Sample records for nerve sheath meningioma

  1. Optic nerve sheath meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Saeed, Peerooz; Rootman, Jack; Nugent, Robert A; White, Valerie A; Mackenzie, Ian R; Koornneef, Leo

    2003-10-01

    To study the natural history and growth of optic nerve sheath meningiomas and evaluate their management outcome. Clinicopathologic retrospective noncomparative case series. A retrospective study of 88 patients who were treated between 1976 and 1999 at the University of British Columbia and the University of Amsterdam. Clinical reports, imaging studies, and histopathologic findings were reviewed. The mean age at onset of symptoms was 40.3 years, and most were seen in middle-aged females. Patients typically presented with visual loss, frequently associated with optic atrophy or papilledema and occasionally optociliary shunt vessels. On imaging, the optic nerve demonstrated segmental or diffuse thickening of the sheath or globular growth. Calcification was seen in 31% of cases and was associated with slower tumor growth. Tumors with posterior components in the orbit had more frequent intracranial involvement. Intracranial extension was more frequent and had a greater growth rate in younger patients. Irregular margins in the orbit implied local invasion. A presenting visual acuity better than 20/50 correlated with longer preservation of vision. Patients who underwent radiotherapy showed improvement in their visual acuity, and tumor growth was halted. Optic sheath decompression did not preserve vision. En bloc tumor excision was associated with no detectable recurrence in contrast to debulked tumors that recurred. Meningiomas show characteristic indolent growth. Management therefore should be conservative in most cases. Radiotherapy is indicated in patients with progressive visual deterioration. Surgery, when indicated, should be an en bloc excision.

  2. Update on treatment modalities for optic nerve sheath meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Liu, James K; Forman, Scott; Moorthy, Chitti R; Benzil, Deborah L

    2003-05-15

    Optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) represent 1 to 2% of all meningiomas and one third of all optic nerve tumors. The management of ONSMs is controversial. Traditional surgical removal often results in postoperative blindness in the affected eye and thus has been abandoned as a treatment option in most patients. Surgery may be unnecessarily aggressive, especially if the patient has useful vision. When these tumors are left untreated, however, ensuing progressive visual impairment may lead to complete blindness. More recently, radiotherapy has gained wider acceptance as a treatment for these lesions. The authors of some reports have suggested that fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may be the best option for treating primary ONSMs. In patients with documented progressive visual deterioration, fractionated SRS may be effective in improving or stabilizing remaining functional vision. The authors review the clinical presentation, radiographic characteristics, and management of ONSMs, emphasizing the use of fractionated SRS.

  3. Somatostatin Receptor SPECT/CT using 99mTc Labeled HYNIC-TOC Aids in Diagnosis of Primary Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma.

    PubMed

    Chandra, Piyush; Purandare, Nilendu; Shah, Sneha; Agrawal, Archi; Rangarajan, Venkatesh

    2017-01-01

    Primary optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM) are rare, benign and slow growing tumor involving the intra-orbital/intra-canalicular segment of the optic nerve. Untreated, they can potentially lead to visual deterioration. Magnetic resonance (MR) is the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosing the entity. Often, a clinical dilemma exists to narrow the differential diagnosis of an enhancing intra-orbital mass on MR. Molecular imaging provides a high degree of precision in diagnosing meningioma in view of relatively high levels of somatostatin receptor expression by these tumors. The following case demonstrates the potential clinical utility of somatostatin receptor SPECT using 99m Tc- labeled HYNIC-TOC in clinical diagnosis of ONSM.

  4. Optic nerve sheath meningiomas: visual improvement after stereotactic radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Liu, James K; Forman, Scott; Hershewe, Gerard L; Moorthy, Chitti R; Benzil, Deborah L

    2002-05-01

    The management of primary optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM) is controversial. Surgery often results in postoperative blindness in the affected eye and thus has been abandoned as a treatment option for most patients. When these tumors are left untreated, however, progressive visual impairment ensues, which also leads to blindness. Recently, radiation therapy has gained wider acceptance in the treatment of these lesions. Experience with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in the treatment of ONSMs is limited because of the rare incidence of this tumor. We present a series of patients with ONSM who were treated with SRT. Five patients (three women, two men), ranging in age from 40 to 73 years, presented with progressive visual loss with decreased visual field, visual acuity, and color vision affecting six eyes (one patient had tumor involving both optic nerves). One patient also presented with proptosis and diplopia. Five eyes had functional residual vision (range, 20/20 to 20/40), and one eye was completely blind. All five patients were diagnosed clinically and radiographically to have an ONSM. Three were intraorbital, one was intracanalicular as well as intraorbital, and one was a left ONSM extending through the optic foramen into the intracranial space and involving the right optic nerve. The five functional eyes were treated with SRT by use of 1.8-Gy fractions to a cumulative dose of 45 to 54 Gy. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 7 years, and serial magnetic resonance imaging revealed no changes in the size of the tumor in all five patients. Four patients experienced dramatic improvement in visual acuity, visual field, and color vision within 3 months after SRT. One patient remained stable without evidence of visual deterioration or disease progression. None had radiation-induced optic neuropathy. SRT may be a viable option for treatment of primary ONSM in patients with documented progressive visual deterioration, and it may be effective in improving or stabilizing

  5. Remote acute demyelination after focal proton radiation therapy for optic nerve meningioma.

    PubMed

    Redjal, Navid; Agarwalla, Pankaj K; Dietrich, Jorg; Dinevski, Nikolaj; Stemmer-Rachamimov, Anat; Nahed, Brian V; Loeffler, Jay S

    2015-08-01

    We present a unique patient with delayed onset, acute demyelination that occurred distant to the effective field of radiation after proton beam radiotherapy for an optic nerve sheath meningioma. The use of stereotactic radiotherapy as an effective treatment modality for some brain tumors is increasing, given technological advances which allow for improved targeting precision. Proton beam radiotherapy improves the precision further by reducing unnecessary radiation to surrounding tissues. A 42-year-old woman was diagnosed with an optic nerve sheath meningioma after initially presenting with vision loss. After biopsy of the lesion to establish diagnosis, the patient underwent stereotactic proton beam radiotherapy to a small area localized to the tumor. Subsequently, the patient developed a large enhancing mass-like lesion with edema in a region outside of the effective radiation field in the ipsilateral frontal lobe. Given imaging features suggestive of possible primary malignant brain tumor, biopsy of this new lesion was performed and revealed an acute demyelinating process. This patient illustrates the importance of considering delayed onset acute demyelination in the differential diagnosis of enhancing lesions in patients previously treated with radiation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Patients With Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Paulsen, Frank, E-mail: frank.paulsen@med.uni-tuebingen.de; Doerr, Stefan; Wilhelm, Helmut

    Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SFRT) in the treatment of optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM). Methods and Materials: Between 1993 and 2005, 109 patients (113 eyes) with primary (n = 37) or secondary (n = 76) ONSM were treated according to a prospective protocol with SFRT to a median dose of 54 Gy. All patients underwent radiographic, ophthalmologic, and endocrine analysis before and after SFRT. Radiographic response, visual control, and late side effects were endpoints of the analysis. Results: Median time to last clinical, radiographic, and ophthalmologic follow up was 30.2 months (n = 113), 42.7more » months (n = 108), and 53.7 months (n = 91), respectively. Regression of the tumor was observed in 5 eyes and progression in 4 eyes, whereas 104 remained stable. Visual acuity improved in 12, deteriorated in 11, and remained stable in 68 eyes. Mean visual field defects reduced from 33.6% (n = 90) to 17.8% (n = 56) in ipsilateral and from 10% (n = 94) to 6.7% (n = 62) in contralateral eyes. Ocular motility improved in 23, remained stable in 65, and deteriorated in 3 eyes. Radiographic tumor control was 100% at 3 years and 98% at 5 years. Visual acuity was preserved in 94.8% after 3 years and in 90.9% after 5 years. Endocrine function was normal in 90.8% after 3 years and in 81.3% after 5 years. Conclusions: SFRT represents a highly effective treatment for ONSM. Interdisciplinary counseling of the patients is recommended. Because of the high rate of preservation of visual acuity we consider SFRT the standard approach for the treatment of ONSM. Prolonged observation is warranted to more accurately assess late visual impairment. Moderate de-escalation of the radiation dose might improve the preservation of visual acuity and pituitary gland function.« less

  7. Nerve sheath myxoma: report of a rare case.

    PubMed

    Bhat, Amoolya; Narasimha, Apaparna; C, Vijaya; Vk, Sundeep

    2015-04-01

    Nerve sheath myxoma defined by Harkin and Reed is an uncommon benign neoplasm with nerve sheath like features. It has several cytological and histological differential diagnoses. One such lesion is neurothekeoma, which can be differentiated using immunohistochemistry. In most of the previous reports nerve sheath myxoma and neurothekeoma were considered synonymous and were often confused for one another. This case report separates the two using immunohistochemistry. Also, the cytological features of nerve sheath myxoma are not well documented in the past. This case report attempts to display the cyto-morphology of nerve sheath myxoma. We report a rare case of nerve sheath myxoma diagnosed on cytological features confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry in a 32-year-old lady who presented with an asymptomatic nodule over the left cervical area and discuss its cyto-histological mimics.

  8. Nerve Sheath Myxoma: Report of A Rare Case

    PubMed Central

    Bhat, Amoolya; C, Vijaya; VK, Sundeep

    2015-01-01

    Nerve sheath myxoma defined by Harkin and Reed is an uncommon benign neoplasm with nerve sheath like features. It has several cytological and histological differential diagnoses. One such lesion is neurothekeoma, which can be differentiated using immunohistochemistry. In most of the previous reports nerve sheath myxoma and neurothekeoma were considered synonymous and were often confused for one another. This case report separates the two using immunohistochemistry. Also, the cytological features of nerve sheath myxoma are not well documented in the past. This case report attempts to display the cyto-morphology of nerve sheath myxoma. We report a rare case of nerve sheath myxoma diagnosed on cytological features confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry in a 32-year-old lady who presented with an asymptomatic nodule over the left cervical area and discuss its cyto-histological mimics. PMID:26023558

  9. Standard-Fractionated Radiotherapy for Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma: Visual Outcome Is Predicted by Mean Eye Dose

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Abouaf, Lucie; Girard, Nicolas; Claude Bernard University, Lyon

    2012-03-01

    Purpose: Radiotherapy has shown its efficacy in controlling optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM) tumor growth while allowing visual acuity to improve or stabilize. However, radiation-induced toxicity may ultimately jeopardize the functional benefit. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors of poor visual outcome in patients receiving radiotherapy for ONSM. Methods and Materials: We conducted an extensive analysis of 10 patients with ONSM with regard to clinical, radiologic, and dosimetric aspects. All patients were treated with conformal radiotherapy and subsequently underwent biannual neuroophthalmologic and imaging assessments. Pretreatment and posttreatment values of visual acuity and visual field were comparedmore » with Wilcoxon's signed rank test. Results: Visual acuity values significantly improved after radiotherapy. After a median follow-up time of 51 months, 6 patients had improved visual acuity, 4 patients had improved visual field, 1 patient was in stable condition, and 1 patient had deteriorated visual acuity and visual field. Tumor control rate was 100% at magnetic resonance imaging assessment. Visual acuity deterioration after radiotherapy was related to radiation-induced retinopathy in 2 patients and radiation-induced mature cataract in 1 patient. Study of radiotherapy parameters showed that the mean eye dose was significantly higher in those 3 patients who had deteriorated vision. Conclusions: Our study confirms that radiotherapy is efficient in treating ONSM. Long-term visual outcome may be compromised by radiation-induced side effects. Mean eye dose has to be considered as a limiting constraint in treatment planning.« less

  10. Coincidental Optic Nerve Meningioma and Thyroid Eye Disease.

    PubMed

    Garg, Aakriti; Patel, Payal; Lignelli, Angela; Baron, Edward; Kazim, Michael

    2015-01-01

    A 57-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and Graves disease presented with clinical evidence of thyroid eye disease (TED) and optic neuropathy. She was referred when a tapered dose of steroids prompted worsening of her TED. CT and MRI were consistent with TED and bilateral optic nerve meningioma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of concurrent TED and unsuspected bilateral optic nerve meningioma. When investigating the etiology of TED-associated optic neuropathy, careful attention to orbital imaging is required because coexisting pathology may exist.

  11. Genomic and Expression Profiling of Benign and Malignant Nerve Sheath Profiling of Benign and Malignant Nerve Sheath

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-05-01

    Benign and Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumors in Neurofibromatosis Patients PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Matt van de Rijn, M.D., Ph.D. Torsten...Annual 3. DATES COVERED 1 May 2006 –30 Apr 2007 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Genomic and Expression Profiling of Benign and Malignant Nerve...Award Number: DAMD17-03-1-0297 Title: Genomic and Expression Profiling of Benign and Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumors in Neurofibromatosis

  12. Farris-Tang retractor in optic nerve sheath decompression surgery.

    PubMed

    Spiegel, Jennifer A; Sokol, Jason A; Whittaker, Thomas J; Bernard, Benjamin; Farris, Bradley K

    2016-01-01

    Our purpose is to introduce the use of the Farris-Tang retractor in optic nerve sheath decompression surgery. The procedure of optic nerve sheath fenestration was reviewed at our tertiary care teaching hospital, including the use of the Farris-Tang retractor. Pseudotumor cerebri is a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure without a clear cause. Surgical treatment can be effective in cases in which medical therapy has failed and disc swelling with visual field loss progresses. Optic nerve sheath decompression surgery (ONDS) involves cutting slits or windows in the optic nerve sheath to allow cerebrospinal fluid to escape, reducing the pressure around the optic nerve. We introduce the Farris-Tang retractor, a retractor that allows for excellent visualization of the optic nerve sheath during this surgery, facilitating the fenestration of the sheath and visualization of the subsequent cerebrospinal fluid egress. Utilizing a medial conjunctival approach, the Farris-Tang retractor allows for easy retraction of the medial orbital tissue and reduces the incidence of orbital fat protrusion through Tenon's capsule. The Farris-Tang retractor allows safe, easy, and effective access to the optic nerve with good visualization in optic nerve sheath decompression surgery. This, in turn, allows for greater surgical efficiency and positive patient outcomes.

  13. Skull Base Meningiomas and Cranial Nerves Contrast Using Sodium Fluorescein: A New Application of an Old Tool

    PubMed Central

    da Silva, Carlos Eduardo; da Silva, Vinicius Duval; da Silva, Jefferson Luis Braga

    2014-01-01

    Objective The identification of cranial nerves is one of the most challenging goals in the dissection of skull base meningiomas. The authors present an application of sodium fluorescein (SF) in skull base meningiomas with the purpose of improving the identification of cranial nerves. Design A prospective study within-subjects design. Setting Hospital Ernesto Dornelles, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Participants Patients with skull base meningiomas. Main Outcomes Measures Cranial nerve identification. Results The group of nine meningiomas was composed of one cavernous sinus, three petroclival, one tuberculum sellae, two sphenoid wing, one olfactory groove, and one temporal floor meningioma. The SF enhancement in all tumors was strong, and the contrast with cranial nerves clearly evident. There were one definite olfactory nerve deficit, one transient abducens deficit, and one definite hemiparesis. All lesions were resected (Simpson grades 1 and 2). The analysis of the difference of the delta SF wavelength between the meningiomas and cranial nerve contrast was performed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test and showed p = 0.011. Conclusions The contrast between the enhanced meningiomas and cranial nerves was evident and assisted in the visualization and microsurgical dissection of these structures. The anatomical preservation of these structures was improved using the contrast. PMID:27054056

  14. Skull Base Meningiomas and Cranial Nerves Contrast Using Sodium Fluorescein: A New Application of an Old Tool.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Carlos Eduardo; da Silva, Vinicius Duval; da Silva, Jefferson Luis Braga

    2014-08-01

    Objective The identification of cranial nerves is one of the most challenging goals in the dissection of skull base meningiomas. The authors present an application of sodium fluorescein (SF) in skull base meningiomas with the purpose of improving the identification of cranial nerves. Design A prospective study within-subjects design. Setting Hospital Ernesto Dornelles, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Participants Patients with skull base meningiomas. Main Outcomes Measures Cranial nerve identification. Results The group of nine meningiomas was composed of one cavernous sinus, three petroclival, one tuberculum sellae, two sphenoid wing, one olfactory groove, and one temporal floor meningioma. The SF enhancement in all tumors was strong, and the contrast with cranial nerves clearly evident. There were one definite olfactory nerve deficit, one transient abducens deficit, and one definite hemiparesis. All lesions were resected (Simpson grades 1 and 2). The analysis of the difference of the delta SF wavelength between the meningiomas and cranial nerve contrast was performed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test and showed p = 0.011. Conclusions The contrast between the enhanced meningiomas and cranial nerves was evident and assisted in the visualization and microsurgical dissection of these structures. The anatomical preservation of these structures was improved using the contrast.

  15. Optic Nerve Sheath Mechanics in VIIP Syndrome

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Raykin, Julia; Forte, Taylor E.; Wang, Roy; Feola, Andrew; Samuels, Brian; Myers, Jerry; Nelson, Emily; Gleason, Rudy; Ethier, C. Ross

    2016-01-01

    Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome is a major concern in current space medicine research. While the exact pathology of VIIP is not yet known, it is hypothesized that the microgravity-induced cephalad fluid shift increases intracranial pressure (ICP) and drives remodeling of the optic nerve sheath. To investigate this possibility, we are culturing optic nerve sheath dura mater samples under different pressures and investigating changes in tissue composition. To interpret results from this work, it is essential to first understand the biomechanical response of the optic nerve sheath dura mater to loading. Here, we investigated the effects of mechanical loading on the porcine optic nerve sheath.Porcine optic nerves (number: 6) were obtained immediately after death from a local abattoir. The optic nerve sheath (dura mater) was isolated from the optic nerve proper, leaving a hollow cylinder of connective tissue that was used for biomechanical characterization. We developed a custom mechanical testing system that allowed for unconfined lengthening, twisting, and circumferential distension of the dura mater during inflation and under fixed axial loading. To determine the effects of variations in ICP, the sample was inflated (0-60 millimeters Hg) and circumferential distension was simultaneously recorded. These tests were performed under variable axial loads (0.6 grams - 5.6 grams at increments of 1 gram) by attaching different weights to one end of the dura mater. Results and Conclusions: The samples demonstrated nonlinear behavior, similar to other soft connective tissue (Figure 1). Large increases in diameter were observed at lower transmural pressures (approximately 0 to 5 millimeters Hg), whereas only small diameter changes were observed at higher pressures. Particularly interesting was the existence of a cross-over point at a pressure of approximately 11 millimeters Hg. At this pressure, the same diameter is obtained for all axial loads applied

  16. C2 root nerve sheath tumors management.

    PubMed

    El-Sissy, Mohamed H; Mahmoud, Mostafa

    2013-05-01

    Upper cervical nerve sheath tumors (NST) arising mainly from C2 root and to lesser extent from C1 root are not uncommon, they constitute approximately 5-12% of spinal nerve sheath tumors and 18-30% of all cervical nerve sheath tumors, unique in presentation and their relationship to neighbouring structures owing to the discrete anatomy at the upper cervical-craniovertebral region, and have atendency for growth reaching large-sized tumors before manifesting clinically due to the capacious spinal canal at this region; accordingly the surgical approaches to such tumors are modified. The aim of this paper is to discuss the surgical strategies for upper cervical nerve sheath tumors. Eleven patients (8 male and 3 females), age range 28-63 years, with C2 root nerve sheath tumors were operated upon based on their anatomical relations to the spinal cord. The magnetic resonance imaging findings were utilized to determine the surgical approach. The tumors had extra- and intradural components in 10 patients, while in one the tumor was purely intradural. The operative approaches included varied from extreme lateral transcondylar approach(n = 1) to laminectomy, whether complete(n = 3) a or hemilaminectomy(n = 7), with partial facetectomy(n = 7), and with suboccipital craniectomy(n = 2). The clinical picture ranged from spasticity (n = 8, 72,72 %), tingling and numbness below neck (n = 6, 54,54 %), weakness (n = 6, 54,54 %), posterior column involvement (n = 4, 26,36 %), and neck pain (n = 4, 36,36 %). The duration of symptoms ranged from 1 to 54 months, total excision was performed in 7 patients; while in 3 patients an extraspinal component, and in 1 patient a small intradural component, were left in situ. Eight patients showed improvement of myelopathy; 2 patients maintained their grades. One poor-grade patient was deteriorated. The surgical approaches for the C2 root nerve sheath tumors should be tailored according to the relationship to the spinal cord, determined by magnetic

  17. Meningioma-like tumor of the skin. An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.

    PubMed

    Barr, R J; Yi, E S; Jensen, J L; Wuerker, R B; Liao, S Y

    1993-08-01

    Three unusual cutaneous tumors are described along with ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies. All lesions were asymptomatic red-brown papulonodules. Light microscopic examination revealed a whorled configuration of spindle-shaped cells, some concentrically arranged around blood vessels. Immunohistochemical panels exhibited positive staining only with antibody to vimentin and negative staining with antibodies against S-100 protein, muscle markers, cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, Leu 7, type IV collagen, and factor XIIIa, ruling out obvious nevomelanocytic, nerve sheath, meningothelial, smooth muscle, and perithelial differentiation. Electron microscopic examination demonstrated cells producing poorly formed collagen fibrils, sparse collagen fibers, and possessing occasional ill-defined intercellular junctions between their elongated cell processes. This rare tumor is considered to be either an immature fibrohistiocytic or possibly a nerve sheath neoplasm with striking similarities to so-called canine hemangiopericytoma. Because the prominent whorled pattern was reminiscent of meningioma, the lesion was referred to as meningioma-like tumor of the skin.

