (130 patients) and only 8% of cases were diagnosed in adults. The main clinical presentation forms were asymptomatic masses around the nasal root as well as nasal congestion. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 39% of patients, computed tomography in 22% of patients and a combination of both in 20% of patients. A diagnostic biopsy was performed in only 7 patients. All patients underwent surgical treatment and recurrence was reported in 14 patients within the first year of follow-up. In conclusion, NGH should be considered as a differential diagnosis of nasal masses in children. MRI is mandatory in order to exclude a connection to the central nervous system. Complete resection is curative treatment.

Nasal glial heterotopia: A rare interdisciplinary surgical challenge in newborns

Nasal Glioma (NG) represents a rare congenital abnormality of the neonate, which can be associated with skull defects or even a direct communication to the central nervous system. MRI serves valuable information for differentiation from encephalocele, dermoid cyst and congenital hemangioma. Complete resection remains the treatment of choice. We present two cases of NG, which were both suspected during prenatal ultrasound and MRI. In the first case, postnatal MRI showed a transcranial continuity. Mass excision was performed and the defect was covered by a glabellar flap allowing a good cosmetic result. Postnatal MRI excluded a trans-glabellar communication in the second case. After surgical excision, the resulting skin defect was covered with a full thickness skin graft harvested from the right groin. In cases of NGs complete resection and cosmetic appealing results can be achieved and might necessitate a multidisciplinary approach.

SHP-2 Activating Mutation Promotes Malignant Biological Behaviors of Glioma Cells

Background

This study investigated the mechanism underlying the activating mutation of SHP-2 in promoting malignant biological behaviors of glioma cells.

Material/Methods

The SHP-2 empty plasmid pcDNA3.1 and SHP-2 activating mutation plasmid pcDNA3.1 SHP-2 ^D61G mutant eukaryotic expression vectors were designed; stable SHP-2-expressing cells transfected with pcDNA3.1 SHP-2 ^D61G mutant were set as the mutation group; cells transfected with pcDNA3.1 were set as the empty vector group; and cells without transfection were set as the control group. The cell reproductive capacity in each group was measured by MTT method. The invasion ability of cells in vitro was detected by Transwell chamber assay, the cell apoptosis in each group was detected by Annexin-V/PE dual-staining method, and the clone formation ability of cells in vitro was detected by Tablet clone-forming assay. The activation of ERK1/2, ARK, and p38MAPK signal pathways in each group was determined by Western blot.

Results

After transfection, the expression of SHP-2 protein in the mutant group was significantly higher than that in the control group and empty vector group. The proliferation ability of transfected cells, the apoptosis rate, the invasion ability, and the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, AKT, and p38 in the mutation group was significantly higher than in the empty vector group and the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the cell clone formation ability of the mutation group was obviously enhanced (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The activating mutation of SHP-2 can lead to malignant changes in biological behaviors of glioma cells, and the specific mechanism may be related to the activation of ERK1/2, AKT, and p38 signal pathway. SHP-2 protein may become a new target for anti-malignant transformation of glioma.