Jugular foramen stenosis in external hydrocephalus in infants

OBJECTIVE

To measure the size of jugular foramina in infants affected by external hydrocephalus (EH) and in a control group, to support the hypothesis that a jugular foramen (JF) stenosis may determine dural venous sinus alterations and increased venous outflow resistance as main pathophysiological factor.

METHODS

Minimum, maximum, and mean values of JF areas were measured in a series of phase-contrast magnetic resonance venous angiography (angio MRV PCA3D) performed on 81 infants affected by EH. Results were compared with a group of 54 controls.

RESULTS

Smaller JF area was significantly smaller in patients versus controls (43.1 ± 14.6 vs. 52.7 ± 17.8; p < 0.001) resulting in a significantly smaller mean JF areas in patients vs. controls (51.6 ± 15.8 vs. 57.0 ± 18.3; p = 0.043). In patients, smaller JF areas were significantly associated with higher venous obstruction grading score (VOGS) both on the right (p = 0.018) and on the left side (p = 0.005). Positional plagiocephaly (cranial vault asymmetry index > 3.5%) was more frequent among EH patients than controls (38/17) but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). In the 38 plagiocephalic patients, JF area was smaller on the flattened side than the contralateral in a significant number of cases both in right (21/7) and left (9/1) plagiocephaly (p < 0.0005) as well as the mean area (48.2 + 16.4 mm2 vs. 57.5 + 20.7 mm2, p = 0.002) and VOGS was significantly higher on the plagiocephalic side than on the contralateral side (1.6 ± 1.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.9, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

In this series of infants affected by EH, the mean size of the ostium of both JF resulted significantly smaller than controls. JF stenosis was significantly associated with higher degrees of venous obstruction on both sides, suggesting a direct extrinsic effect of JF size on dural sinus lumen and possible consequent effect on venous outflow resistance. Positional plagiocephaly, when present, was associated with a decreased JF area and increased VOGS on the flattened side.

Fully automated measurement of intracranial CSF and brain parenchyma volumes in pediatric hydrocephalus by segmentation of clinical MRI studies

BACKGROUND

Brain parenchyma (BP) and intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (iCSF) volumes measured by fully automated segmentation of clinical brain MRI studies may be useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric hydrocephalus. However, previously published segmentation techniques either rely on dedicated sequences, not routinely used in clinical practice, or on spatial normalization, which has limited accuracy when severe brain distortions, such as in hydrocephalic patients, are present.

PURPOSE

We developed a fully automated method to measure BP and iCSF volumes from clinical brain MRI studies of pediatric hydrocephalus patients, exploiting the complementary information contained in T2- and T1-weighted images commonly used in clinical practice.

METHODS

The proposed procedure, following skull-stripping of the combined volumes, performed using a multiparametric method to obtain a reliable definition of the inner skull profile, maximizes the CSF-to-parenchyma contrast by dividing the T2w- by the T1w- volume after full-scale dynamic rescaling, thus allowing separation of iCSF and BP through a simple thresholding routine.

RESULTS

Validation against manual tracing on 23 studies (four controls and 19 hydrocephalic patients) showed excellent concordance (ICC > 0.98) and spatial overlap (Dice coefficients ranging from 77.2% for iCSF to 96.8% for intracranial volume). Accuracy was comparable to the intra-operator reproducibility of manual segmentation, as measured in 14 studies processed twice by the same experienced neuroradiologist. Results of the application of the algorithm to a dataset of 63 controls and 57 hydrocephalic patients (19 with parenchymal damage), measuring volumes' changes with normal development and in hydrocephalic patients, are also reported for demonstration purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed approach allows fully automated segmentation of BP and iCSF in clinical studies, also in severely distorted brains, enabling to assess age- and disease-related changes in intracranial tissue volume with an accuracy comparable to expert manual segmentation.