  18. Optic Nerve Sheath Mechanics in VIIP Syndrome

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Raykin, Julia; Feola, Andrew; Gleason, Rudy; Mulugeta, Lealem; Myers, Jerry; Nelson, Emily; Samuels, Brian; Ethier, C. Ross

    2015-01-01

    Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome results in a loss of visual function and occurs in astronauts following long-duration spaceflight. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the ocular changes involved in VIIP is of critical importance for space medicine research. Although the exact mechanisms of VIIP are not yet known, it is hypothesized that microgravity-induced increases in intracranial pressures (ICP) drive the remodeling of the optic nerve sheath, leading to compression of the optic nerve which in turn may reduce visual acuity. Some astronauts present with a kink in the optic nerve after return to earth, suggesting that tissue remodeling in response to ICP increases may be taking place. The goal of this work is to characterize the mechanical properties of the optic nerve sheath (dura mater) to better understand its biomechanical response to increased ICP.

  19. Optic Nerve Sheath Meningocele: A Case Report

    PubMed Central

    Halimi, E.; Wavreille, O.; Rosenberg, R.; Bouacha, I.; Lejeune, J.-P.; Defoort-Dhellemmes, S.

    2013-01-01

    Abstract Isolated optic nerve sheath meningocele is a rare affection defined as the cystic enlargement of the optic nerve sheath filled with cerebrospinal fluid. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman presenting with bilateral meningocele uncovered during a routine examination for headache complaints. A 5-year follow-up validated the lesion’s clinical and imaging stability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an essential tool in the diagnosis of this pathology, alongside characteristic symptoms indicating that the meningocele might have progressively expanded into the orbit. In this case we present a therapeutic approach based on pathophysiological hypotheses and review of the literature. PMID:28163760

  20. Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in a Wild Toco Toucan ( Ramphastos toco ).

    PubMed

    Carvalho, Marcelo P N; Fernandes, Natalia C C A; Nemer, Viviane C; Neto, Ramiro N Dias; Teixeira, Rodrigo H F; Miranda, Bruna S; Mamprim, Maria J; Catão-Dias, José L; Réssio, Rodrigo A

    2016-09-01

    Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that comprise neurofibromas, schwannomas, neurilemmomas, and perineuromas. In animals, peripheral nerve sheath neoplasms are most commonly diagnosed in dogs and cattle, followed by horses, goats, and cats, but their occurrence is uncommon in birds. An adult, free-living, male toco (common) toucan ( Ramphastos toco ) was admitted to the zoo animal clinic with weight loss, dehydration, and presence of a soft nodule adhered to the medial portion of the left pectoral muscle. Clinical, cytologic, and computed tomography scan results were indicative of a neoplasm. The toucan died during surgical resection of the mass. Necropsy, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. To our knowledge, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor has not previously been reported in a toucan or any other species in the order Piciformes.

  1. Synovial sarcoma of nerve.

    PubMed

    Scheithauer, Bernd W; Amrami, Kimberly K; Folpe, Andrew L; Silva, Ana I; Edgar, Mark A; Woodruff, James M; Levi, Allan D; Spinner, Robert J

    2011-04-01

    Tumors of peripheral nerve are largely neuroectodermal in nature and derived from 2 elements of nerve, Schwann or perineurial cells. In contrast, mesenchymal tumors affecting peripheral nerve are rare and are derived mainly from epineurial connective tissue. The spectrum of the latter is broad and includes lipoma, vascular neoplasms, hematopoietic tumors, and even meningioma. Of malignant peripheral nerve neoplasms, the vast majority are primary peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Malignancies of mesenchymal type are much less common. To date, only 12 cases of synovial sarcoma of nerve have been described. Whereas in the past, parallels were drawn between synovial sarcoma and malignant glandular schwannoma, an uncommon form of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, molecular genetics have since clarified the distinction. Herein, we report 10 additional examples of molecularly confirmed synovial sarcoma, all arising within minor or major nerves. Affecting 7 female and 3 male patients, 4 tumors occurred in pediatric patients. Clinically and radiologically, most lesions were initially thought to be benign nerve sheath tumors. On reinterpretation of imaging, they were considered indeterminate in nature with some features suspicious for malignancy. Synovial sarcoma of nerve, albeit rare, seems to behave in a manner similar to its more common, soft tissue counterpart. Those affecting nerve have a variable prognosis. Definitive recommendations regarding surgery and adjuvant therapies await additional reports and long-term follow-up. The literature is reviewed and a meta-analysis is performed with respect to clinicopathologic features versus outcome. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  2. Meningiomas involving the optic nerve: technical aspects and outcomes for a series of 50 patients.

    PubMed

    Margalit, Nevo S; Lesser, Jonathan B; Moche, Jason; Sen, Chandranath

    2003-09-01

    Surgical strategies and results for 50 patients with meningiomas involving the optic nerves are discussed and evaluated. Factors affecting the degree of resection and patient outcomes are presented. We emphasize our surgical techniques for resection of these tumors and we discuss the advantages of different approaches, depending on the relationship of the tumor to the optic nerves. Data for 50 patients with meningiomas involving the optic nerves who were surgically treated between 1991 and 2002 were reviewed, by using patient files, operative notes, and pre- and postoperative imaging and ophthalmological examination findings. Thirty-one female patients and 19 male patients, with a mean age of 53 years, were treated. Thirty-one patients (62%) underwent complete tumor removal (Simpson Grade 1 or 2), and 19 patients underwent subtotal removal (Grade 4). Factors affecting the grade of resection were tumor size (P = 0.01), location (P = 0.007), and internal carotid artery encasement (P = 0.019). Patients who underwent Grade 1 or 2 resection exhibited a mean tumor size of 3.0 cm, and patients who underwent Grade 4 resection exhibited a mean tumor size of 4.1 cm. Only three patients had residual tumor on the optic nerve; all others had tumor in the cavernous sinus or at the orbital apex or exhibited vascular involvement. Visual outcomes were influenced predominantly by tumor size, preoperative visual function, and optic nerve encasement. Meningiomas that involve the optic nerves require special considerations and surgical techniques. Early decompression of the optic nerve within the bony canal allows identification and separation of the tumor from the nerve, permitting removal of the tumor from this area with minimal manipulation of the optic nerve.

  3. Coronal Axis Measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Using a Linear Transducer.

    PubMed

    Amini, Richard; Stolz, Lori A; Patanwala, Asad E; Adhikari, Srikar

    2015-09-01

    The true optic nerve sheath diameter cutoff value for detecting elevated intracranial pressure is variable. The variability may stem from the technique used to acquire sonographic measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter as well as sonographic artifacts inherent to the technique. The purpose of this study was to compare the traditional visual axis technique to an infraorbital coronal axis technique for assessing the optic nerve sheath diameter using a high-frequency linear array transducer. We conducted a cross-sectional study at an academic medical center. Timed optic nerve sheath diameter measurements were obtained on both eyes of healthy adult volunteers with a 10-5-MHz broadband linear array transducer using both traditional visual axis and coronal axis techniques. Optic nerve sheath diameter measurements were obtained by 2 sonologists who graded the difficulty of each technique and were blinded to each other's measurements for each participant. A total of 42 volunteers were enrolled, yielding 84 optic nerve sheath diameter measurements. There were no significant differences in the measurements between the techniques on either eye (P = .23 [right]; P = .99 [left]). Additionally, there was no difference in the degree of difficulty obtaining the measurements between the techniques (P = .16). There was a statistically significant difference in the time required to obtain the measurements between the traditional and coronal techniques (P < .05). Infraorbital coronal axis measurements are similar to measurements obtained in the traditional visual axis. The infraorbital coronal axis technique is slightly faster to perform and is not technically challenging. © 2015 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

  4. Composite pheochromocytoma with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: Case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Namekawa, Takeshi; Utsumi, Takanobu; Imamoto, Takashi; Kawamura, Koji; Oide, Takashi; Tanaka, Tomoaki; Nihei, Naoki; Suzuki, Hiroyoshi; Nakatani, Yukio; Ichikawa, Tomohiko

    2016-07-01

    Adrenal tumors with more than one cellular component are uncommon. Furthermore, an adrenal tumor composed of a pheochromocytoma and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is extremely rare. A composite pheochromocytoma with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a 42-year-old man is reported here. After adequate preoperative control, left adrenalectomy was performed simultaneously with resection of the ipsilateral kidney for spontaneous rupture of the left adrenal tumor. Pathological findings demonstrated pheochromocytoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a ruptured adrenal tumor. To date, there have been only four reported cases of composite pheochromocytoma with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, so the present case is only the fifth case in the world. Despite the very poor prognosis of patients with pheochromocytoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors reported in the literature, the patient remains well without evidence of recurrence or new metastatic lesions at 36 months postoperatively. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

  5. Ultrastructure of the extracellular matrix of bovine dura mater, optic nerve sheath and sclera.

    PubMed

    Raspanti, M; Marchini, M; Della Pasqua, V; Strocchi, R; Ruggeri, A

    1992-10-01

    The sclera, the outermost sheath of the optic nerve and the dura mater have been investigated histologically and ultrastructurally. Although these tissues appear very similar under the light microscope, being dense connective tissues mainly composed of collagen bundles and a limited amount of cells and elastic fibres, they exhibit subtle differences on electron microscopy. In the dura and sclera collagen appears in the form of large, nonuniform fibrils, similar to those commonly found in tendons, while in the optic nerve sheath the fibrils appear smaller and uniform, similar to those commonly observed in reticular tissues, vessel walls and skin. Freeze-fracture also reveals these fibrils to have different subfibrillar architectures, straight or helical, which correspond to 2 distinct forms of collagen fibril previously described (Raspanti et al. 1989). The other extracellular matrix components also vary with the particular collagen fibril structure. Despite their common embryological derivation, the dura mater, optic nerve sheath and sclera exhibit diversification of their extracellular matrix consistent with the mechanical loads to which these tissues are subjected. Our observations indicate that the outermost sheath of the optic nerve resembles the epineurium of peripheral nerves rather than the dura to which it is commonly likened.

  6. Methylation-based classification of benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

    PubMed

    Röhrich, Manuel; Koelsche, Christian; Schrimpf, Daniel; Capper, David; Sahm, Felix; Kratz, Annekathrin; Reuss, Jana; Hovestadt, Volker; Jones, David T W; Bewerunge-Hudler, Melanie; Becker, Albert; Weis, Joachim; Mawrin, Christian; Mittelbronn, Michel; Perry, Arie; Mautner, Victor-Felix; Mechtersheimer, Gunhild; Hartmann, Christian; Okuducu, Ali Fuat; Arp, Mirko; Seiz-Rosenhagen, Marcel; Hänggi, Daniel; Heim, Stefanie; Paulus, Werner; Schittenhelm, Jens; Ahmadi, Rezvan; Herold-Mende, Christel; Unterberg, Andreas; Pfister, Stefan M; von Deimling, Andreas; Reuss, David E

    2016-06-01

    The vast majority of peripheral nerve sheath tumors derive from the Schwann cell lineage and comprise diverse histological entities ranging from benign schwannomas and neurofibromas to high-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), each with several variants. There is increasing evidence for methylation profiling being able to delineate biologically relevant tumor groups even within the same cellular lineage. Therefore, we used DNA methylation arrays for methylome- and chromosomal profile-based characterization of 171 peripheral nerve sheath tumors. We analyzed 28 conventional high-grade MPNST, three malignant Triton tumors, six low-grade MPNST, four epithelioid MPNST, 33 neurofibromas (15 dermal, 8 intraneural, 10 plexiform), six atypical neurofibromas, 43 schwannomas (including 5 NF2 and 5 schwannomatosis associated cases), 11 cellular schwannomas, 10 melanotic schwannomas, 7 neurofibroma/schwannoma hybrid tumors, 10 nerve sheath myxomas and 10 ganglioneuromas. Schwannomas formed different epigenomic subgroups including a vestibular schwannoma subgroup. Cellular schwannomas were not distinct from conventional schwannomas. Nerve sheath myxomas and neurofibroma/schwannoma hybrid tumors were most similar to schwannomas. Dermal, intraneural and plexiform neurofibromas as well as ganglioneuromas all showed distinct methylation profiles. Atypical neurofibromas and low-grade MPNST were indistinguishable with a common methylation profile and frequent losses of CDKN2A. Epigenomic analysis finds two groups of conventional high-grade MPNST sharing a frequent loss of neurofibromin. The larger of the two groups shows an additional loss of trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). The smaller one retains H3K27me3 and is found in spinal locations. Sporadic MPNST with retained neurofibromin expression did not form an epigenetic group and most cases could be reclassified as cellular schwannomas or soft tissue sarcomas. Widespread immunohistochemical loss

  7. Extradural en-plaque spinal meningioma with intraneural invasion.

    PubMed

    Tuli, Jayshree; Drzymalski, Dan Michael; Lidov, Hart; Tuli, Sagun

    2012-01-01

    Extradural spinal meningiomas are rare. Our understanding of purely extradural spinal meningiomas is incomplete because most reports rarely differentiate purely extradural meningiomas from extradural meningiomas with an intradural component. Occasionally, reports have described involvement of the adjacent nerve root, but there has never been a description of an extradural meningioma that actually infiltrates the nerve root. A 42-year-old woman presented with progressive lower extremity weakness and numbness below T3 during the span of 4 months with imaging evidence of an extradural lesion compressing the cord from T4 through T6. Surgical resection revealed an extradural mass extending through the foramen at T5-6 and encompassing the cord and T5 root on the left. Pathologically, the lesion was a World Health Organization grade I meningioma with nerve root invasion and a concerning elevated mindbomb homolog 1 (MIB-1) of 9.4%. Purely extradural meningiomas are rare, and our case is one of the first to describe a patient with an extradural meningioma that actually infiltrates the nerve root. Extradural spinal meningiomas are usually not adherent to the dura, but only appear to be adherent or invade (as in our patient) the adjacent nerve root. They are easily mistaken preoperatively and grossly intraoperatively for malignant metastatic tumors and can change the proposed surgical treatment. The long-term prognosis remains uncertain, but our patient's last follow-up suggests a favorable prognosis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Pathology in practice: Peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a Shubunkin goldfish

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) have been detected in many fish species, including goldfish, several species of snapper, coho salmon, the bicolor damselfish, and rainbow smelt. They originate from neural crest cells and generally occur along the subcutaneous nerves. A viral etiology has bee...

  9. Novel Therapeutic Development of NF1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-08-01

    peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPSNT)”, 11/5/2015, SARC-CTOS (Connective Tissue Oncology Society) Symposium, Salt Lake City, Utah b) “PRC2 loss in...of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPSNT)”, 11/5/2015, SARC-CTOS (Connective Tissue Oncology Society) Symposium, Salt Lake City, Utah 2...Medical Oncology Service FROM: Roger S Wilson, MD Chairman, Institutional Review Board/Privacy Board-A DATE: 02/11/2016 RE: Protocol # 16-052 Your

  10. Ultrasound guided injection inside the common sheath of the sciatic nerve at division level has a higher success rate than an injection outside the sheath.

    PubMed

    Lopez, A M; Sala-Blanch, X; Castillo, R; Hadzic, A

    2014-01-01

    The recommendations for the level of injection and ideal placement of the needle tip required for successful ultrasound-guided sciatic popliteal block vary among authors. A hypothesis was made that, when the local anesthetic is injected at the division of the sciatic nerve within the common connective tissue sheath, the block has a higher success rate than an injection outside the sheath. Thirty-four patients scheduled for hallux valgus repair surgery were randomized to receive either a sub-sheath block (n=16) or a peri-sheath block (n=18) at the level of the division of the sciatic nerve at the popliteal fossa. For the sub-sheath block, the needle was advanced out of plane until the tip was positioned between the tibial and peroneal nerves, and local anesthetic was then injected without moving the needle. For the peri-sheath block, the needle was advanced out of plane both sides of the sciatic nerve, to surround the sheath. Mepivacaine 1.5% and levobupivacaine 0.5% 30mL were used in both groups. The progression of motor and sensory block was assessed at 5min intervals. Duration of block was recorded. Adequate surgical block was achieved in all patients in the subsheath group (100%) compared to 12 patients (67%) in the peri-sheath group at 30min. Sensory block was achieved faster in the subsheath than peri-sheath (9.1±7.4min vs. 19.0±4.0; p<.001). Our study suggests that for successful sciatic popliteal block in less than 30min, local anesthetic should be injected within the sheath. Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

  11. Genomic and Expression Profiling of Benign and Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumors in Neurofibromatosis Patients

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-05-01

    DAMD17-03-1-0297 Title: Genomic and Expression Pr ofiling of Benign and Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumors in Neurofibromatosis Patients...have determined the gene expression signature for benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and found that the major trend in transformation...However, EGFR data in soft tissue neoplasms is limited. Using a variety of benign and malignant spindle cell neoplasms, we assessed EGFR status by

  12. Ultrastructure of the extracellular matrix of bovine dura mater, optic nerve sheath and sclera.

    PubMed Central

    Raspanti, M; Marchini, M; Della Pasqua, V; Strocchi, R; Ruggeri, A

    1992-01-01

    The sclera, the outermost sheath of the optic nerve and the dura mater have been investigated histologically and ultrastructurally. Although these tissues appear very similar under the light microscope, being dense connective tissues mainly composed of collagen bundles and a limited amount of cells and elastic fibres, they exhibit subtle differences on electron microscopy. In the dura and sclera collagen appears in the form of large, nonuniform fibrils, similar to those commonly found in tendons, while in the optic nerve sheath the fibrils appear smaller and uniform, similar to those commonly observed in reticular tissues, vessel walls and skin. Freeze-fracture also reveals these fibrils to have different subfibrillar architectures, straight or helical, which correspond to 2 distinct forms of collagen fibril previously described (Raspanti et al. 1989). The other extracellular matrix components also vary with the particular collagen fibril structure. Despite their common embryological derivation, the dura mater, optic nerve sheath and sclera exhibit diversification of their extracellular matrix consistent with the mechanical loads to which these tissues are subjected. Our observations indicate that the outermost sheath of the optic nerve resembles the epineurium of peripheral nerves rather than the dura to which it is commonly likened. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 PMID:1295858

  13. Bedside Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Assessment in the Identification of Increased Intracranial Pressure in Suspected Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

    PubMed

    Irazuzta, Jose E; Brown, Martha E; Akhtar, Javed

    2016-01-01

    We determined whether the bedside assessment of the optic nerve sheath diameter could identify elevated intracranial pressure in individuals with suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This was a single-center, prospective, rater-blinded study performed in a freestanding pediatric teaching hospital. Patients aged 12 to 18 years scheduled for an elective lumbar puncture with the suspicion of idiopathic intracranial hypertension were eligible to participate. Optic nerve sheath diameter was measured via ultrasonography before performing a sedated lumbar puncture for measuring cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure. Abnormal measurements were predefined as optic nerve sheath diameter ≥4.5 mm and a cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure greater than 20 cmH2O. Thirteen patients participated in the study, 10 of whom had elevated intracranial pressure. Optic nerve sheath diameter was able to predict or rule out elevated intracranial pressure in all patients. Noninvasive assessment of the optic nerve sheath diameter could help to identify patients with elevated intracranial pressure when idiopathic intracranial hypertension is suspected. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Pediatric and adult vision restoration after optic nerve sheath decompression for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

    PubMed

    Bersani, Thomas A; Meeker, Austin R; Sismanis, Dimitrios N; Carruth, Bryant P

    2016-06-01

    To compare presentations of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and efficacy of optic nerve sheath decompression between adult and pediatric patients, a retrospective cohort study was completed All idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients undergoing optic nerve sheath decompression by one surgeon between 1991 and 2012 were included. Pre-operative and post-operative visual fields, visual acuity, color vision, and optic nerve appearance were compared between adult and pediatric (<18 years) populations. Outcome measures included percentage of patients with complications or requiring subsequent interventions. Thirty-one adults (46 eyes) and eleven pediatric patients (18 eyes) underwent optic nerve sheath decompression for vision loss from idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Mean deviation on visual field, visual acuity, color vision, and optic nerve appearance significantly improved across all subjects. Pre-operative mean deviation was significantly worse in children compared to adults (p=0.043); there was no difference in mean deviation post-operatively (p=0.838). Significantly more pediatric eyes (6) presented with light perception only or no light perception than adult eyes (0) (p=0.001). Pre-operative color vision performance in children (19%) was significantly worse than in adults (46%) (p=0.026). Percentage of patients with complications or requiring subsequent interventions did not differ between groups. The consistent improvement after surgery and low rate of complications suggest optic nerve sheath decompression is safe and effective in managing vision loss due to adult and pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Given the advanced pre-operative visual deficits seen in children, one might consider a higher index of suspicion in diagnosing, and earlier surgical intervention in treating pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

  15. Meningioma Causing Visual Impairment: Outcomes and Toxicity After Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Maclean, Jillian, E-mail: jillian.maclean@uclh.nhs.uk; Fersht, Naomi; Bremner, Fion

    2013-03-15

    Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmologic outcomes and toxicity of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with meningiomas causing visual deficits. Methods and Materials: A prospective observational study with formal ophthalmologic and clinical assessment of 30 consecutive cases of meningioma affecting vision treated with IMRT from 2007 to 2011. Prescriptions were 50.4 Gy to mean target dose in 28 daily fractions. The median follow-up time was 28 months. Twenty-six meningiomas affected the anterior visual pathway (including 3 optic nerve sheath meningiomas); 4 were posterior to the chiasm. Results: Vision improved objectively in 12 patients (40%). Improvements were in visual field (5/16more » patients), color vision (4/9 patients), acuity (1/15 patients), extraocular movements (3/11 patients), ptosis (1/5 patients), and proptosis (2/6 patients). No predictors of clinical response were found. Two patients had minor reductions in tumor dimensions on magnetic resonance imaging, 1 patient had radiological progression, and the other patients were stable. One patient experienced grade 2 keratitis, 1 patient had a minor visual field loss, and 5 patients had grade 1 dry eye. Conclusion: IMRT is an effective method for treating meningiomas causing ophthalmologic deficits, and toxicity is minimal. Thorough ophthalmologic assessment is important because clinical responses often occur in the absence of radiological change.« less

  16. Optic nerve sheath fenestration using a Raman-shifted alexandrite laser

    PubMed Central

    Kozub, John; Shen, Jin-H.; Joos, Karen M.; Prasad, Ratna; Hutson, M. Shane

    2016-01-01

    Background and Objective Optic nerve sheath fenestration is an established procedure for relief of potentially damaging overpressure on the optic nerve resulting from idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Prior work showed that a mid-IR free-electron laser could be delivered endoscopically and used to produce an effective fenestration. This study evaluates the efficacy of fenestration using a table-top mid-IR source based on a Raman-shifted alexandrite (RSA) laser. Study Design/Materials and Methods Porcine optic nerves were ablated using light from an RSA laser at wavelengths of 6.09, 6.27 and 6.43 μm and pulse energies up to 3 mJ using both free-space and endoscopic beam delivery through 250-μm I.D. hollow-glass waveguides. Waveguide transmission was characterized, ablation thresholds and etch rates were measured, and the efficacy of endoscopic fenestration was evaluated for ex vivo exposures using both optical coherence tomography and histological analysis. Results Using endoscopic delivery, the RSA laser can effectively fenestrate porcine optic nerves. Performance was optimized at a wavelength of 6.09 μm and delivered pulse energies of 0.5-0.8 mJ (requiring 1.5-2.5 mJ to be incident on the waveguide). Under these conditions, the ablation threshold fluence was 0.8 ± 0.2 J/cm2, the ablation rate was 1-4 μm/pulse, and the margins of ablation craters showed little evidence of thermal or mechanical damage. Nonetheless, nominally identical exposures yielded highly variable ablation rates. This led to fenestrations that ranged from too deep to too shallow – either damaging the underlying optic nerve or requiring additional exposure to cut fully through the sheath. Of 48 excised nerves subjected to fenestration at 6.09 μm, 16 ex vivo fenestrations were judged as good, 23 as too deep, and 9 as too shallow. Conclusions Mid-IR pulses from the RSA laser, propagated through a flexible hollow waveguide, are capable of cutting through porcine optic nerve sheaths in

  17. Microgravity-Driven Optic Nerve/Sheath Biomechanics Simulations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ethier, C. R.; Feola, A.; Myers, J. G.; Nelson, E.; Raykin, J.; Samuels, B.

    2016-01-01

    Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome is a concern for long-duration space flight. Current thinking suggests that the ocular changes observed in VIIP syndrome are related to cephalad fluid shifts resulting in altered fluid pressures [1]. In particular, we hypothesize that increased intracranial pressure (ICP) drives connective tissue remodeling of the posterior eye and optic nerve sheath (ONS). We describe here finite element (FE) modeling designed to understand how altered pressures, particularly altered ICP, affect the tissues of the posterior eye and optic nerve sheath (ONS) in VIIP. METHODS: Additional description of the modeling methodology is provided in the companion IWS abstract by Feola et al. In brief, a geometric model of the posterior eye and optic nerve, including the ONS, was created and the effects of fluid pressures on tissue deformations were simulated. We considered three ICP scenarios: an elevated ICP assumed to occur in chronic microgravity, and ICP in the upright and supine positions on earth. Within each scenario we used Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) to consider a range of ICPs, ONH tissue mechanical properties, intraocular pressures (IOPs) and mean arterial pressures (MAPs). The outcome measures were biomechanical strains in the lamina cribrosa, optic nerve and retina; here we focus on peak values of these strains, since elevated strain alters cell phenotype and induce tissue remodeling. In 3D, the strain field can be decomposed into three orthogonal components, denoted as first, second and third principal strains. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: For baseline material properties, increasing ICP from 0 to 20 mmHg significantly changed strains within the posterior eye and ONS (Fig. 1), indicating that elevated ICP affects ocular tissue biomechanics. Notably, strains in the lamina cribrosa and retina became less extreme as ICP increased; however, within the optic nerve, the occurrence of such extreme strains greatly increased as

  18. Cytologic appearance of retinal cells included in a fine-needle aspirate of a meningioma around the optic nerve of a dog.

    PubMed

    Tvedten, Harold; Hillström, Anna

    2013-06-01

    A 6-year-old Wirehair Dachshund had a meningioma around the optic nerve that caused exophthalmos. A benign mesenchymal tumor was suspected based on the cytologic pattern of a fine-needle aspirate, and a meningioma was diagnosed by histopathologic examination. In addition to the meningioma cells, the cytologic smears included groups of cells from apparently 4 layers of normal retina. In particular, uniform rod-shaped structures in the cytologic sample could suggest rod-shaped bacteria, but these structures were identified as cylindrical outer segments of photoreceptor rod cells. Other retinal structures recognized included pigmented epithelial layer cells with their uniquely formed pigment granules, the characteristic bi-lobed, cleaved nuclei from the outer nuclear layer, and nerve tissue likely from the outer plexiform layer of the retina. © 2013 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

  19. Convection-Enhanced Delivery (CED) in an Animal Model of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath (MPNST) Tumors and Plexiform Neurofibromas (PN)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-01

    TITLE: Convection-Enhanced Delivery ( CED ) in an Animal Model of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath ( MPNST ) Tumors and Plexiform Neurofibromas (PN...within the sciatic nerve. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Convection-Enhanced Delivery ( CED ), Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath ( MPNST ), Plexiform Neurofibromas...determine the distribution of macromolecules delivered to intraneural PNs and MPNST via CED . Design: Orthotopic xenograft models of sciatic intraneural

  20. Metastatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Unknown Origin Arising in the Femoral Nerve Sheath.

    PubMed

    Candy, Nicholas; Young, Adam; Allinson, Kieren; Carr, Oliver; McMillen, Jason; Trivedi, Rikin

    2017-08-01

    Metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown origin is a rare condition, usually presenting with lesions in the liver and/or lung. We present the first reported case of a metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown origin arising in the femoral nerve sheath. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated what was thought to be a schwannoma in the left femoral nerve sheath in the proximal femoral triangle, immediately inferior to the anterior inferior iliac spine. At the time of operation, the tumor capsule was invading surrounding tissue, as well as three trunks of the femoral nerve. The patient underwent a subtotal resection, preserving the integrity of the residual functioning femoral nerve trunks. Histologic evaluation determined that the tumor had features consistent with a metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary origin. The patient recovered well postoperatively, and subsequent radiologic evaluation failed to demonstrate a potential primary site. Unfortunately, the patient re-presented with disease progression and was subsequently referred to palliative care. We recommend that there is a definite role for surgery in the management of solitary neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown origin. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Optic Nerve Atrophy Due to Long-Standing Compression by Planum Sphenoidale Meningioma.

    PubMed

    Di Somma, Alberto; Kaen, Ariel Matias; Cárdenas Ruiz-Valdepeñas, Eugenio; Cavallo, Luigi Maria

    2018-05-01

    In this study we report an uncommon endoscopic endonasal image of an atrophic optic nerve as seen after surgical removal of a suprasellar meningioma. The peculiarity of this case is the long-lasting underestimated ocular symptomatology of the patient who reported a 15-year history of impairment of vision on her left eye. A 51-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of a 15-year history of impairment of vision on her left eye. After making serendipitously the diagnosis of a suprasellar mass, we performed endoscopic endonasal surgery. The tumor was reached from below and removed safely, without manipulation of the optic pathways. At the end of tumor removal, the impressive left optic nerve atrophy due to enduring local tumor compression was visualized. To the best of our knowledge, no endoscopic endonasal image with such features has been provided in the pertinent literature. Possibly, this contribution will help identify damaged optic nerves during endoscopic endonasal surgery. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Acute optic nerve sheath fenestration in humans using the free electron laser (FEL): a case report

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Joos, Karen M.; Mawn, Louise A.; Shen, Jin-Hui; Jansen, E. Duco; Casagrande, Vivien A.

    2002-06-01

    Our previous studies using rabbits and monkeys showed that the Amide II wavelength (6.45 micrometers ) produced by the FEL could efficiently produce an optic nerve sheath fenestration with minimal damage. In order to determine if the technology safely could be applied to human surgery, we used 2 blind human eyes during enucleation to compare the results of producing fenestrations with the FEL or a scissors. FDA and Vanderbilt IRB approvals, and individual patient consents were obtained. The FEL energy was transmitted to a human operating room. After disinsertion of the medial rectus muscle, an optic nerve sheath fenestration (2 mm diameter) was made with either the FEL (6.45 micrometers , 325 micrometers spot size, 30 Hz, 3 mJ) through a hollow waveguide surgical probe or with a scissors. The enucleation was then completed. The optic nerve was dissected from the globe and fixed. Specimens were examined histologically. Dural incisions were effective with both methods. FEL energy at 6.45 micrometers can be transmitted to an operating room and delivered to human ocular tissue through a hollow waveguide surgical probe. This FEL wavelength can produce an optic nerve sheath fenestration without acute direct damage to the nerve in this case report.

  3. Assessing the permeability of the rat sciatic nerve epineural sheath against compounds with local anesthetic activity: an ex vivo electrophysiological study.

    PubMed

    Kagiava, Alexia; Theophilidis, George

    2013-10-01

    Abstract Studies have shown that the sciatic nerve epineural sheath acts as a barrier and has a delaying effect on the diffusion of local anesthetics into the nerve fibers and endoneurium. The purpose of this work is to assess and to quantify the permeability of the epineural sheath. For this purpose, we isolated the rat sciatic nerve in a three-chamber recording bath that allowed us to monitor the constant in amplitude evoked nerve compound action potential (nCAP) for over 24 h. For nerves exposed to the compounds under investigation, we estimated the IT50 the time required to inhibit the nCAP to 50% of its initial value. For desheathed nerves, the half-vitality time was denoted as IT50(-) and for the ensheath normal nerves as IT50(+). There was no significant difference between the IT50 of desheathed and ensheathed nerves exposed to normal saline. The IT50(-) for nerves exposed to 40 mM lidocaine was 12.1 ± 0.95 s (n=14) and the IT50(+) was 341.4 ± 2.49 s (n=6). The permeability (P) coefficient of the epineural sheath was defined as the ratio IT50(+)/IT50(-). The P coefficient for 40 mM lidocaine and linalool was 28.2 and 3.48, correspondingly, and for 30 mM 2-heptanone was 4.87. This is an indication that the epineural sheath provided a stronger barrier against lidocaine, compared to natural local anesthetics, linalool and 2-heptanone. The methodology presented here is a useful tool for studying epineural sheath permeability to compounds with local anesthetic properties.

  4. A compound scaffold with uniform longitudinally oriented guidance cues and a porous sheath promotes peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo.

    PubMed

    Huang, Liangliang; Zhu, Lei; Shi, Xiaowei; Xia, Bing; Liu, Zhongyang; Zhu, Shu; Yang, Yafeng; Ma, Teng; Cheng, Pengzhen; Luo, Kai; Huang, Jinghui; Luo, Zhuojing

    2018-03-01

    Scaffolds with inner fillers that convey directional guidance cues represent promising candidates for nerve repair. However, incorrect positioning or non-uniform distribution of intraluminal fillers might result in regeneration failure. In addition, proper porosity (to enhance nutrient and oxygen exchange but prevent fibroblast infiltration) and mechanical properties (to ensure fixation and to protect regenerating axons from compression) of the outer sheath are also highly important for constructing advanced nerve scaffolds. In this study, we constructed a compound scaffold using a stage-wise strategy, including directionally freezing orientated collagen-chitosan (O-CCH) filler, electrospinning poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) sheaths and assembling O-CCH/PCL scaffolds. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical tests, a blend of collagen/chitosan (1:1) was selected for filler fabrication, and a wall thickness of 400 μm was selected for PCL sheath production. SEM and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction further revealed that the O-CCH filler exhibited a uniform, longitudinally oriented microstructure (over 85% of pores were 20-50 μm in diameter). The electrospun PCL porous sheath with pore sizes of 6.5 ± 3.3 μm prevented fibroblast invasion. The PCL sheath exhibited comparable mechanical properties to commercially available nerve conduits, and the O-CCH filler showed a physiologically relevant substrate stiffness of 2.0 ± 0.4 kPa. The differential degradation time of the filler and sheath allows the O-CCH/PCL scaffold to protect regenerating axons from compression stress while providing enough space for regenerating nerves. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the O-CCH/PCL scaffolds could promote axonal regeneration and Schwann cell migration. More importantly, functional results indicated that the CCH/PCL compound scaffold induced comparable functional recovery to that of the autograft group at the end of the study. Our

  5. Epithelioid variant of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (malignant schwannoma) of the urinary bladder.

    PubMed

    Eltoum, I A; Moore, R J; Cook, W; Crowe, D R; Rodgers, W H; Siegal, G P

    1999-10-01

    Sarcoma represents less than 2% of all neoplasms diagnosed or recognized in effusions. Epithelioid peripheral nerve sheath tumor is a rare tumor that is difficult to differentiate from other epithelioid tumors without the use of ancillary studies. A 39-year-old paraplegic man presented with hematuria and a bladder mass that extended to involve the pelvic peritoneum. Light microscopy using hematoxylin-eosin, Papanicolaou, and immunohistochemical stains as well as transmission electron microscopy showed features of epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with rhabdoid features and an accompanying eosinophilic infiltrate. Cytologic smears confirmed the similarities between the primary tumor in the bladder and the cells in the pelvic fluid and excluded the possibility of reactive changes related to postsurgical radiation. Ancillary studies were critical in narrowing the differential diagnoses and reaching the final conclusion.

  6. High resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the optic nerve and the optic nerve sheath: anatomic correlation and clinical importance.

    PubMed

    Steinborn, M; Fiegler, J; Kraus, V; Denne, C; Hapfelmeier, A; Wurzinger, L; Hahn, H

    2011-12-01

    We performed a cadaver study to evaluate the accuracy of measurements of the optic nerve and the optic nerve sheath for high resolution US (HRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Five Thiel-fixated cadaver specimens of the optic nerve were examined with HRUS and MRI. Measurements of the optic nerve and the ONSD were performed before and after the filling of the optic nerve sheath with saline solution. Statistical analysis included the calculation of the agreement of measurements and the evaluation of the intraobserver and interobserver variation. Overall a good correlation of measurement values between HRUS and MRI can be found (mean difference: 0.02-0.97 mm). The repeatability coefficient (RC) and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) values were good to excellent for most acquisitions (RC 0.2-1.11 mm; CCC 0.684-0.949). The highest variation of measurement values was found for transbulbar sonography (RC 0.58-1.83 mm; CCC 0.615/0.608). If decisive anatomic structures are clearly depicted and the measuring points are set correctly, there is a good correlation between HRUS and MRI measurements of the optic nerve and the ONSD even on transbulbar sonography. As most of the standard and cut-off values that have been published for ultrasound are significantly lower than the results obtained with MRI, a reevaluation of sonographic ONSD measurement with correlation to MRI is necessary. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  7. Canine orbital meningiomas: a review of 22 cases.