Tumors of Choroid Plexus and Other Ventricular Tumors

Tumors arising inside the ventricular system are rare but represent a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. They usually are diagnosed when reaching a big volume and tend to affect young children. There is a wide broad of differential diagnoses with significant variability in anatomical aspects and tumor type. Differential diagnosis in tumor type includes choroid plexus tumors (papillomas and carcinomas), ependymomas, subependymomas, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs), central neurocytomas, meningiomas, and metastases. Choroid plexus tumors, ependymomas of the posterior fossa, and SEGAs are more likely to appear in childhood, whereas subependymomas, central neurocytomas, intraventricular meningiomas, and metastases are more frequent in adults. This chapter is predominantly focused on choroid plexus tumors and radiological and histological differential diagnosis. Treatment is discussed in the light of the modern acquisition in genetics and epigenetics of brain tumors.

Spinal Nerve Roots Abnormalities on MRI in a Child with SURF1 Mitochondrial Disease

Variants in SURF1, encoding an assembly factor of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV, cause Leigh syndrome (LS) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4K in children and young adolescents. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of enlarged nerve roots with postcontrastographic enhancement is a distinctive feature of hypertrophic neuropathy caused by onion-bulb formation and it has rarely been described in mitochondrial diseases (MDs). Spinal nerve roots abnormalities on MRI are novel findings in LS associated with variants in SURF1. Here we report detailed neuroradiological and neurophysiologic findings in a child with LS and demyelinating neuropathy SURF1-related. Our case underlines the potential contributive role of spinal neuroimaging together with neurophysiological examination to identify the full spectrum of patterns in MDs. It remains to elucidate if these observations remain peculiar of SURF1 variants or potentially detectable in other MDs with peripheral nervous system involvement.

Default-Mode Network Connectivity Changes Correlate with Attention Deficits in ALL Long-Term Survivors Treated with Radio- and/or Chemotherapy

Simple Summary

Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy play a role in the neurocognitive impairment of long-term survivors from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but it is unknown if similar mechanisms are involved. We assessed neurocognitive alterations, brain tissue volumes, and functional connectivity of the main hubs of the default-mode network, in 13 patients treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (Group A) and in 13 treated with chemotherapy only (Group B). Correlations with neuropsychological scores, independent of group, were assessed for regions that showed significant differences between the two groups at neuroimaging. Compared to Group B, Group A performed significantly worse at the digit span and digit symbol tests and showed increased functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and the rolandic operculi, along with the absence of differences in regional brain tissue volumes. Functional connectivity in these regions correlated inversely with speed of processing in both groups, suggesting that similar mechanisms may be involved in the neurocognitive deficits in both groups.

Abstract

Whether chemotherapy (ChT) and radiotherapy (RT) determine neurocognitive impairment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia long-term survivors (ALL LTSs) through similar mechanisms affecting the same brain regions is still unknown. We compared neurocognitive alterations, regional brain tissue volumes (by voxel-based morphometry), and functional connectivity of the main default-mode network hubs (by seed-based analysis of resting state functional MRI data), in 13 ALL LTSs treated with RT and ChT (Group A) and 13 treated with ChT only (Group B). Group A performed significantly worse than Group B at the digit span and digit symbol tests (p = 0.023 and 0.013, respectively). Increased connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (the main anterior hub of the default-mode network) and the rolandic operculi was present in Group A compared to Group B, along with the absence of significant differences in regional brain tissue volumes. In these regions, the functional connectivity correlated inversely with the speed of processing scores, independent of treatment group. These results suggest that similar mechanisms may be involved in the neurocognitive deficits in ALL LTS patients, regardless of the treatment group. Further studies are needed to clarify whether these changes represent a direct expression of the mechanisms underlying the cognitive deficits or ineffective compensatory phenomena.

Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma and ganglioglioma: a series of 12 patients treated at a single institution

BACKGROUND

Desmoplastic infantile astrocytomas and gangliogliomas (DIA/DIG) usually present with a large size, large cystic component, large dural implant, encasement of big vessels, clinical presentation within 18 months of life, high incidence of seizures and overall good prognosis, even if tumour surgery can be very challenging at first procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological data of patients diagnosed with desmoplastic infantile tumours who were surgically treated between 2008 and 2019.