    PubMed

    Mauldin, E.A.; Deehr, A.J.; Hertzke, D.; Dubielzig, R.R.

    2000-01-01

    Clinical and pathologic features of primary orbital meningiomas in the dog were reviewed. Twenty-two meningiomas, confined to the orbit, were identified from the Comparative Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin from 1981 to 1997. The dogs ranged in age from 3 to 17 years (mean = 9.2 years). The clinical presentation, reported in 20 cases, was indicative of a retrobulbar mass and included exophthalmos and orbital swelling (18/20), and papilledema or abnormalities of the posterior segment (7/20). Visual acuity was reported in 15 cases; of those, 12 dogs were blind in the affected eye. Follow-up information was obtained on 17 cases; six dogs developed local recurrence of the neoplasm. Two dogs with recurrent neoplasms simultaneously developed blindness in the opposite eye. Extension along the optic nerve to the optic chiasm was suspected. No metastasis was found at the time of the study. Enucleation with excisional biopsy was effective therapy to date in 11 cases (0.2-4.5 years follow-up time). All neoplasms were located within the vicinity of the optic nerve and, when sectioned through the optic nerve head, appeared to completely envelope the nerve. The neoplastic cells were arranged in tight whorls and bundles characteristic of meningiomas. Most tumors had islands of chondroid and osseous metaplasia (17/22). Ocular invasion was limited to small foci in the posterior choroid or optic nerve head of six dogs. Immunoperoxidase stains on 10 cases were positive for vimentin and S-100, but negative for cytokeratin. Electron microscopy revealed complex interdigitations between cell membranes and few desmosomal intercellular attachments. Primary orbital meningiomas have a characteristic histologic appearance and may recur locally after surgical excision.

  8. Malignant nerve sheath tumor involving glossopharyngeal, vagus and spinal nerve with intracranial-extracranial extension and systemic metastases in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis: A case report.

    PubMed

    Guerra-Mora, José Raúl; Del Castillo-Calcáneo, Juan D; Córdoba-Mosqueda, María Elena; Yáñez-Castro, Jorge; García-González, Ulises; Soriano-Navarro, Eduardo; Llamas-Ceras, Leticia; Vicuña-González, Rosa María

    2016-01-01

    Intracranial malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are an extremely rare pathology with a high morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological, clinical and prognostic data are scarce and with little certainty in the literature. The aim of this paper is to report for first time in English literature, the case of a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis, who presented a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor that involved the left glossopharyngeal, vagus and spinal nerves with intracranial and extracranial extension through jugular foramen and systemic metastases. A 37 years-old female patient with malnutrition and Villaret́s syndrome. It was confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging and PET-CT the presence of a neoplasic lesion which was radiologically compatible with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with systemic metastases. Partial surgical resection was performed; the patient postoperative course was without significant clinical improvement but with added peripheral facial palsy. The patient did not accept adjuvant management because of personal reasons. Behavior therapy is unclear due to the low frequency of the disease and the lack of case series, representing a challenge for the physician in its approach and a poor prognosis for the patient. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  9. Characterization of the Biomechanical Behavior of the Optic Nerve Sheath

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Raykin, Julia; Wang, Roy; Forte, Taylor E.; Feola, Andrew; Samuels, Brian; Myers, Jerry; Nelson, Emily; Gleason, Rudy; Ethier, C. Ross

    2016-01-01

    A major priority in current space medicine research is to characterize the mechanisms in Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome, a group of ophthalmic changes that occur in some astronauts following long-duration spaceflight [1]. It is hypothesized that microgravity-induced cephalad fluid shifts lead to increases in intracranial pressure (ICP), which drives maladaptive remodeling of the optic nerve sheath (ONS). In this study, we investigated the effects of mechanical loading on the porcine ONS to better understand the mechanical response of the ONS to increased ICP.

  10. CASE SERIES: Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in the Course of the Mandibular Nerve.

    PubMed

    Monika, Probst; Steffen, Koerdt; Maximilian, Ritschl Lucas; Oliver, Bissinger; Friederike, Liesche; Jens, Gempt; Bernhard, Meyer; Egon, Burian; Nina, Lummel; Andreas, Kolk

    2018-06-05

    Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are infiltrating, aggressive tumors belonging to the group of soft tissue sarcomas. This report refers to three patients with a tumorous swelling in the entire inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) with similar disease courses suspect for a MPNST, which is particularly rare in the trigeminal nerve. Diagnostic tools, surgical proceedings and reconstructive procedures were highlighted. Three male patients (58-68 years), who suffered from numbness, pain and mild swelling in the sensation area served by the mental nerve presented at the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and underwent diagnostic workup including CT, MRI, F18-PET-CT, as well as a biopsy of the clinical visible tumor mass with histopathological and molecular pathological analysis. MR imaging revealed the full extent of the tumor comprising the course of the entire mandibular nerve (one case bilateral) starting in the trigeminal ganglion through the IAN and ending in the mental foramen. Hence, both a neurosurgical and maxillofacial intervention with jaw replacement were necessary. Adjuvant radiation of the intracranial closed resection margins, and in one case of parts of the mandible was required. In order to reveal the full extent of tumor spread of MPNSTs sufficient preoperative imaging is crucial as it is an important step in therapy planning. MRI and PET-CT are the imaging modalities with the best prospect of success in depicting the whole extent of the disease. Radical surgical management is the treatment of choice whereas radiochemotherapy shows an ancillary part. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Convection-Enhanced Delivery (CED) in an Animal Model of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors and Plexiform Neurofibromas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-02-01

    successfully establish the xenograft within the sciatic nerve. Convection-Enhanced Delivery ( CED ), Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath ( MPNST ), Plexiform...intraneural PNs and MPNST via CED . Design: Orthotopic xenograft models of sciatic intraneural NF1 MPNST and PNs in scid mice as described by Perrin et...using convection-enhanced delivery ( CED ). Relative Growth of MPNST cells in vivo treated with rapamycin, imatinib or erlotinib: Elotinib

  12. The effect of interleukin-2 on canine peripheral nerve sheath tumours after marginal surgical excision: a double-blind randomized study

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on outcomes of intraoperative recombinant human interleukin-2 injection after surgical resection of peripheral nerve sheath tumours. In this double-blind trial, 40 patients due to undergo surgical excision (<5 mm margins) of presumed peripheral nerve sheath tumours were randomized to receive intraoperative injection of interleukin-2 or placebo into the wound bed. Results There were no significant differences in any variable investigated or in median survival between the two groups. The median recurrence free interval was 874 days (range 48–2141 days), The recurrence-free interval and overall survival time were significantly longer in dogs that undergone the primary surgery by a specialist-certified surgeon compared to a referring veterinarian regardless of whether additional adjunct therapy was given. Conclusion Overall, marginal excision of peripheral nerve sheath tumours in dogs resulted in a long survival time, but adjuvant treatment with recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) did not provide a survival advantage. PMID:23927575

  13. Receptor Tyrosine Kinases as Targets for Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in NF 1 Patients

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    EGFR patterns by interphase cytogenetics (FISH) in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) and morphologically similar spindle cell neoplasms ...Armstrong,F., Delsol,G., Dastugue,N. and Brousset,P. (2003) Chronic myeloproliferative disorders with rearrangement of the platelet-derived growth

  14. P02.05 Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Epidemiology in the South Central Hospital of High Specialty from PEMEX in Mexico

    PubMed Central

    Guerra Mora, J.; Cordoba Mosqueda, M.; Hernandez Resendiz, R.; Loya Aguilar, I.; Vicuña Gonzalez, R.; Garcia Gonzalez, U.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Introduction: The peripheral sheath tumors are part of a large group of neoplasms that range from biologically benign with minimal disorders in life quality to highly malign with life quality deterioration and high mortality. There are subtypes with high prevalence like Schwannomas and some much rarer like the intracranial peripheral nerve sheath tumor which happen to have very bad prognosis. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with peripheral nerve sheat tumors in a hospital of high specialty. Method and materials: Observational study with patients from March 1999 to March 2016 with confirmed diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the electronic files of the South Central Hospital of High Specialty PEMEX. A statistical analysis is made through the SPSS Statistics of the disease in this Institution program. Results: There were 84 patients with the diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumor with a median age of 48.04 years, 65.5% were males, the most common histological type found was the Schwannoma with a 72.6%, followed by senescent Schwannoma 13.1%, neurofibroma 8.3%, and malign peripheral nerve sheath tumor 2.4%. The most frequent location was at the site of cranial nerves, followed by cervical level 27.4%, lumbar 16.7% and thoracic 9.5%. The most common initial symptom was pain in 23.8% of the patients, and the time of the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis was 31.6 months. From the total of patients 8.3% had neurofibromatosis type 1, 6.0% neurofibromatosis type 2. Conclusions: We realized in our series of reported cases that the frequency is similar to those reported in worldwide population; nevertheless the time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis is much higher in our cases as well as the population of patients with neurofibromatosis. This study justifies the need of attention quality improvement and the knowledge of this information the medical doctor of first

  15. Primary extracranial meningioma of the mandible.

    PubMed

    Mosqueda-Taylor, Adalberto; Domínguez-Malagon, Hugo; Cano-Valdez, Ana-Maria; Montiel-Hernandez, Ana-Maria

    2009-04-01

    Meningiomas are benign tumors of mesodermal origin that arise from arachnoid cell clusters that penetrate the dura to form arachnoid villi. These neoplasms represent one of the most common neoplasms developing within the central nervous system and are usually located at points of entry of vessels and nerves through the dura. Extracranial meningiomas (EM) comprise only 2% of all meningiomas, and only six cases of primary EM of the jawbones have been described to date. They may arise as an extension of intracranial meningiomas or as primary tumors and may be clinically indistinguishable from other benign tumours of the jaws, as they usually present as a well-delineated unencapsulated tumors. In this article a case of primary intramandibular primary EM that appeared as a well-defined osteolytic radiolucent lesion of the jaw is reported. The salient clinico-pathological features of this case is compared to those previously reported in the literature and differential diagnosis and therapeutic considerations are discussed.

  16. Prevention and Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-04-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0073 TITLE: Prevention and Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath...Annual 3. DATES COVERED 1 Apr 2014 - 31 Mar 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Prevention and Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1- 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER...Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The most common cause of death in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) patients is

  17. Retrobulbar pigmented peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a dog.

    PubMed

    Curto, Elizabeth; Clode, Alison B; Durrant, Jessica; Montgomery, Keith W; Gilger, Brian C

    2016-11-01

    A 1-year-old male castrated Pug was referred for unilateral exophthalmos unresponsive to oral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy. Clinical findings included exophthalmos of the left eye with lateral strabismus, resistance to retropulsion, and an elevated nictitans. Hematologic and biochemical analyses were within normal limits. Findings following computed tomography (CT) of the head included an expansile retrobulbar soft tissue mass with bony lysis extending into the left nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates and biopsy samples obtained via rhinoscopy were nondiagnostic. Palliative exenteration was elected; the patient was euthanized 13 weeks following exenteration due to development of neurologic signs and perceived poor quality of life. The histopathologic diagnosis was a malignant pigmented peripheral nerve sheath tumor. © 2015 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

  18. Diagnostic Quality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Interpretation for Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: Can Malignancy Be Determined?

    PubMed

    Karsy, Michael; Guan, Jian; Ravindra, Vijay M; Stilwill, Sarah; Mahan, Mark A

    2016-11-01

    Background Optimal management of peripheral nerve sheath tumors including neurofibromas, schwannomas, and malignant peripheral sheath tumors (MPNSTs) is predicated on knowing the specific pathology. Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) has the potential to provide insight in the tumor type, yet imprecision in diagnosis remains. We assessed the accuracy of preoperative imaging diagnoses by comparing them with postoperative histopathologic diagnoses. We specifically focus on erroneous diagnosis of MPNSTs. Methods We reviewed all pathologically confirmed cases of nerve sheath tumors treated at our institution retrospectively from 2007 to 2015. Pre- and postoperative imaging data were reviewed for imaging-based diagnosis and compared with postresection pathologic diagnosis. Results The study included 127 patients: 82 diagnosed with neurofibroma, 17 with schwannoma, 24 with MPNST, and 4 with other histology types. A mean age of 40.8 ± 20.4 years, mean tumor size of 4.3 ± 3.6 cm, and mean follow-up of 29.1 ± 21.6 months were recorded. A family history of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) was seen in 58 patients (46%). A discordant diagnosis from preoperative imaging and postoperative pathology was found in 65 individuals (51%). Most discordant diagnoses ( n  = 34) were inconclusive interpretation of preoperative imaging; however, 10 patients were diagnosed with a benign or unknown lesion on preoperative imaging but had an MPNST on histopathology. Patients with MPNST were more likely than those with benign pathologies to have larger lesions (7.6 ± 4.8 cm versus 3.5 ± 3.3 cm; p  = 0.004); however, a statistically acceptable threshold value could not be found to separate benign from malignant lesions. Clinical factors, such as NF1 status, did not meaningfully improve preoperative diagnosis. Conclusions These results suggest that routine MRI is insufficient to guide surgical decision making reliably. Additional imaging techniques may be necessary

  19. Prevention and Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-04-01

    Page 1 AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0073 TITLE: Prevention and Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral...COVERED 04/01/2015 to 03/31/2016 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Prevention and Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1- 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-14-1-0073...ABSTRACT The most common cause of death in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) patients is malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). MPNSTs are

  20. Patients affected by endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Colombia, South America exhibit autoantibodies to optic nerve sheath envelope cell junctions.

    PubMed

    Abreu-Velez, Ana Maria; Gao, Wendy; Howard, Michael S

    2018-01-01

    The majority of the patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia (El Bagre EPF or pemphigus Abreu-Manu), have experienced vision problems; we have previously reported several ocular abnormalities. Here, we aimed to investigate reactivity to optic nerves in these patients. We utilized bovine, rat and mouse optic nerves, and performed immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy to test for optical nerve autoreactivity. We tested 45 patients affected by this disease and 45 controls from the endemic area matched by age, sex and work activity. Overall, 37 of the 45 patient sera reacted to the optic nerve envelope that is composed of leptomeninges; the reactivity was polyclonal and present mostly at the cell junctions (P < 0.001). The immune response was directed against optic nerve sheath cell junctions and the vessels inside it, as well as other molecules inside the nerve. No control cases were positive. Of interest, all the patient autoantibodies co-localized with commercial antibodies to desmoplakins I-II, myocardium-enriched zonula occludens-1- associated protein (MYZAP), armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (ARVCF), and plakophilin-4 (p0071) from Progen Biotechnik (P < 0.001). We conclude that the majority of the patients affected by pemphigus Abreu-Manu have autoantibodies to optic nerve sheath envelope cell junctions. These antibodies also co-localize with armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome, p0071 and desmoplakins I-II. The clinical significance of our findings remains unknown.

  1. High dose hypofractionated frameless volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy is a feasible method for treating canine trigeminal nerve sheath tumors.

    PubMed

    Dolera, Mario; Malfassi, Luca; Marcarini, Silvia; Mazza, Giovanni; Carrara, Nancy; Pavesi, Simone; Sala, Massimo; Finesso, Sara; Urso, Gaetano

    2018-06-08

    The aim of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of curative intent high dose hypofractionated frameless volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for treatment of canine trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Client-owned dogs with a presumptive imaging-based diagnosis of trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumor were recruited for the study during the period of February 2010 to December 2013. Seven dogs were enrolled and treated with high dose hypofractionated volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy delivered by a 6 MV linear accelerator equipped with a micro-multileaf beam collimator. The plans were computed using a Monte Carlo algorithm with a prescription dose of 37 Gy delivered in five fractions on alternate days. Overall survival was estimated using a Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up examinations revealed complete response in one dog, partial response in four dogs, and stable disease in two dogs. Median overall survival was 952 days with a 95% confidence interval of 543-1361 days. Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy was demonstrated to be feasible and effective for trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumor treatment in this sample of dogs. The technique required few sedations and spared organs at risk. Even though larger studies are required, these preliminary results supported the use of high dose hypofractionated volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy as an alternative to other treatment modalities. © 2018 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

  2. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumors in 4 dogs

    PubMed Central

    da Costa, Ronaldo C.; Parent, Joane M.; Dobson, Howard; Ruotsalo, Kristiina; Holmberg, David; Duque, M. Carolina; Poma, Roberto

    2008-01-01

    Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was used in establishing the diagnosis in 4 cases of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Sonographic and cytologic characteristics are discussed. Because of its availability and ease of use, axillary ultrasonography with fine needle aspiration can be an initial diagnostic step for suspected brachial plexus tumors. PMID:18320983

  3. [Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with perineural differentiation (malignant perineurinoma) of the cervix uteri].

    PubMed

    Dolzhikov, A A; Mukhina, T S

    2014-01-01

    The paper describes a case of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with perineural differentiation and at the rare site of the cervix uteri in a 57-year-old patient. The diagnosis was established on the basis of extensive immunohistochemical examination, by excluding the similar neoplasms and detecting an immunophenotype characteristic of perineural differentiation. There are data available in the literature on the morphological and immunophenotypical characteristics of this tumor.

  4. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the third eyelid in a 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback

    PubMed Central

    vom Hagen, Franziska; Romkes, Gwendolyna; Kershaw, Olivia; Eule, J Corinna

    2015-01-01

    Key Clinical Message A 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented with conjunctivitis, enlargement of the third eyelid and a dorsotemporal deviation of the right eye. A mass within the third eyelid was detected and excised. The histopathologic examination showed a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, which most likely is a neurofibrosarcoma based on immunohistochemistry. PMID:25678975

  5. Multiple meningiomas consisting of fibrous meningioma, transitional meningioma, and meningotheliomatous meningioma in one adult patient

    PubMed Central

    Yudoyono, Farid; Sidabutar, Roland; Arifin, Muhammad Zafrullah; Faried, Ahmad

    2015-01-01

    Multiple histopathology of meningioma is a condition in which the patient has more than one histopathology feature of meningioma in different intracranial locations, with or without sign of neurofibromatosis. Meningiomas are the most common, non-glial, primitive intracranial tumors; their prevalence among operated tumors is around 13–19%. They may occur at any age, but have a peak incidence around 45 years of age. The incidence of multiple intracranial meningiomas varies from 1% to 10% in different series, and the frequency of multiple meningiomas without neurofibromatosis was reported to be <3%. PMID:26425174

  6. Optic Nerve Sheath Mechanics and Permeability in VIIP Syndrome

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Raykin, Julia; Best, Lauren; Gleason, Rudy; Mulugeta, Lealem; Myers, Jerry; Nelson, Emily; Samuels, Brian C.; Ethier, C. R.