RESULTS

The series included 12 patients. The median age at surgery was 91 days. The average tumour volume was 212 cm³. Cystic components were predominant ranging from 0 to 295 cm³. Active hydrocephalus was pre-operatively evident in 5 cases. Eight patients (66.6%) received total or subtotal removal, three of them (25%) underwent partial removal, and one patient (8.3%) received a biopsy. One patient died within 24 h after surgery due to severe hypotension, as a consequence of significant intraoperative blood loss. Overall, seven (58.3%) patients were reoperated on the tumour after the first procedure: 4 patients were operated twice; 3 patients were operated 3 times. Two patients presented remote localizations and underwent chemotherapy. At last follow-up, 7 patients were tumour-free, 2 are alive with stable disease, and 2 are alive with progressive disease (leptomeningeal seeding).

CONCLUSION

Desmoplastic infantile tumours are rare giant neonatal tumours. Total removal is the goal of treatment, but prognosis remains good even if total removal is not achieved. In case of tumour progression or epilepsy from residual tumour, reoperation is the first option, with chemotherapy reserved to unresectable or disseminated cases with mixed results, while, to date, radiotherapy still plays no role.

Home mobile radiography service in the COVID-19 era

Demographic changes in the Western world linked to the increase in the elderly population, life expectancy and above all cancer patients and chronically ill patients, often entrusted to home care or in healthcare residences, highlight an exponential increase in requests for diagnostic tests at home. Conventional radiographic examinations, such as thoracic, musculoskeletal and abdominal images are the most requested and are important first level diagnostic tests. To date and, in particular, in times of COVID-19 emergency, these patients need to be transferred to the hospital to perform radiological examinations which involve an increase in costs for the health system and an increased risk for the health of these patients, already often debilitated and immunocompromised. This article discussed the benefits of taking conventional chest x-rays directly at the patient's home.

Non-Oncological Neuroradiological Manifestations in NF1 and Their Clinical Implications

Simple Summary

Central nervous system involvement (CNS) is a common finding in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Beside tumor-related manifestations, NF1 is also characterized by a wide spectrum of CNS alterations with variable impacts on functioning and life quality. Here, we propose an overview of non-oncological neuroradiological findings in NF1, with an insight on pathophysiological and embryological clues for a better understanding of the development of these specific alterations.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most frequent phakomatosis and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, is characterized by several manifestations that pervasively involve central and peripheral nervous system structures. The disorder is due to mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes for the ubiquitous tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin; neurofibromin is highly expressed in neural crest derived tissues, where it plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and structural organization. This review article aims to provide an overview on NF1 non-neoplastic manifestations of neuroradiological interest, involving both the central nervous system and spine. We also briefly review the most recent MRI functional findings in NF1.

Dural venous sinus anatomy in children with external hydrocephalus: analysis of a series of 97 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the anatomical variations of dural venous sinuses in children with external hydrocephalus, proposing a radiological grading of progressive anatomic restriction to venous outflow based on brain phase-contrast magnetic resonance venography (PC-MRV); to evaluate the correlation between positional plagiocephaly and dural sinuses patency; and to compare these findings with a control group to ascertain the role of anatomical restriction to venous outflow in the pathophysiology of external hydrocephalus.

METHODS

Brain MRI and PC MRV were performed in 97 children (76 males, 21 females) diagnosed with external hydrocephalus at an average age of 8.22 months. Reduction of patency of the dural sinuses was graded as 1 (stenosis), 2 (complete stop) and 3 (complete agenesis) for each transverse/sigmoid sinus and sagittal sinus. Anatomical restriction was graded for each patient from 0 (symmetric anatomy of patent dural sinuses) through 6 (bilateral agenesis of both transverse sinuses). Ventricular and subarachnoid spaces were measured above the intercommissural plane using segmentation software. Positional plagiocephaly (PP) and/or asymmetric tentorial insertion (ATI) was correlated with the presence and grading of venous sinus obstruction. These results were compared with a retrospective control group of 75 patients (35 males, 40 females).

RESULTS

Both the rate (84.53% vs 25.33%) and the grading (mean 2.59 vs mean 0.45) of anomalies of dural sinuses were significantly higher in case group than in control group. In the case group, sinus anomalies were asymmetric in 59 cases (right-left ratio 1/1) and symmetric in 22. A significant association was detected between the grading of venous drainage alterations and diagnosis of disease and between the severity of vascular anomalies and the widening of subarachnoid space (SAS). Postural plagiocephaly (39.1% vs 21.3%) and asymmetric tentorial insertion (35.4% vs 17.3%) were significantly more frequent in the case group than in the control group. When sinus anomalies occurred in plagiocephalic children, the obstruction grading was significantly higher on the flattened side (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Decreased patency of the dural sinuses and consequent increased venous outflow resistance may play a role in the pathophysiology of external hydrocephalus in the first 3 years of life. In plagiocephalic children, calvarial flattening may impact on the homolateral dural sinus patency, with a possible effect on the anatomy of dural sinuses and venous drainage in the first months of life.

Spinal cord demyelination in children: A diagnostic challenge in neuropaediatrics for a good outcome

BACKGROUND

Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism provoking progressive biotin depletion, which causes, in turn, multiple carboxylase deficiency. Its infantile onset is characterized by intractable seizures associated with lethargy, psychomotor regression, hypotonia, feeding and respiratory problems, and cutaneous abnormalities.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a 52-month-old female whose clinical and neuroradiological pictures were consistent with myelopathy, which is generally more frequent in older patients, as well as with symptoms of an infantile onset of biotinidase deficiency, revealed at 17 months.

RESULTS

A biochemical biotinidase test revealed a profound deficiency of biotinidase detecting a 10% residual enzymatic activity, which led to the diagnosis of BTD. Gene sequencing revealed a compound heterozigous mutation (c.454A > C/c.1612C > T).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that even if myelopathy is uncommonly reported in BTD, and generally occurs in older children, its presence in childhood-onset floppiness should always be considered as a possible marker for an atypical presentation of BTD. Although, until recently, BTD myelopathy was believed to be prevalent in older children, a spinal cord involvement has also been described in at least nine cases in early infancy. Thus, another early diagnosis suggests that myelopathy may be more frequent than previously thought, and it is probably underdiagnosed because spinal MRI is not always routinely performed on these children. Early recognition of BTD disease is important as it would lead to prompt treatment, preventing irreversible brain damage and increasing the chances of complete recovery.

Subtemporal Transtentorial Approach in Mesencephalic and Perimesencephalic Lesions in Children-A Series of 20 Patients

BACKGROUND

Midbrain and surrounding areas are among the most difficult regions to surgically approach in neurosurgery. The subtemporal approach is a well-known neurosurgical approach that is rarely described in children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of subtemporal approach in children.

METHODS

A total of 20 pediatric patients with intra-axial tumors involving the lateral midbrain or superior cerebellar peduncle or with extra-axial tumors in the middle incisural space/Meckel cave underwent subtemporal transtentorial approaches with the aim to remove (16 cases) or biopsy (4 cases) their lesions. These cases were retrospectively reviewed and the surgical approach described.

RESULTS

Total resection was achieved in 11 patients. In the 4 patients who underwent biopsies, a diagnosis was obtained. A total of 5 patients presented non-neoplastic lesions (dermoid tumors or cavernomas). A total of 9 patients harbored low-grade tumors and 6 high-grade tumors. Patients with low-grade tumors and non-neoplastic lesions are all alive with no evidence of disease or stable residue. Four patients affected by high grade tumors died. No patient suffered permanent neurological deficits related to the surgical approach. Three patients presented temporary neurological deficits following the procedure: one case of strabismus, one case of aphasia and hemiparesis, secondary to delayed, transient thrombosis of the Labbé vein, and 1 case of trigeminal neuralgia.