    2014-01-01

    Long-duration space flight carries the risk of developing Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome, a spectrum of ophthalmic changes including posterior globe flattening, choroidal folds, distension of the optic nerve sheath (ONS), optic nerve kinking and potentially permanent degradation of visual function. The slow onset of VIIP, its chronic nature, and certain clinical features strongly suggest that biomechanical factors acting on the ONS play a role in VIIP. Here we measure several relevant ONS properties needed to model VIIP biomechanics. The ONS (meninges) of fresh porcine eyes (n7) was reflected, the nerve proper was truncated near the sclera, and the meninges were repositioned to create a hollow cylinder of meningeal connective tissue attached to the posterior sclera. The distal end was cannulated, sealed, and pressure clamped (mimicking cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] pressure), while the eye was also cannulated for independent control of intraocular pressure (IOP). The meninges were inflated (CSF pressure cycling 7-50 mmHg) while ONS outer diameter was imaged. In another set of experiments (n4), fluid permeation rate across the meninges was recorded by observing the drainage of an elevated fluid reservoir (30 mmHg) connected to the meninges. The ONS showed behavior typical of soft tissues: viscoelasticity, with hysteresis in early preconditioning cycles and repeatable behavior after 4 cycles, and nonlinear stiffening, particularly at CSF pressures 15 mmHg (Figure). Tangent moduli measured from the loading curve were 372 101, 1199 358, and 2050 379 kPa (mean SEM) at CSF pressures of 7, 15 and 30 mmHg, respectively. Flow rate measurements through the intact meninges at 30mmHg gave a permeability of 1.34 0.46 lmincm2mmHg (mean SEM). The ONS is a tough, strain-stiffening connective tissue that is surprisingly permeable. The latter observation suggests that there could be significant CSF drainage through the ONS into the orbit, likely important

  7. Biomechanics of the Optic Nerve Sheath in VIIP Syndrome

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ethier, C. Ross; Raykin, Julia; Gleason, Rudy; Mulugeta, Lealem; Myers, Jerry; Nelson, Emily; Samuels, Brian C.

    2014-01-01

    Long-duration space flight carries the risk of developing Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome, a spectrum of ophthalmic changes including posterior globe flattening, choroidal folds, distension of the optic nerve sheath (ONS), optic nerve kinking and potentially permanent degradation of visual function. The slow onset of VIIP, its chronic nature, and certain clinical features strongly suggest that biomechanical factors acting on the ONS play a role in VIIP. Here we measure several relevant ONS properties needed to model VIIP biomechanics. The ONS (meninges) of fresh porcine eyes (n7) was reflected, the nerve proper was truncated near the sclera, and the meninges were repositioned to create a hollow cylinder of meningeal connective tissue attached to the posterior sclera. The distal end was cannulated, sealed, and pressure clamped (mimicking cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] pressure), while the eye was also cannulated for independent control of intraocular pressure (IOP). The meninges were inflated (CSF pressure cycling 7-50 mmHg) while ONS outer diameter was imaged. In another set of experiments (n4), fluid permeation rate across the meninges was recorded by observing the drainage of an elevated fluid reservoir (30 mmHg) connected to the meninges. The ONS showed behavior typical of soft tissues: viscoelasticity, with hysteresis in early preconditioning cycles and repeatable behavior after 4 cycles, and nonlinear stiffening, particularly at CSF pressures 15 mmHg (Figure). Tangent moduli measured from the loading curve were 372 101, 1199 358, and 2050 379 kPa (mean SEM) at CSF pressures of 7, 15 and 30 mmHg, respectively. Flow rate measurements through the intact meninges at 30mmHg gave a permeability of 1.34 0.46 lmincm2mmHg (mean SEM). The ONS is a tough, strain-stiffening connective tissue that is surprisingly permeable. The latter observation suggests that there could be significant CSF drainage through the ONS into the orbit, likely important

  8. Convection-Enhanced Delivery (CED) in an Animal Model of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors and Plexiform Neurofibromas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    with an accelerated schedule Convection-Enhanced Delivery ( CED ), Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath ( MPNST ), Plexiform Neurofibromas (PN...the distribution of macromolecules delivered to intraneural PNs and MPNST via CED . Design: Orthotopic xenograft models of sciatic intraneural NF1...determine the efficacy CED of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib in animal models of intraneural PNs and MPNST

  9. Receptor Tyrosine Kinases as Targets for Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in NF 1 Patients

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-01

    targeted therapy of MPNST. Acknowledgements We thank Kathrein Stichling and Petra Matylewski for their technical assist- ance and Prof. Karl Riabowol...neurofibromatosis. Oncogene, 17, 795–800. 13.Leroy,K., Dumas,V., Martin -Garcia,N. et al. (2001) Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors associated with...specific inhibitors. Finally, a combination of drugs is likely to be most effec- tive in combating MPNSTs. Acknowledgments We thank Petra Matylewski

  10. Pathological Location of Cranial Nerves in Petroclival Lesions: How to Avoid Their Injury during Anterior Petrosal Approach.

    PubMed

    Borghei-Razavi, Hamid; Tomio, Ryosuke; Fereshtehnejad, Seyed-Mohammad; Shibao, Shunsuke; Schick, Uta; Toda, Masahiro; Yoshida, Kazunari; Kawase, Takeshi

    2016-02-01

    Objectives  Numerous surgical approaches have been developed to access the petroclival region. The Kawase approach, through the middle fossa, is a well-described option for addressing cranial base lesions of the petroclival region. Our aim was to gather data about the variation of cranial nerve locations in diverse petroclival pathologies and clarify the most common pathologic variations confirmed during the anterior petrosal approach. Method  A retrospective analysis was made of both videos and operative and histologic records of 40 petroclival tumors from January 2009 to September 2013 in which the Kawase approach was used. The anatomical variations of cranial nerves IV-VI related to the tumor were divided into several location categories: superior lateral (SL), inferior lateral (IL), superior medial (SM), inferior medial (IM), and encased (E). These data were then analyzed taking into consideration pathologic subgroups of meningioma, epidermoid, and schwannoma. Results  In 41% of meningiomas, the trigeminal nerve is encased by the tumor. In 38% of the meningiomas, the trigeminal nerve is in the SL part of the tumor, and it is in 20% of the IL portion of the tumor. In 38% of the meningiomas, the trochlear nerve is encased by the tumor. The abducens nerve is not always visible (35%). The pathologic nerve pattern differs from that of meningiomas for epidermoid and trigeminal schwannomas. Conclusion  The pattern of cranial nerves IV-VI is linked to the type of petroclival tumor. In a meningioma, tumor origin (cavernous, upper clival, tentorial, and petrous apex) is the most important predictor of the location of cranial nerves IV-VI. Classification of four subtypes of petroclival meningiomas using magnetic resonance imaging is very useful to predict the location of deviated cranial nerves IV-VI intraoperatively.

  11. Anterior rectus sheath blocks in children with abdominal wall pain due to anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: a prospective case series of 85 children.

    PubMed

    Siawash, Murid; Mol, Frederique; Tjon-A-Ten, Walther; Perquin, Christel; van Eerten, Percy; van Heurn, Ernst; Roumen, Rudi; Scheltinga, Marc

    2017-05-01

    Chronic abdominal pain in children may be caused by the anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. Local nerve blocks are recommended as an initial treatment in adults. Evidence on effectiveness and safety of such a treatment in children is lacking. Our aim was to study outcome and adverse events of anterior rectus sheath blocks in childhood anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. Patients <18 years of age receiving anterior rectus sheath blocks were prospectively followed. Injections were administered using a free-hand technique in the outpatient department. A total of 85 children were included (median age 15 years, range 8-17, 76% female). Eighty-three children reported immediate pain relief following a single lidocaine block and 13 achieved long-term success. Another 19 children was successfully treated with additional blocks combined with steroids. A total 38% success ratio was attained after a median 17-month follow-up (range, 4-39). Pain intensity and diagnostic delay were not associated with a beneficial outcome. However, young age predicted success. An infrequently occurring adverse event was temporarily increased pain some 6 h post injection. Anterior rectus sheath blocks using local anesthetics and steroids are safe and long-term successful in more than one-third of children suffering from abdominal pain due to anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Epithelioid Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Arising in a Schwannoma, in a Patient with “Neuroblastoma-like” Schwannomatosis and a Novel Germline SMARCB1 mutation

    PubMed Central

    Carter, Jodi M.; O'Hara, Carolyn; Dundas, George; Gilchrist, Dawna; Collins, Mark S.; Eaton, Katherine; Judkins, Alexander R.; Biegel, Jaclyn A.; Folpe, Andrew L.

    2011-01-01

    Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors arising in pre-existing schwannomas are extremely rare. We report an unusual example occurring in a patient with multiple schwannomas (schwannomatosis), all but one of which showed “neuroblastoma-like” histology. By immunohistochemistry, both the epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and the schwannomas showed a complete loss of the Smarcb1 protein. Subsequent genetic evaluation revealed the presence of a novel germline mutation in the SMARCB1/INI1 gene in the patient and three of her children, two of whom were diagnosed with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors of the brain. PMID:22082606

  13. Application of CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system in resection of skull base meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Tang, Hailiang; Zhang, Haishi; Xie, Qing; Gong, Ye; Zheng, Mingzhe; Wang, Daijun; Zhu, Hongda; Chen, Xiancheng; Zhou, Liangfu

    2014-12-01

    Here, we introduced our short experience on the application of a new CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system, which was provided by Integra Lifesciences corporation, in skull base meningiomas resection. Ten patients with anterior, middle skull base and sphenoid ridge meningioma were operated using the CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system at the Neurosurgery Department of Shanghai Huashan Hospital from August 2014 to October 2014. There were six male and four female patients, aged from 38 to 61 years old (the mean age was 48.5 years old). Five cases with tumor located at anterior skull base, three cases with tumor on middle skull base, and two cases with tumor on sphenoid ridge. All the patents received total resection of meningiomas with the help of this new tool, and the critical brain vessels and nerves were preserved during operations. All the patients recovered well after operation. This new CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system has the advantage of preserving vital brain arteries and cranial nerves during skull base meningioma resection, which is very important for skull base tumor operations. This key step would ensure a well prognosis for patients. We hope the neurosurgeons would benefit from this kind of technique.

  14. [Linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiation treatment of patients with medial middle fossa meningiomas].

    PubMed

    Golanov, A V; Cherekaev, V A; Serova, N K; Pronin, I N; Gorlachev, G E; Kotel'nikova, T M; Podoprigora, A E; Kudriavtseva, P A; Galkin, M V

    2010-01-01

    Medial middle fossa meningiomas are challenging for neurosurgical treatment. Invasion of cranial nerves and vessels leads to high risk of complications after removal of such meningiomas. Currently methods of conformal stereotactic radiation treatment are applied wider and wider for the discussed lesions. During a 3.5-year period 80 patients with medial middle fossa meningiomas were treated in Burdenko Moscow Neurosurgical Institute using linear accelerator "Novalis". In 31 case radiation treatment was preceded by surgical resection. In majority of patients symptoms included cranial nerve dysfunction: oculomotor disturbances in 62.5%, trigeminal impairment--in 37.5%, visual deficit--in 43.8%, facial nerve palsy--in 1.25%. 74 patients underwent radiotherapy with classical fractioning, 2--in hypofractionated mode and 4 received radiosurgery. In cases of classical fractioning mean marginal dose reached 46.3 Gy during 28-33 fractions, in hypofractioning (7 fractions)--31.5 Gy, in radiosurgery--16.25 Gy. Mean follow-up period was 18.4 months (6-42 months). Control of tumor growth was achieved in 97.5% of cases (78 patients): in 42 (52.5%) lesion shrinked, in 36 (45%) stabilization was observed. Clinical examination revealed improvement of visual function in 15 patients (18%) and deterioration in 2 (2.5%). No new neuropathies were found. Stereotactic radiation treatment is the method of choice for medial anterior and middle fossa meningiomas due to effective control of tumor progression and minimal rate of complications.

  15. Potential of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST).

    PubMed

    Fujimoto, Takuya; Andoh, Tooru; Sudo, Tamotsu; Fujita, Ikuo; Fukase, Naomasa; Takeuchi, Tamotsu; Sonobe, Hiroshi; Inoue, Masayoshi; Hirose, Tkanori; Sakuma, Toshiko; Moritake, Hiroshi; Sugimoto, Tohru; Kawamoto, Teruya; Fukumori, Yoshinobu; Yamamoto, Satomi; Atagi, Shinji; Sakurai, Yoshinori; Kurosaka, Masahiro; Ono, Koji; Ichikawa, Hideki; Suzuki, Minoru

    2015-12-01

    Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are relatively rare neoplasms with poor prognosis. At present there is no effective treatment for MPNST other than surgical resection. Nonetheless, the anti-tumor effect of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was recently demonstrated in two patients with MPNST. Subsequently, tumor-bearing nude mice subcutaneously transplanted with a human MPNST cell line were injected with p-borono-L-phenylalanine (L-BPA) and subjected to BNCT. Pathological studies then revealed that the MPNST cells were selectively destroyed by BNCT. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Surgical outcomes after reoperation for recurrent skull base meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Magill, Stephen T; Lee, David S; Yen, Adam J; Lucas, Calixto-Hope G; Raleigh, David R; Aghi, Manish K; Theodosopoulos, Philip V; McDermott, Michael W

    2018-05-04

    OBJECTIVE Skull base meningiomas are surgically challenging tumors due to the intricate skull base anatomy and the proximity of cranial nerves and critical cerebral vasculature. Many studies have reported outcomes after primary resection of skull base meningiomas; however, little is known about outcomes after reoperation for recurrent skull base meningiomas. Since reoperation is one treatment option for patients with recurrent meningioma, the authors sought to define the risk profile for reoperation of skull base meningiomas. METHODS A retrospective review of 2120 patients who underwent resection of meningiomas between 1985 and 2016 was conducted. Clinical information was extracted from the medical records, radiology data, and pathology data. All records of patients with recurrent skull base meningiomas were reviewed. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, surgical management, outcomes, and complications data were collected. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate survival after reoperation. Logistic regression was used to evaluate for risk factors associated with complications. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients underwent 100 reoperations for recurrent skull base meningiomas. Seventeen patients had 2 reoperations, 3 had 3 reoperations, and 2 had 4 or more reoperations. The median age at diagnosis was 52 years, and 64% of patients were female. The median follow-up was 8.5 years. Presenting symptoms included cranial neuropathy, headache, seizure, proptosis, and weakness. The median time from initial resection to first reoperation was 4.4 years and 4.1 years from first to second reoperation. Seventy-two percent of tumors were WHO grade I, 22% were WHO grade II, and 6% were WHO grade III. The sphenoid wing was the most common location (31%), followed by cerebellopontine angle (14%), cavernous sinus (13%), olfactory groove (12%), tuberculum sellae (12%), and middle fossa floor (5%). Forty-four (54%) tumors were ≥ 3 cm in maximum diameter at the time of the first

  17. The role of MAPK signaling pathway in the Her-2-positive meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Zhaoyin; Wang, Weijia; Xu, Shan; Wang, Shanshan; Tu, Yi; Xiong, Yifeng; Mei, Jinhong; Wang, Chunliang

    2016-01-01

    Meningiomas are common types of adult nerve system tumors. Although most cases are considered benign, due to its high rate of recurrence and easy malignant progression to anaplastic meningioma they present a puzzle for the current treatment. The HER-2 oncogene has important value for meningioma cells development and progression. So far, little is known about the effect on the exact underlying signal pathway and molecular mechanisms of HER-2-positive meningioma cells. The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of HER-2 gene and possible involvement of MAPK signal pathway in human malignant meningioma. We applied q-PCR analysis, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, western blot analysis, animal model, MAPK inhibition, MTT assay and cell invasion analysis for the investigation. The results demonstrated that the downregulation of the expression of HER-2 significantly inhibited cell motility and proliferation of human meningioma cells in vivo. Accordingly, in the HER-2-overexpression meningioma cells with the inhibition of ERK1/2, ERK5, JNK, in the cells with the ERK1/2, ERK5 inhibition, protein expression was markedly suppressed as well as the cell proliferation resistance. No difference was observed in the HER-2-overexpression meningioma cells with the inhibition of JNK. These findings suggest that HER-2 gene can affect the proliferation ability of human meningioma cells in vivo and MAPK signal pathway may contribute to the carcinogenesis and development of human meningiomas combinating with HER-2. PMID:27279438

  18. Application of CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system in resection of skull base meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Hailiang; Zhang, Haishi; Xie, Qing; Zheng, Mingzhe; Wang, Daijun; Zhu, Hongda; Chen, Xiancheng; Zhou, Liangfu

    2014-01-01

    Background Here, we introduced our short experience on the application of a new CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system, which was provided by Integra Lifesciences corporation, in skull base meningiomas resection. Methods Ten patients with anterior, middle skull base and sphenoid ridge meningioma were operated using the CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system at the Neurosurgery Department of Shanghai Huashan Hospital from August 2014 to October 2014. There were six male and four female patients, aged from 38 to 61 years old (the mean age was 48.5 years old). Five cases with tumor located at anterior skull base, three cases with tumor on middle skull base, and two cases with tumor on sphenoid ridge. Results All the patents received total resection of meningiomas with the help of this new tool, and the critical brain vessels and nerves were preserved during operations. All the patients recovered well after operation. Conclusions This new CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system has the advantage of preserving vital brain arteries and cranial nerves during skull base meningioma resection, which is very important for skull base tumor operations. This key step would ensure a well prognosis for patients. We hope the neurosurgeons would benefit from this kind of technique. PMID:25561762

  19. [Case of large sphenoid ridge meningioma treated by 2-stage surgery].

    PubMed

    Oi, Sachie; Saito, Kiyoshi; Ichikawa, Masahiro; Aimi, Yuri; Okada, Takeshi; Nagatani, Tetsuya; Shimoyama, Yoshie

    2008-10-01

    Large skull base meningiomas frequently encase the major cerebral vessels and cranial nerves, and receive blood supply from the branches of the internal carotid artery. One-stage resection of these tumors is difficult due to the long time needed for surgery and profuse bleeding from the tumor. We report herein a case of large sphenoid ridge atypical meningioma that was successfully resected using a combination of two-stage surgery and irradiation. A 56-year-old man was referred to us with mild left hemiparesis and visual deterioration. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large sphenoid ridge meningioma. Angiography showed blood supply from the branches of both external and internal carotid arteries, and pial blood supply from the middle cerebral artery. In the first surgery after embolization of feeder vessels from the external carotid artery, the tumor was still hemorrhagic and was partially resected with 2,374 ml of blood loss. Symptoms were improved after the first surgery. Pathological diagnosis was atypical meningioma. In the second surgery after 40 Gy of irradiation, the remnant tumor was no longer hemorrhagic and was totally resected. Staged surgery with irradiation is one treatment option for large vascular skull base meningiomas, particularly for atypical meningiomas.

  20. Mechanics of anesthetic needle penetration into human sciatic nerve.

    PubMed

    Pichamuthu, Joseph E; Maiti, Spandan; Gan, Maria G; Verdecchia, Nicole M; Orebaugh, Steven L; Vorp, David A

    2018-06-06

    Nerve blocks are frequently performed by anesthesiologists to control pain. For sciatic nerve blocks, the optimal placement of the needle tip between its paraneural sheath and epineurial covering is challenging, even under ultrasound guidance, and frequently results in nerve puncture. We performed needle penetration tests on cadaveric isolated paraneural sheath (IPS), isolated nerve (IN), and the nerve with overlying paraneural sheath (NPS), and quantified puncture force requirement and fracture toughness of these specimens to assess their role in determining the clinical risk of nerve puncture. We found that puncture force (123 ± 17 mN) and fracture toughness (45.48 ± 9.72 J m -2 ) of IPS was significantly lower than those for NPS (1440 ± 161 mN and 1317.46 ± 212.45 Jm -2 , respectively), suggesting that it is not possible to push the tip of the block needle through the paraneural sheath only, without pushing it into the nerve directly, when the sheath is lying directly over the nerve. Results of this study provide a physical basis for tangential placement of the needle as the ideal situation for local anesthetic deposition, as it allows for the penetration of the sheath along the edge of the nerve without entering the epineurium. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. [Which changes occur in nerve grafts harvested with a nerve stripper? Morphological studies].

    PubMed

    Koller, R; Frey, M; Rab, M; Deutinger, M; Freilinger, G

    1995-03-01

    A histological and morphometric study was undertaken in order to evaluate the alterations in sural nerves harvested for nerve grafting using a nerve stripper. In 19 nerves biopsies were taken from the proximal and/or the distal end of the stripped nerve graft. Cross sections were examined for alterations of the perineurium and the myelin sheaths. In four nerves alterations within the perineurium were found, which affected 37% of the endoneural cross-sectional area on the average. In all specimens, the perineurial sheath was seen to be intact. The results of the present study suggest that harvesting of a nerve graft using a stripper does not cause major injuries to the graft and therefore successful neurotization of the graft should not be impaired.

  2. [Skull base meningiomas: a predictive system to know the extent of their surgical resection and patient outcome].

    PubMed

    Morales, F; Maillo, A; Díaz-Alvarez, A; Merino, M; Muñoz-Herrera, A; Hernández, J; Santamarta, D

    2005-12-01

    The aim of this study was to build a preoperative predictive system which could provide reliable information about: 1 degrees which skull base meningiomas can be total or partially removed, and 2 degrees their surgical outcome. Patient histories and imaging data were reviewed retrospectively from 85 consecutive skull base meningiomas patients who underwent surgery from 1990 and 2002. From the preoperative data, nine variables were selected for conventional statistical analysis as regards their relationship with: 1 degrees total vs partial tumor resection and 2 degrees with patients outcome according to the degree of tumour removal. From the nine variables analysed only two had a statistical association with the type of tumour resection performed (total vs partial) and the patient outcome: 1) arteries encasement and 2) cranial nerves involvement. Upon correlating these two variables with the type of tumour resection performed (total vs partial) and with the Karnofsky'scale to evaluate patients surgical outcome, the following grading groups were identified: Grade I: skull base meningiomas which did not involve cranial nerves or artery or only encased one artery or one cranial nerve. In these cases the incidence of gross tumour resection was 98.3% (p< 0.0001) and the perspective to reach 70 points in the Karnofsky'scale was of 96.5% ( p=0.001). Grade II: skull base meningiomas which involved one cranial nerve and encased, at least, two main cerebral arteries. In these cases, the frequency of total resection, decreased to 83.3% (p<0.0001) and the probability to reach 70 points in the Karnofsky'scale was 70.6% (p=0.001). Grade III: skull base meningiomas which involved two or more cranial nerves and encased several arteries In this group, the frequency of a total resection was of 42.9% (p<0.0001) and the probability of reaching 70 points in the Karnofsky'scale was only 60% (p=0.001). We propose a preoperative grading system for skull base meningiomas that helps

  3. Microsurgical Resection of Lateral Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma: Operative Video.

    PubMed

    Cândido, Duarte N C; Nakashima, Paulo E H; de Oliveira, Jean Gonçalves; Borba, Luis A B

    2018-02-01

    Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas (TSMs) are lesions dramatically related to the optic apparatus once the principal clinical complain remains on visual alterations. This is the main picture on decision making to evaluate the best time, risk-benefit, and surgical approaches to the patient treatment. In this video, we present a 65 years old female with 30 days complaint of unilateral (right) complete blindness and complete impaired right eye field test. On physical examination, there were normal pupillary function to light tests. The scans demonstrated the presence of a TSM mostly related to the right optic nerve and encasing it altogether with the right internal carotid artery. Promptly, surgery was addressed using a modified one piece cranio-orbital-zygomatic approach with extra-dural anterior clinoidectomy, as this is the procedure of choice of the senior author (LB), with easy access to decompression of the optic canal and nerve. As demonstrated on the video, the optic nerve was encased by the tumor and pushed upwards against the falciform ligament. Complete resection and decompression was established with step by step dissection, starting unroofing the optic canal, opening the ligament and finally with carefully tumor debulking. Pathology demonstrated a grade one meningioma. The patient improved remarkably her visual acuity and visual field tests on the postoperative period, emphasizing the importance of early treatment for nerve function outcome. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/pALZqDUkltQ .

  4. Cervico-occipital meningioma in a 5-year-old child: a case report.

    PubMed

    Ben Nsir, Atef; Boubaker, Adnene; Jemel, Hafedh

    2014-01-01

    Childhood meningiomas are scarce in clinical practice with an incidence ranging from 0.4 to 4.6% of all pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Cervico-occipital meningiomas account for 3.7% of childhood meningiomas and are slightly more frequent in male. A 5-year-old female presented with febrile posterior cervico-occipital pain for 3 weeks. She was diagnosed with meningitis and treated for a similar period with adapted antibiotics. The pain persisted even after treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing subdural extra medullary mass of the cervico occipital junction, developing around the left vertebral artery. The characteristics of the lesion were strongly suggestive of a neuroma. Surgical removal of the tumor aiming the decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots was performed with a surprising discovery: The tumor was tightly attached to the dura at the entry of the left vertebral artery. The resection was total and only a thin part close to the artery was left. The pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of meningothelial meningioma. Meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of contrast enhancing subdural extra medullary lesions of the cervico-occipital junction in children.

  5. Malignant nerve-sheath neoplasms in neurofibromatosis: distinction from benign tumors by using imaging techniques

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Levine, E.; Huntrakoon, M.; Wetzel, L.H.

    Malignant peripheral nerve-sheath neoplasms frequently complicate neurofibromatosis causing pain, enlarging masses, or neurologic deficits. However, similar findings sometimes also occur with benign nerve neoplasms. Our study was done retrospectively to determine if imaging techniques can differentiate malignant from benign nerve tumors in neurofibromatosis. Eight patients with symptomatic neoplasms (three benign, five malignant) were studied by CT in eight, MR in six, and /sup 67/Ga-citrate scintigraphy in seven. Uptake of /sup 67/Ga occurred in all five malignant lesions but not in two benign neoplasms studied. On CT or MR, all eight lesions, including three benign neoplasms, showed inhomogeneities. Of five lesionsmore » with irregular, infiltrative margins on CT or MR, four were malignant and one was benign. Of three lesions with smooth margins, one was malignant and two were benign. One malignant neoplasm caused irregular bone destruction. Accordingly, CT and MR could not generally distinguish malignant from benign lesions with certainty. However, both CT and MR provided structural delineation to help surgical planning for both types of lesion. /sup 67/Ga scintigraphy appears promising as a screening technique to identify lesions with malignant degeneration in patients with neurofibromatosis. Any area of abnormal radiogallium uptake suggests malignancy warranting further evaluation by CT or MR. Biopsy of any questionable lesion is essential.« less

  6. Intercellular junctions between palisade nerve endings and outer root sheath cells of rat vellus hairs.

    PubMed

    Kaidoh, T; Inoué, T

    2000-05-15

    Hair follicles have a longitudinal set of sensory nerve endings called palisade nerve endings (PN). We examined the junctional structures between the PN and outer root sheath (ORS) cells of hair follicles in the rat external ear. Transmission electron microscopy of serial thin sections showed that the processes of the ORS cells penetrated the basal lamina of the hair follicle, forming intercellular junctions with the PN (PN-ORS junctions). Two types of junctions were found: junctions between nerve endings and ORS cells (N-ORS junctions) and those between Schwann cell processes and ORS cells (S-ORS junctions). The N-ORS junctions had two subtypes: 1) a short process or small eminence of the ORS cell was attached to the nerve ending (type I); or 2) a process of the ORS cell was invaginated into the nerve ending (type II). The S-ORS junctions also had two subtypes: 1) a short process or small eminence of the ORS cell was abutted on the Schwann cell process (type I); or 2) a process of the ORS cell was invaginated into the Schwann cell process (type II). Vesicles, coated pits, coated vesicles, and endosomes were sometimes seen in nerve endings, Schwann cells, and ORS cells near the junctions. Computer-aided reconstruction of the serial thin sections displayed the three-dimensional structure of these junctions. These results suggested that the PN-ORS junctions provided direct relationships between the PN and ORS in at least four different patterns. The discovery of these junctions shows the PN-ORS relationship to be closer than previously realized. We speculate that these junctions may have roles in attachment of the PN to the ORS, contributing to increases in the sensitivity of the PN, and in chemical signaling between the PN and ORS.

  7. Novel technique of abdominal wall nerve block for laparoscopic colostomy: Rectus sheath block with transperitoneal approach.

    PubMed

    Nagata, Jun; Watanabe, Jun; Sawatsubashi, Yusuke; Akiyama, Masaki; Arase, Koichi; Minagawa, Noritaka; Torigoe, Takayuki; Hamada, Kotaro; Nakayama, Yoshifumi; Hirata, Keiji

    2017-08-27

    A 62-year-old man who had acute rectal obstruction due to a large rectal cancer is presented. He underwent emergency laparoscopic colostomy. We used the laparoscopic puncture needle to inject analgesia with the novel transperitoneal approach. In this procedure, both ultrasound and laparoscopic images assisted with the accurate injection of analgesic to the correct layer. The combination of laparoscopic visualization and ultrasound imaging ensured infiltration of analgesic into the correct layer without causing damage to the bowel. Twenty-four hours postoperatively, the patient's pain intensity as assessed by the numeric rating scale was 0-1 during coughing, and a continuous intravenous analgesic was not needed. Colostomy is often necessary in colon obstruction. Epidural anesthesia for postoperative pain cannot be used in patients with a coagulation disorder. We report the use of a novel laparoscopic rectus sheath block for colostomy. There has been no literature described about the nerve block with transperitoneal approach. The laparoscopic rectus sheath block was performed safely and had enough analgesic efficacy for postoperative pain. This technique could be considered as an optional anesthetic regimen in acute situations.

  8. [Multiple meningiomas].

    PubMed

    Terrier, L-M; François, P

    2016-06-01

    Multiple meningiomas (MMs) or meningiomatosis are defined by the presence of at least 2 lesions that appear simultaneously or not, at different intracranial locations, without the association of neurofibromatosis. They present 1-9 % of meningiomas with a female predominance. The occurrence of multiple meningiomas is not clear. There are 2 main hypotheses for their development, one that supports the independent evolution of these tumors and the other, completely opposite, that suggests the propagation of tumor cells of a unique clone transformation, through cerebrospinal fluid. NF2 gene mutation is an important intrinsic risk factor in the etiology of multiple meningiomas and some exogenous risk factors have been suspected but only ionizing radiation exposure has been proven. These tumors can grow anywhere in the skull but they are more frequently observed in supratentorial locations. Their histologic types are similar to unique meningiomas of psammomatous, fibroblastic, meningothelial or transitional type and in most cases are benign tumors. The prognosis of these tumors is eventually good and does not differ from the unique tumors except for the cases of radiation-induced multiple meningiomas, in the context of NF2 or when diagnosed in children where the outcome is less favorable. Each meningioma lesion should be dealt with individually and their multiple character should not justify their resection at all costs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  9. The urogenital-hypogastric sheath: an anatomical observation on the relationship between the inferomedial extension of renal fascia and the hypogastric nerves.

    PubMed

    Yang, X F; Luo, G H; Ding, Z H; Li, G X; Chen, X W; Zhong, S Z

    2014-11-01

    The study aimed to perform an anatomical observation on the inferomedial extension of the renal fascia (RF) to the pelvis and explore its relationship with the hypogastric nerves (HGNs). Gross anatomy was performed on 12 formalin-fixed and 12 fresh cadavers. Sectional anatomy was performed on four formalin-fixed cadavers. Different from the traditional concept, both the anterior and posterior RF included the outer and inner layer with different inferomedial extensions. The multiple layers of RF extended downward to form a sandwich-like and compound fascia sheath with potential and expandable spaces which was named as "the urogenital-hypogastric sheath." Below the level of the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery, the bilateral urogenital-hypogastric sheath communicated with the counterpart in front of the great vessels in the midline and the superior hypogastric plexus ran into the urogenital-hypogastric sheath which carried the HGNs, ureters, and genital vessels downward to their terminations in the pelvis. In the retrorectal space, the urogenital-hypogastric sheath surrounded the fascia propria of the rectum posterolaterally as a layer of coat containing HGNs. The multiple layers of RF with different extensions are the anatomical basis of the formation of the urogenital-hypogastric sheath. As a special fascial structure in the retroperitoneal space and the pelvis, emphasis on its formation and morphology may be helpful for not only unifying the controversies about the relationship between the pelvic fascia and HGNs but also improving the intraoperative preservation of the HGNs by dissecting in the correct surgical plane.

  10. Olfactory groove meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Hentschel, Stephen J; DeMonte, Franco

    2003-06-15

    Olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) arise over the cribriform plate and may reach very large sizes prior to presentation. They can be differentiated from tuberculum sellae meningiomas because OGMs arise more anterior in the skull base and displace the optic nerve and chiasm inferiorly rather than superiorly. The authors searched the neurosurgery database at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for cases of OGM treated between 1993 and 2003. The records of these patients were then reviewed retrospectively for details regarding clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical results and complications, and follow-up status. Thirteen patients, (12 women and one man, mean age 56 years) harbored OGMs (mean size 5.7 cm). All patients underwent bifrontal craniotomies and biorbital osteotomies. There were 11 complete resections (including the hyperostotic bone and dura of the cribriform plate and any extension into the ethmoid sinuses) and two subtotal resections with minimal residual tumor left in patients with recurrent lesions. No complication directly due to the surgery occurred in any patient. There were no recurrences in a mean follow-up period of 2 years (range 0-5 years). With current microsurgical techniques, the results of OGM resection are excellent, with a high rate of total resection and a low incidence of complications. All hyperostotic bone should be removed with the dura of the anterior skull base to minimize the risk of recurrence.

  11. Dual mTORC1/2 inhibition induces anti-proliferative effect in NF1-associated plexiform neurofibroma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor cells

    PubMed Central

    Hivelin, Mikael; Nusbaum, Patrick; Hubas, Arnaud; Laurendeau, Ingrid; Lantieri, Laurent; Wolkenstein, Pierre; Vidaud, Michel; Pasmant, Eric; Chapuis, Nicolas; Parfait, Béatrice

    2016-01-01

    Approximately 30-50% of individuals with Neurofibromatosis type 1 develop benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors, called plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs). PNFs can undergo malignant transformation to highly metastatic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) in 5-10% of NF1 patients, with poor prognosis. No effective systemic therapy is currently available for unresectable tumors. In tumors, the NF1 gene deficiency leads to Ras hyperactivation causing the subsequent activation of the AKT/mTOR and Raf/MEK/ERK pathways and inducing multiple cellular responses including cell proliferation. In this study, three NF1-null MPNST-derived cell lines (90-8, 88-14 and 96-2), STS26T sporadic MPNST cell line and PNF-derived primary Schwann cells were used to test responses to AZD8055, an ATP-competitive “active-site” mTOR inhibitor. In contrast to rapamycin treatment which only partially affected mTORC1 signaling, AZD8055 induced a strong inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling in MPNST-derived cell lines and PNF-derived Schwann cells. AZD8055 induced full blockade of mTORC1 leading to an efficient decrease of global protein synthesis. A higher cytotoxic effect was observed with AZD8055 compared to rapamycin in the NF1-null MPNST-derived cell lines with IC50 ranging from 70 to 140 nM and antiproliferative effect was confirmed in PNF-derived Schwann cells. Cell migration was impaired by AZD8055 treatment and cell cycle analysis showed a G0/G1 arrest. Combined effects of AZD8055 and PD0325901 MEK inhibitor as well as BRD4 (BromoDomain-containing protein 4) inhibitors showed a synergistic antiproliferative effect. These data suggest that NF1-associated peripheral nerve sheath tumors are an ideal target for AZD8055 as a single molecule or in combined therapies. PMID:26840085

  12. Trigeminal complications arising after surgery of cranial base meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Westerlund, Ulf; Linderoth, Bengt; Mathiesen, Tiit

    2012-04-01

    Chronic severe facial pain is a feared sequel of cranial base surgery. This study explores the symptomatology, incidence and impact on the individual of postoperative de novo trigeminal nerve affection as well as the recovery potential. Out of 231 patients operated for cranial base meningiomas at the Karolinska University Hospital during 7 years, 25 complained of de novo trigeminal symptoms at clinical follow-up 3 months after surgery. Six were later lost to follow-up leaving 19 participants in the study, which was conducted using a questionnaire and a structured telephone interview. All patients complained of facial numbness, affecting the V1 branch in 10/19 patients (53%), the V2 branch in 18/19 (95%) and the V3 branch in 9/19 (47%). Surprisingly, only three (16%) suffered from trigeminal pain, which could be adequately managed by pharmacotherapy. However, five patients (26%) demonstrated ocular dysaesthetic problems. Twelve (63%) described their handicap to be mild, while seven (37%) had daily or severe symptoms. Five patients (26%) reported no improvement over time, while nine (47%) showed improvement and four (21%) stated good recovery. Only one patient (5%) claimed complete symptom remission. In the present study, 11% of the patients presented with a de novo postoperative affection of the trigeminal nerve after removal of a cranial base meningioma; 37% of these reported daily/severe symptoms. Only 26% showed good recovery, observed in patients without tumour infiltration of the nerve or intraoperative nerve damage. In spite of frequent complaints of numbness, pain was uncommon (16%) and often manageable by pharmacotherapy, while ocular symptoms turned out to be more frequent and more disabling than expected.

  13. Ultrasound Nomograms of the Fetal Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter.

    PubMed

    Haratz, Karina Krajden; Melcer, Yaakov; Leibovitz, Zvi; Feit, Hagit; Kerman-Sagie, Tally; Lev, Dorit; Ginath, Shimon; Gindes, Liat; Moron, Antonio Fernandes; Malinger, Gustavo

    2018-06-07

     To construct prenatal age-specific reference intervals for sonographic measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) during gestation in normal fetuses.  Prospective cross-sectional study of fetuses assessed in antenatal ultrasound units between 2010 and 2014. The examination was based on a technique for the sonographic assessment of ONSD previously published by our group. The mean values and SDs of the ONSD were modeled as a function of the gestational week by curve estimation analysis based on the highest adjusted R2 coefficient. Repeatability tests were performed to assess intraobserver variability and interobserver agreement.  During the study period 364 healthy fetuses were enrolled. The mean values for the ONSD varied from 0.6 mm at 15 - 16 weeks to 2.8 mm at 37 - 38 weeks. The ONSD grows in a linear fashion throughout gestation, with a quadratic equation providing an optimal fit to the data (adjusted R2 = 0.957).  Sonographic age-specific references for the fetal ONSD are presented. This data may assist in the decision-making process in fetuses with a suspected increase in intracranial pressure, or anomalies affecting the development of optic stalks, such as optic hypoplasia and septo-optic dysplasia. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  14. Preoperative Embolization of Skull Base Meningiomas: Outcomes in the Onyx Era.