CONCLUSION

The subtemporal approach represents a feasible approach for mesencephalic and perimesencephalic lesions in children. It provides an ample and direct access, with excellent outcomes and acceptable postoperative morbidity.

Cavitating and tigroid-like leukoencephalopathy in a case of NDUFA2-related disorder

Biallelic variants in nuclear gene NDUFA2 have been reported so far in only three children with variable presentations including Leigh syndrome or leukoencephalopathy. Herein, we report a further female child affected by NDUFA2‐related disorder presenting with cavitating and tigroid‐like pattern of leukodystrophy and without systemic biochemical abnormalities of mitochondrial disorders.

Interhypothalamic adhesion as a cause of aborted third-ventriculostomy: neuroradiological and neuroendoscopic considerations in a pediatric case

BACKGROUND

Interhypothalamic adhesions (IHA) are horizontally oriented parenchymal bands of tissue connecting the medial hypothalamic regions across the third ventricle. They can be assessed with high resolution magnetic resonance (MR) techniques.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report MR and neuroendoscopic features of IHA in a 3-year old boy without symptoms referable to the hypothalamus. He presented with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to posterior fossa tumor. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was attempted but was not performed because of the presence of a very thick IHA, that prevented approach to the floor of the third ventricle. During the procedure the patient also experienced supraventricular tachicardia. The procedure was aborted and an external ventricular drainage was left in the ventricles, until resolution of hydrocephalus after posterior fossa surgery. To the best of our knowledge, no study has previously described in detail endoscopic images of IHA.

CONCLUSIONS

MR imaging allows to preoperatively identify most anatomic anomalies of the ventricular system and of the floor of the third ventricle. However an IHA that may prevent an approach to the floor of the third ventricle due to his thickness, may be missed. This can be recognized only on direct vision, underlining the importance of endoscopy in neurosurgery.

A case report of limbic encephalitis in a metastatic colon cancer patient during first-line bevacizumab-combined chemotherapy

RATIONALE

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is one of the most common causes of neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes, with unclear pathogenesis. While several reports published in the last decades showed the occurrence of PLE in a variety of cancers, only a few cases have been associated with colon cancer.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In February 2017, a 54-year-old man with clinical history of radically resected colon cancer started first line chemotherapy with FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab, after radiological diagnosis of multiple liver and bone metastases. During the third cycle of treatment, the patient developed psychomotor agitation and hallucinations followed by severe consciousness level reduction and cognitive impairment.

DIAGNOSES

Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense signals in both hippocampal areas, insula and right cingulate gyrus on fluid attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion weighted imaging, and T2-weighted images, highly suggestive of limbic encephalitis. Other causes (brain metastases, toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, and infections) were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Empirical immunosuppressive treatment (high-dose immunoglobulins and corticosteroids) was administered and chemotherapy was resumed.

OUTCOMES

A slowly progressive improvement in neurological condition has been observed, even though radiological signs of limbic encephalitis are still evident.

LESSONS

The present case highlights the complex diagnostic process of PLE, and the lack of a standard treatment. Moreover, the absence of correlation between PLE and tumor progression or tumor burden, and the opportunity of treating underlying neoplasm is discussed.

Can pontine trigeminal T2-hyperintensity suggest herpetic etiology of trigeminal neuralgia?

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is usually classified into two different categories: idiopathic and secondary. We have investigated the frequency of brainstem pontine lesions in patients with idiopathic TN without multiple sclerosis (MS) or stroke, and their association with herpes zoster (HZ) infection.

METHODS

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of 28 patients with TN were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

We found seven patients with clinical suspicion of HZ infection and pontine T2 hyperintense lesions, associated with nerve atrophy in one case. Fifteen patients had a neurovascular conflict (NVC) without brainstem involvement, two of them associated with trigeminal atrophy, while four patients had only volumetric reduction of the nerve. In all patients MRI findings were ipsilateral to the side of TN.

CONCLUSIONS

Pontine T2 hyperintensities could be considered as a MRI sign of TN in patients without NVCs. This "trigeminal pontine sign" (TPS) is frequently found in association with herpetic infections.