    PubMed

    Przybylowski, Colin J; Baranoski, Jacob F; See, Alfred P; Flores, Bruno C; Almefty, Rami O; Ding, Dale; Chapple, Kristina M; Sanai, Nader; Ducruet, Andrew F; Albuquerque, Felipe C

    2018-05-09

    Preoperative embolization may facilitate skull base meningioma resection, but its safety and efficacy in the Onyx era have not been investigated. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the outcomes of preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas using Onyx as the primary embolysate. We queried an endovascular database for patients with skull base meningiomas who underwent preoperative embolization at our institution in 2007-2017. Patient, tumor, procedure, and outcome data were analyzed. Twenty-eight patients (28 meningiomas) underwent successful preoperative meningioma embolization. The mean patient age ± SD was 56 ± 13 years, and 18 patients (64%) were women. The mean tumor size was 49 cm 3 . There were 1, 2, or 3 arterial pedicles embolized in 21 cases (75%), 6 cases (21%), and 1 case (4%), respectively. The embolized pedicles included branches of the middle meningeal artery in 19 cases (68%), the internal maxillary artery in 8 cases (29%), the ascending pharyngeal artery in 2 cases (7%), and the posterior auricular, ophthalmic, occipital, and anterior cerebral arteries in 1 case each (4%). The embolysates used were Onyx alone in 20 cases (71%), n-butyl cyanoacrylate alone in 3 cases (11%), coils/particles and Onyx/n-butyl cyanoacrylate in 2 cases each (7%), and Onyx and coils in 1 case (4%). The median degree of tumor devascularization was 60%. Significant neurologic morbidity occurred in 1 patient (4%) who developed symptomatic peritumoral edema after Onyx embolization. For appropriately selected skull base meningiomas supplied by dura mater-based arterial pedicles without distal cranial nerve supply, preoperative embolization with current embolysate technology affords substantial tumor devascularization with a low complication rate. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. A novel NF1 mutation in a Chinese patient with giant café-au-lait macule in neurofibromatosis type 1 associated with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and bone abnormality.

    PubMed

    Tong, H-X; Li, M; Zhang, Y; Zhu, J; Lu, W-Q

    2012-08-29

    Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1; OMIM#162200) is a common neurocutaneous disorder that is characterized by multiple café-au-lait, skinfold freckling, Lisch nodules, and neurofibromas. Mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes the neurofibromin protein, have been identified as the pathogenic gene of NF1. In this study, we present a clinical and molecular study of a Chinese patient with giant café-au-lait in NF1. The patient showed >6 café-au-lait spots on the body, axillary freckling, and multiple subcutaneous neurofibromas. He also had a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and bone abnormalities. The germline mutational analysis of the NF1 gene revealed a novel missense mutation in exon 13. It is a novel heterozygous nucleotide G>A transition at position 2241 of the NF1 gene. We found no mutation in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor DNA from this patient. This expands the database for NF1 gene mutations in NF1. Its absence in the normal chromosomes suggests that it is responsible for the NF1 phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first case of giant café-au-lait macule in NF1 associated with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and bone abnormality.

  16. Brain invasion assessability in meningiomas is related to meningioma size and grade, and can be improved by extensive sampling of the surgically removed meningioma specimen.

    PubMed

    Pizem, Joze; Velnar, Tomaz; Prestor, Borut; Mlakar, Jernej; Popovic, Mara

    2014-01-01

    Despite the important prognostic value of brain invasion in meningiomas, little attention has been paid to its massessment, and the parameters associated with brain invasion assessability (identification of brain tissue in the surgical specimen) are not well characterized. The aim of our study was to determine the parameters that are associated with brain invasion assessability and brain invasion in meningiomas. By binary logistic regression analysis, we studied the association of various clinical and pathologic parameters with brain invasion assessabilitym and brain invasion in 294 meningiomas: 149 unselected consecutive meningiomas with extensive sampling, diagnosed in 2009 and 2010, collected prospectively, and 145 meningiomas diagnosed in 1999 and 2000 when little attention was paid to brain invasion assessment. Meningioma grade, size and number of tissue blocks were independent predictors of brain invasion assessability. Brain tissue was identified in 78 of 233 (33%) benign, 33 of 51 (65%) atypical, and 10 of 10 (100%) malignant meningiomas. In univariate analysis, group (prospective vs.retrospective), type (recurrent vs. primary), cleavability, meningioma grade and mitotic count were predictors of brain invasion, while only meningioma grade, and group retained predictive value in multivariate analysis. Brain invasion, when assessable, was identified in 22 of 78 (28%) benign, 21 of 33 (64%) atypical, and 10 of 10 (100%) malignant meningiomas. Brain invasion assessability is related to meningioma grade and size and can be improved by extensive sampling of meningioma surgical.

  17. Optic Nerve Sheath Tethering in Adduction Occurs in Esotropia and Hypertropia, But Not in Exotropia

    PubMed Central

    Suh, Soh Youn; Clark, Robert A.; Demer, Joseph L.

    2018-01-01

    Purpose Repetitive strain to the optic nerve (ON) due to tethering in adduction has been recently proposed as an intraocular pressure-independent mechanism of optic neuropathy in primary open-angle glaucoma. Since strabismus may alter adduction, we investigated whether gaze-related ON straightening and associated globe translation differ in horizontal and vertical strabismus. Methods High-resolution orbital magnetic resonance imaging was obtained in 2-mm thick quasi-coronal planes using surface coils in 25 subjects (49 orbits) with esotropia (ET, 19 ± 3.6Δ SEM), 11 (15 orbits) with exotropia (XT, 33.7 ± 7.3Δ), 7 (12 orbits) with hypertropia (HT, 14.6 ± 3.2Δ), and 31 normal controls (62 orbits) in target-controlled central gaze, and in maximum attainable abduction and adduction. Area centroids were used to determine ON path sinuosity and globe positions. Results Adduction angles achieved in ET (30.6° ± 0.9°) and HT (27.2° ± 2.3°) did not significantly differ from normal (28.3° ± 0.7°), but significantly less adduction was achieved in XT (19.0° ± 2.5°, P = 0.005). ON sheath tethering in adduction occurred in ET and HT similarly to normal, but did not in XT. The globe translated significantly less than normal, nasally in adduction in XT and temporally in abduction in ET and HT (P < 0.02, for all). Globe retraction did not occur during abduction or adduction in any group. Conclusions Similar to normal subjects, the ON and sheath become tethered without globe retraction in ET and HT. In XT, adduction tethering does not occur, possibly due to limited adduction angle. Thus, therapeutic limitation of adduction could be considered as a possible treatment for ON sheath tethering.

  18. Preoperative Visualization of Cranial Nerves in Skull Base Tumor Surgery Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging Technology.

    PubMed

    Ma, Jun; Su, Shaobo; Yue, Shuyuan; Zhao, Yan; Li, Yonggang; Chen, Xiaochen; Ma, Hui

    2016-01-01

    To visualize cranial nerves (CNs) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with special parameters. This study also involved the evaluation of preoperative estimates and intraoperative confirmation of the relationship between nerves and tumor by verifying the accuracy of visualization. 3T magnetic resonance imaging scans including 3D-FSPGR, FIESTA, and DTI were used to collect information from 18 patients with skull base tumor. DTI data were integrated into the 3D slicer for fiber tracking and overlapped anatomic images to determine course of nerves. 3D reconstruction of tumors was achieved to perform neighboring, encasing, and invading relationship between lesion and nerves. Optic pathway including the optic chiasm could be traced in cases of tuberculum sellae meningioma and hypophysoma (pituitary tumor). The oculomotor nerve, from the interpeduncular fossa out of the brain stem to supraorbital fissure, was clearly visible in parasellar meningioma cases. Meanwhile, cisternal parts of trigeminal nerve and abducens nerve, facial nerve were also imaged well in vestibular schwannomas and petroclival meningioma cases. The 3D-spatial relationship between CNs and skull base tumor estimated preoperatively by tumor modeling and tractography corresponded to the results determined during surgery. Supported by DTI and 3D slicer, preoperative 3D reconstruction of most CNs related to skull base tumor is feasible in pathological circumstances. We consider DTI Technology to be a useful tool for predicting the course and location of most CNs, and syntopy between them and skull base tumor.

  19. Modified temporal approach for a rostro-temporal basal meningioma in a cat.

    PubMed

    Forterre, Franck; Jaggy, André; Rohrbach, Helene; Dickomeit, Marc; Konar, Martin

    2009-06-01

    An 11-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair indoor cat was presented to our hospital for treatment of a left-sided rostro-temporal basal meningioma. Focal seizures in the facial muscles had been observed sporadically for 1 year. Two weeks prior to presentation the cat had developed generalised seizures and was treated with symptomatic anticonvulsive treatment. Focal facial seizures, especially on the right side, persisted after medical therapy. From the computed tomography scan, a basal meningioma was suspected by the treating veterinarian. A left-sided suprazygomatical temporobasal approach to the zygomatic arch was chosen because it causes less soft tissue damage. After craniotomy, durotomy and gentle dorsal retraction of the left piriform lobe, the meningioma was removed. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed complete excision of the tumour. One day after surgery the cat was alert and a left-sided facial nerve palsy was noticed. Otherwise the neurological examination was normal. Anticonvulsive and eye moistening therapy was continued for 3 months. Six months after surgery the cat was clinically normal without any recurrence of seizures.

  20. Relationship between the Ulnar Nerve and the Branches of the Radial Nerve to the Medial Head of the Triceps Brachii Muscle.

    PubMed

    Sh, Cho; Ih, Chung; Uy, Lee

    2018-05-17

    One branch of the radial nerve to the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle (MHN) has been described as accompanying or joining the ulnar nerve. Mostly two MHN branches have been reported, with some reports of one; however, the topographical anatomy is not well documented. We dissected 52 upper limbs from adult cadavers and found one, two, and three MHN branches in 9.6%, 80.8%, and 9.6% of cases, respectively. The MHN accompanying the ulnar nerve was always the superior MHN. The relationship between the ulnar nerve and the MHN was classified into four types according to whether the MHN was enveloped along with the ulnar nerve in the connective tissue sheath and whether it was in contact with the ulnar nerve. It contacted the ulnar nerve in 75.0% of cases and accompanied it over a mean distance of 73.6 mm (range 36-116 mm). In all cases in which the connective tissue sheath enveloped the branch of the MHN and the ulnar nerve, removing the sheath confirmed that the MHN branch originated from the radial nerve. The detailed findings and anatomical measurements of the MHN in this study will help in identifying its branches during surgical procedures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Intracerebellar malignant nerve sheath tumor in a child: case report and review of literature.

    PubMed

    Joshi, Krishna Chaitanya; Chakravarthy, Hariprakash; Subramanian, Nirmala

    2015-05-01

    Intracerebellar malignant nerve sheath tumor (ICMNST) is an extremely rare entity, only two cases have been reported previously, and this is the first case to be reported in a child. The histogenesis, diagnosis, and management of this entity are very ambiguous, and natural history in a child is unknown. The authors report a 7-year-old girl who presented with ataxia and signs of raised intracranial pressure and discuss the challenges in diagnosis, surgical strategy, and treatment. Following gross total resection and radiation to tumor bed, the patient had unremarkable recovery and is recurrence free at 1-year follow-up. ICMNSTs are extremely rare tumors of the cerebellum. Preoperative radiological diagnosis is not possible due to its close radiological resemblance to other common posterior fossa tumors. Immunohistochemistry plays a pivotal role in clinching the diagnosis. Though the reported adult counterparts have shown dismal prognosis, the pediatric counterparts may fare better with good surgical resection followed by radiotherapy.

  2. Immunohistochemical evaluation of canine peripheral nerve sheath tumors and other soft tissue sarcomas.

    PubMed

    Chijiwa, K; Uchida, K; Tateyama, S

    2004-07-01

    Seventeen cases of canine peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs), 11 malignant PNSTs (MPNSTs), and six benign PNSTs (BPNSTs) were examined. The prognosis in five of six dogs with BPNSTs was excellent, whereas all dogs with MPNSTs died within 2 years after the last surgical resection. One BPNST formed a recurrent mass with features of a MPNST. Histopathologically, the predominant tumor cell of MPNSTs was either spindle or round in shape with epithelioid characteristics. Other atypical cells had abundant granular cytoplasm or were multinucleated giant cells with periodic acid-Schiff-positive cytoplasmic globules. Furthermore, two MPNSTs contained cartilaginous and osseous metaplasia. On the contrary, most BPNSTs exhibited typical features of schwannoma or neurofibroma, whereas two BPNSTs had atypical morphology. One BPNST consisted of epithelioid cell proliferation with some tumor cells revealing nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemically, the expression of vimentin (100%), S-100 (73%), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR, 64%), and myoglobin (64%) was commonly found in MPNSTs. The two BPNSTs with atypical histologic appearances were positive for vimentin, S-100, NGFR, and neuron-specific enolase, and one of these had moderate immunoreactivity for cytokeratin. Most BPNSTs were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, as well as S-100 and NGFR. Although most rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) and canine hemangiopericytomas (CHPs) also showed focal immunoreactivity for S-100, most RMSs were intensely positive for myoglobin and negative for NGFR. Most CHPs (80%) exhibited focal alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression, whereas all PNSTs were negative. These results indicate that immunohistochemistry for NGFR and alpha-SMA might be useful for differentiating canine PNSTs from RMSs or CHPs, respectively.

  3. The lower cranial nerves: IX, X, XI, XII.

    PubMed

    Sarrazin, J-L; Toulgoat, F; Benoudiba, F

    2013-10-01

    The lower cranial nerves innervate the pharynx and larynx by the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus (CN X) (mixed) nerves, and provide motor innervation of the muscles of the neck by the accessory nerve (CN XI) and the tongue by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII). The symptomatology provoked by an anomaly is often discrete and rarely in the forefront. As with all cranial nerves, the context and clinical examinations, in case of suspicion of impairment of the lower cranial nerves, are determinant in guiding the imaging. In fact, the impairment may be located in the brain stem, in the peribulbar cisterns, in the foramens or even in the deep spaces of the face. The clinical localization of the probable seat of the lesion helps in choosing the adapted protocol in MRI and eventually completes it with a CT-scan. In the bulb, the intra-axial pathology is dominated by brain ischemia (in particular, with Wallenberg syndrome) and multiple sclerosis. Cisternal pathology is tumoral with two tumors, schwannoma and meningioma. The occurrence is much lower than in the cochleovestibular nerves as well as the leptomeningeal nerves (infectious, inflammatory or tumoral). Finally, foramen pathology is tumoral with, outside of the usual schwannomas and meningiomas, paragangliomas. For radiologists, fairly hesitant to explore these lower cranial pairs, it is necessary to be familiar with (or relearn) the anatomy, master the exploratory technique and be aware of the diagnostic possibilities. Copyright © 2013 Éditions françaises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  4. Epidemiology and etiology of meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Wrensch, Margaret; Claus, Elizabeth B.

    2010-01-01

    Although most meningiomas are encapsulated and benign tumors with limited numbers of genetic aberrations, their intracranial location often leads to serious and potentially lethal consequences. They are the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumor accounting for 33.8% of all primary brain and central nervous system tumors reported in the United States between 2002 and 2006. Inherited susceptibility to meningioma is suggested both by family history and candidate gene studies in DNA repair genes. People with certain mutations in the neurofibromatosis gene (NF2) have a very substantial increased risk for meningioma. High dose ionizing radiation exposure is an established risk factor for meningioma, and lower doses may also increase risk, but which types and doses are controversial or understudied. Because women are twice as likely as men to develop meningiomas and these tumors harbor hormone receptors, an etiologic role for hormones (both endogenous and exogenous) has been hypothesized. The extent to which immunologic factors influence meningioma etiology has been largely unexplored. Growing emphasis on brain tumor research coupled with the advent of new genetic and molecular epidemiologic tools in genetic and molecular epidemiology promise hope for advancing knowledge about the causes of intra-cranial meningioma. In this review, we highlight current knowledge about meningioma epidemiology and etiology and suggest future research directions. PMID:20821343

  5. Stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy for the treatment of benign meningiomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Candish, Charles; McKenzie, Michael; Clark, Brenda G.

    Purpose: To assess the use of stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy (SRT) for the treatment of meningiomas. Methods and Materials: Between April 1999 and October 2004, 38 patients underwent SRT. Of 34 patients (36 tumors) assessed, the median age was 53 years. The indication was primary treatment in 26 cases (no histology) and postoperative in 10 cases. The most common sites were cavernous sinus (17), optic nerve (6), and cerebellopontine angle (5). The median gross target volume and planning target volume were 8.9 cm{sup 3} and 18.9 cm{sup 3}, respectively. Stereotactic treatment was delivered with 6-MV photons with static conformal fields (custom-mademore » blocks, 9 patients, and micromultileaf collimator, 25 patients). Median number of fields was six. The median dose prescribed was 50 Gy (range, 45-50.4 Gy) in 28 fractions. The median homogeneity and conformality indices were 1.1 and 1.79, respectively. Results: Treatment was well tolerated. Median follow-up was 26 months with 100% progression-free survival. One patient developed an area of possible radionecrosis related to previous radiotherapy, and 2 men developed mild hypogonadism necessitating testosterone replacement. The vision of 5 of 6 patients with optic pathway meningiomas improved or remained static. Conclusions: Stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy for the treatment of meningiomas is practical, and with early follow-up, seems to be effective.« less

  6. Dumbbell meningioma of the cervico-clavicular region.

    PubMed

    Hlavka, V; Miklić, P; Besenski, N; Miklić, D; Franz, G

    1991-01-01

    The authors are reporting on a case of a 55-year-old man with an epidural meningioma in the region from the C VII. to the Th I. segment. The tumor encircled this region, and to the front and right involved the channels through which pass the C VI, C VII. and C VIII. roots. Subdurally, no tumoral mass was found. Another part of this tumor, of the same histological architecture as the epidural cervicospinal part was found in the supraclavicular region to the right, closely connected to the arteries and nerves of this region. The authors discuss the possibility of the tumoral occurrence at this site, primarily taking into account the origin of this tumor from the cells of the outer surface of the arachnoidea, i.e. cap cells which can invade the dura, with later separation from the main arachnoidal layer. The other possibility of such dumbbell meningioma occurring at the outgoing openings of the neural paths from the spinal channel should be looked for in the remnants of the arachnoidal cells in the region of the outgoing openings. In the paper are also discussed and correlated clinico-pathological, CT and angiographic findings.

  7. Cystic meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Borovich, B; Guilburd, J N; Doron, Y; Soustiel, J F; Zaaroor, M; Braun, J; Gruszkiewicz, J; Feinsod, M

    1988-01-01

    Four cases of cystic meningiomas were found among 194 meningiomas diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) and operated on during a 7 year period, an incidence of 2%. The cysts were in all cases peritumoral. The cyst's wall was the brain itself, and the ependymal ventricular wall was part of their medial boundary. They contained xanthochromic fluid with a high protein content. Three meningiomas were parasagittal and one was adjacent to the pteryon and the external part of the sphenoid ridge. The mural nodules were in 2 cases apparent single nodes although in one it was part of multiple distant and regional growths, in another the tumour was built by the aggregation of 2 nodes, the remaining case was an "en plaque" meningioma. All were definitely attached to the dura. Histological pattern was different in every case. Those parasagittal were: one pure meningotheliomatous, one mixed meningotheliomatous with pseudo psammomatous and lipoblastic sections and one highly vascular angioblastic; the pteryonal case was psammomatous and microcystic. CT diagnosis is difficult because glial, metastatic and other tumours may look cystic and resemble cystic meningiomas. Nevertheless in 3 cases the correct diagnosis was suspected preoperatively because the solid portion of the tumour showed intense and homogeneous contrast enhancement with a sharp edge and was located adjacent to the dura. On the other hand in the remaining case, the parasagittal solid tumour was not readily apparent on CT (the "en plaque", case), and the tentative preoperative diagnosis was of an epidermoid tumour.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  8. Immediate versus delayed primary nerve repair in the rabbit sciatic nerve

    PubMed Central

    Piskin, Ahmet; Altunkaynak, Berrin Zühal; Çιtlak, Atilla; Sezgin, Hicabi; Yazιcι, Ozgür; Kaplan, Süleyman

    2013-01-01

    It is well known that peripheral nerve injury should be treated immediately in the clinic, but in some instances, repair can be delayed. This study investigated the effects of immediate versus delayed (3 days after injury) neurorrhaphy on repair of transected sciatic nerve in New Zealand rabbits using stereological, histomorphological and biomechanical methods. At 8 weeks after immediate and delayed neurorrhaphy, axon number and area in the sciatic nerve, myelin sheath and epineurium thickness, Schwann cell morphology, and the mechanical property of nerve fibers did not differ obviously. These results indicate that delayed neurorrhaphy do not produce any deleterious effect on sciatic nerve repair. PMID:25206663

  9. Lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid approach with tentorial incision for petroclival meningiomas: technical note.

    PubMed

    Yamahata, Hitoshi; Tokimura, Hiroshi; Hirahara, Kazuho; Ishii, Takeshi; Mori, Masanao; Hanaya, Ryosuke; Arita, Kazunori

    2014-08-01

    Introduction The resection of petroclival meningiomas presents great neurosurgical challenges. Although multiple surgical approaches have been developed, the retrosigmoid route tends to be used to address tumors that are predominantly located in the posterior fossa. Our modification of the lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid approach with the placement of a tentorial incision yields good visualization of the supratentorial part of the tumor around the midbrain. Methods We treated four patients, one with primary and three with recurrent petroclival meningioma, by our modified approach. After lateral suboccipital craniotomy, the infratentorial part of the tumor was removed after detaching it from the tentorial surface. The cerebellar tentorium was then carefully incised from the supracerebellar angle, taking care not to damage the superior cerebellar artery and trochlear nerve. Results The operative field surrounding the midbrain was widened by this procedure, and safe dissection of the tumor from the brainstem and other neurovascular structures was performed with direct observation of the interface. Conclusions Our approach is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach to petroclival meningiomas. It facilitates the safe resection of the supratentorial part of the tumor in the ambient cistern behind the tentorium.

  10. Ulnar malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour diagnosis in a mixed-breed dog as a model to study human: histologic, immunohistochemical, and clinicopathologic study

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Canine Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) are uncommonly reported in the ulnar, since they are underestimated relative to the more common spindle cell tumours of soft tissue. In dogs, MPNST accounts for 27% of nervous system tumours. In man, MPNST represents 5-10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and is often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1).An 8-year-old, 9 kg, female mixed-breed dog with a subcutaneous mass on the upper right side of the ulnar region was presented to the small animal research and teaching hospital of Tehran University. The dog was anorexic with general weakness. The mass (7 × 4 cm) was removed surgically and processed routinely. Microscopically, the mass was composed of highly cellular areas with a homogeneous population of round or spindle cells, high cellular pleomorphism, high mitotic index and various morphologic patterns. Furthermore, spindle cells arranged in densely or loosely sweeping fascicles, interlacing whorls, or storiform patterns together with wavy cytoplasm, nuclear palisades, and round cells were arranged in sheets or cords with a meshwork of intratumoral nerve fibers. In addition, in this case the presence of neoplastic cells within the blood vessels was observed. Immunohistochemically, tumor was positive for vimentin and S-100 protein. The histopathologic features coupled with the S-100 and vimentin immunoreactivity led to a diagnosis of malignant neurofibroma. To the best of our knowledge, primary ulnar MPNST has not been reported in animals. This is the first documentation of an ulnar malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour in a dog. Virtual slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1310907815984587 PMID:23688209

  11. Constructing a statistical atlas of the radii of the optic nerve and cerebrospinal fluid sheath in young healthy adults

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harrigan, Robert L.; Plassard, Andrew J.; Mawn, Louise A.; Galloway, Robert L.; Smith, Seth A.; Landman, Bennett A.

    2015-03-01

    Optic neuritis is a sudden inflammation of the optic nerve (ON) and is marked by pain on eye movement, and visual symptoms such as a decrease in visual acuity, color vision, contrast and visual field defects. The ON is closely linked with multiple sclerosis (MS) and patients have a 50% chance of developing MS within 15 years. Recent advances in multi-atlas segmentation methods have omitted volumetric assessment. In the past, measuring the size of the ON has been done by hand. We utilize a new method of automatically segmenting the ON to measure the radii of both the ON and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sheath to develop a normative distribution of healthy young adults. We examine this distribution for any trends and find that ON and CSF sheath radii do not vary between 20-35 years of age and between sexes. We evaluate how six patients suffering from optic neuropathy compare to this distribution of controls. We find that of these six patients, five of them qualitatively differ from the normative distribution which suggests this technique could be used in the future to distinguish between optic neuritis patients and healthy controls

  12. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the uterine cervix expressing both S-100 protein and HMB-45.

    PubMed

    Kim, Na Rae; Chung, Dong-Hae; Park, Chan Yong; Ha, Seung Yeon

    2009-12-01

    A 50-year-old woman presented with a large cervical polypoid mass. Grossly, the mass occupied a substantial proportion of the cervical canal, measuring 6 cm. Histologically, the mass showed a spindle cell malignancy arranged in large fascicles that penetrated deeply into the fibromuscular wall of the cervix. The spindle cells were immunoreactive for both S-100 protein and HMB-45 antigen, but were negative for Melan-A. Electron microscopy showed that cytoplasmic processes of the spindle to oval tumor cells contained microtubules and were lined by basal lamina and abundant intercellular collagen spacing with no melanosomes in any stage. As far as we are aware, this is the ninth reported case of cervical malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), and the second reported case of MPNST expressing HMB-45 antigen.

  13. Intracranial pressure-induced optic nerve sheath response as a predictive biomarker for optic disc edema in astronauts.

    PubMed

    Wostyn, Peter; De Deyn, Peter Paul

    2017-11-01

    A significant proportion of the astronauts who spend extended periods in microgravity develop ophthalmic abnormalities. Understanding this syndrome, called visual impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP), has become a high priority for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, especially in view of future long-duration missions (e.g., Mars missions). Moreover, to ensure selection of astronaut candidates who will be able to complete long-duration missions with low risk of the VIIP syndrome, it is imperative to identify biomarkers for VIIP risk prediction. Here, we hypothesize that the optic nerve sheath response to alterations in intracranial pressure may be a potential predictive biomarker for optic disc edema in astronauts. If confirmed, this biomarker could be used for preflight identification of astronauts at risk for developing VIIP-associated optic disc edema.

  14. Occipital Neuralgia as the Only Presenting Symptom of Foramen Magnum Meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Seung-Yeob; Koo, Joon-Bum; Jeong, Sang-Wuk

    2009-01-01

    Background Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a condition characterized by a paroxysmal stabbing pain in the area of the greater or lesser occipital nerves; it is usually regarded by clinicians as idiopathic. Some have suggested that ON can be induced by trauma or injury of the occipital nerves or their roots, but tumor has rarely been reported as a cause of ON. Case Report We report herein a case of foramen magnum meningioma in a 55-year-old woman who presented with ON triggered by head motion as the only symptom without any signs of myelopathy. Conclusions This case indicates that it is important to consider the underlying causes of ON. Precise neurologic and radiological evaluations such as cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging are needed. PMID:20076803

  15. [Clinical characteristics and results of surgical treatment of petroclival meningioma].

    PubMed

    Tasić, Goran; Jovanović, Vladimir; Radulović, Danilo; Djurović, Branko; Piscević, Ivan; Nikolić, Igor; Janićijević, Milos

    2006-01-01

    The size of meningioma and its relation with neurovascular structures in petroclival region stipulate the degree of surgical radicalism and determine an operation risk. In spite of progress of surgical technology, the rate of surgical morbidity in view of cranial nerves deficit is 30%-50%. The objective of our study was to present the results of treatment of patients with petroclival meningiomas and to point to correlation of preoperative radiological findings and intraoperative results as well as neurological status of patients before and after surgical treatment. Retrospective analysis of 35 operated petroclival meningiomas at the Institute of Neurosurgery, CCS, in the period from 1995 to 2004 was presented. The following parameters were analyzed: size of tumor, relation with bone and neurovascular structures, preoperative condition, degree of surgical radicalism and postoperative outcome. The size of tumor was classified in four groups. There were 20 tumors at the right, and 15 at the left side. At the time of diagnostic procedures (based on CT and MRI), 20 tumors were in contact with brainstem, 9 compressed the brainstem, and 6 obstructed the IV ventricle. Preoperative patient condition was evaluated by Karnofsky index. Mean value for group I was 90, II - 80, III - 70 and IV - 50. In 9 cases, liquor drainage was performed preoperatively. In 3 cases, external liquor drainage was carried out postoperatively, and in one case it was replaced by permanent liquor drainage. Radical operation was performed in 44%, and significant reduction was done in other cases. In the postoperative period, 11% patients died, 28% had cranial nerves deficit, and pyramid deficit was recorded in 14% of the patients. The tumor size (III-IV) and brainstem compression were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) as predisposed factors of deficit prolongation. Petroclival meningoma surgery is required upon precise preoperative analysis. Radicalism of operation is reserved for small

  16. Ras-Driven Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Aurora Kinase A as a Potential Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Therapeutic Target

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Ami V.; Eaves, David; Jessen, Walter J.; Rizvi, Tilat A.; Ecsedy, Jeffrey A.; Qian, Mark G.; Aronow, Bruce J.; Perentesis, John P.; Serra, Eduard; Cripe, Timothy P.; Miller, Shyra J.; Ratner, Nancy

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) develop malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) which are often inoperable and do not respond well to current chemotherapies or radiation. The goal of this study was to utilize comprehensive gene expression analysis to identify novel therapeutic targets. Experimental Design Nerve Schwann cells and/or their precursors are the tumorigenic cell types in MPNST due to the loss of the NF1 gene, which encodes the RasGAP protein neurofibromin. Therefore, we created a transgenic mouse model, CNP-HRas12V, expressing constitutively-active HRas in Schwann cells and defined a Ras-induced gene expression signature to drive a Bayesian factor regression model analysis of differentially expressed genes in mouse and human neurofibromas and MPNSTs. We tested functional significance of Aurora kinase over-expression in MPNST in vitro and in vivo using Aurora kinase shRNAs and compounds that inhibit Aurora kinase. Results We identified 2000 genes with probability of linkage to nerve Ras signaling of which 339 were significantly differentially expressed in mouse and human NF1-related tumor samples relative to normal nerves, including Aurora kinase A (AURKA). AURKA was dramatically over-expressed and genomically amplified in MPNSTs but not neurofibromas. Aurora kinase shRNAs and Aurora kinase inhibitors blocked MPNST cell growth in vitro. Furthermore, an AURKA selective inhibitor, MLN8237, stabilized tumor volume and significantly increased survival of mice with MPNST xenografts. Conclusion Integrative cross-species transcriptome analyses combined with preclinical testing has provided an effective method for identifying candidates for molecular-targeted therapeutics. Blocking Aurora kinases may be a viable treatment platform for MPNST. PMID:22811580

  17. Angioblastic meningioma with hepatic metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Petito, Carol K.; Porro, Robert S.

    1971-01-01

    Infrequently, intracranial neoplasms metastasize to extracranial sites. In 1963, Glasauer and Yuan reviewed the 88 reported cases of metastatic intracranial tumours of which approximately two-fifths were meningiomas. This report concerns an angioblastic meningioma with a large hepatic metastasis. Cushing's original classification of angioblastic meningiomas and the differential diagnosis between these tumours and the haemangiopericytoma and cerebellar haemangioblastoma are discussed. Images PMID:5166210

  18. Demyelinating polyneuropathy with focally folded myelin sheaths in a family of Miniature Schnauzer dogs.

    PubMed

    Vanhaesebrouck, An E; Couturier, Jérôme; Cauzinille, Laurent; Mizisin, Andrew P; Shelton, G Diane; Granger, Nicolas

    2008-12-15

    A spontaneous demyelinating polyneuropathy in two young Miniature Schnauzer dogs was characterized clinically, electrophysiologically and histopathologically. Both dogs were related and a third dog, belonging to the same family, had similar clinical signs. On presentation, clinical signs were restricted to respiratory dysfunction. Electrophysiological tests showed a dramatic decrease in both motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities. Microscopic examination of peripheral nerve biopsies (light and electron microscopy, teased nerve fibers), showed that this neuropathy was characterized by segmental demyelination and focally folded myelin sheaths. Various clinical syndromes associated with tomacula or focal thickening of the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves have been described in humans and shown to be caused by gene mutations affecting the myelin proteins, such as the hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies or the demyelinating forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In animals, a tomaculous neuropathy has been reported in cattle and chickens but not in carnivores. Here we report a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy with tomacula in two Miniature Schnauzer dogs.

  19. Quantitative and qualitative 5-aminolevulinic acid–induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in skull base meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Bekelis, Kimon; Valdés, Pablo A.; Erkmen, Kadir; Leblond, Frederic; Kim, Anthony; Wilson, Brian C.; Harris, Brent T.; Paulsen, Keith D.; Roberts, David W.

    2011-01-01

    Object Complete resection of skull base meningiomas provides patients with the best chance for a cure; however, surgery is frequently difficult given the proximity of lesions to vital structures, such as cranial nerves, major vessels, and venous sinuses. Accurate discrimination between tumor and normal tissue is crucial for optimal tumor resection. Qualitative assessment of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence following the exogenous administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has demonstrated utility in malignant glioma resection but limited use in meningiomas. Here the authors demonstrate the use of ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence guidance in resecting a skull base meningioma and elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages provided by both quantitative and qualitative fluorescence methodologies in skull base meningioma resection. Methods A 52-year-old patient with a sphenoid wing WHO Grade I meningioma underwent tumor resection as part of an institutional review board–approved prospective study of fluorescence-guided resection. A surgical microscope modified for fluorescence imaging was used for the qualitative assessment of visible fluorescence, and an intraoperative probe for in situ fluorescence detection was utilized for quantitative measurements of PpIX. The authors assessed the detection capabilities of both the qualitative and quantitative fluorescence approaches. Results The patient harboring a sphenoid wing meningioma with intraorbital extension underwent radical resection of the tumor with both visibly and nonvisibly fluorescent regions. The patient underwent a complete resection without any complications. Some areas of the tumor demonstrated visible fluorescence. The quantitative probe detected neoplastic tissue better than the qualitative modified surgical microscope. The intraoperative probe was particularly useful in areas that did not reveal visible fluorescence, and tissue from these areas was confirmed as tumor following histopathological

  20. Some Observations on the Fine Structure of the Giant Nerve Fibers of the Earthworm, Eisenia foetida

    PubMed Central

    Hama, Kiyoshi

    1959-01-01

    Sectioned dorsal giant fibers of the earthworm Eisenia foetida have been studied with the electron microscope. The giant axon is surrounded by a Schwannian sheath in which the lamellae are arranged spirally. They can be traced from the outer surface of the Schwann cell to the axon-Schwann membranes. Irregularities in the spiral arrangement are frequently observed. Desmosome-like attachment areas occur on the giant fiber nerve sheath. These structures appear to be arranged bilaterally in columns which are oriented slightly obliquely to the long axis of the giant fiber and aligned linearly from the axon to the periphery of the sheath. At these sites they bind together apposing portions of Schwann cell membrane comprising the sheath. Longitudinal or oblique sections of the nerve sheath attachment areas are reminiscent of the Schmidt-Lantermann clefts of vertebrate peripheral nerve. Septa of the giant fibers have been examined. They are symmetrical or non-polarized and consist of the two plasma membranes of adjacent nerve units. Characteristic vesicular and tubular structures are associated with both cytoplasmic surfaces of these septa. PMID:13673048

  1. Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter: Translating a Terrestrial Focused Technique into a Clinical Monitoring Tool for Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mason, Sara; Foy, Millennia; Sargsyan, Ashot; Garcia, Kathleen; Wear, Mary L.; Bedi, Deepak; Ernst, Randy; Van Baalen, Mary

    2015-01-01

    Ultrasonography is increasingly used to quickly measure optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) when increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is suspected. NASA Space and Clinical Operations Division has been using ground and on-orbit ultrasound since 2009 as a proxy for ICP in non-acute monitoring for space medicine purposes. In the terrestrial emergency room population, an ONSD greater than 0.59 cm is considered highly predictive of elevated intracranial pressure. However, this cut-off limit is not applicable to the spaceflight setting since over 50% of US Operating Segment (USOS) astronauts have an ONSD greater than 0.60 cm even before launch. Crew Surgeon clinical decision-making is complicated by the fact that many astronauts have history of previous spaceflights. Our data characterize the distribution of baseline ONSD in the astronaut corps, its longitudinal trends in long-duration spaceflight, and the predictive power of this measure related to increased ICP outcomes.

  2. Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block in children with umbilical hernia: Case series.

    PubMed

    Alsaeed, Abdul Hamid; Thallaj, Ahmed; Khalil, Nancy; Almutaq, Nada; Aljazaeri, Ayman

    2013-10-01

    Umbilical hernia repair, a common day-case surgery procedure in children, is associated with a significant postoperative pain. The most popular peripheral nerve blocks used in umbilical hernia repair are rectus sheath infiltration and caudal block. The rectus sheath block may offer improved pain relief following umbilical hernia repair with no undesired effects such as lower limb motor weakness or urinary retention seen with caudal block which might delay discharge from the hospital. Ultrasound guidance of peripheral nerve blocks has reduced the number of complications and improved the quality of blocks. The aim of this case series is to assess the post rectus sheath block pain relief in pediatric patients coming for umbilical surgery. Twenty two (22) children (age range: 1.5-8 years) scheduled for umbilical hernia repair were included in the study. Following the induction of general anesthesia, the ultrasonographic anatomy of the umbilical region was studied with a 5-16 MHz 50 mm linear probe. An ultrasound-guided posterior rectus sheath block of both rectus abdominis muscles (RMs) was performed (total of 44 punctures). An in-plain technique using Stimuplex A insulated facet tip needle 22G 50mm. Surgical conditions, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, and postoperative analgesia by means of the modified CHEOPS scale were evaluated. ultrasonograghic visualization of the posterior sheath was possible in all patients. The ultrasound guided rectus sheath blockade provided sufficient analgesia in all children with no need for additional analgesia except for one patient who postoperatively required morphine 0.1 mg/kg intravenously. There were no complications. Ultrasound guidance enables performances of an effective rectus sheath block for umbilical hernia. Use of the Stimuplex A insulated facet tip needle 22G 50mm provides easy, less traumatic skin and rectus muscle penetration and satisfactory needle visualiza.

  3. Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Neurofibromatosis: Impact of Family History.

    PubMed

    Malbari, Fatema; Spira, Menachem; B Knight, Pamela; Zhu, Chong; Roth, Michael; Gill, Jonathan; Abbott, Rick; Levy, Adam S

    2018-04-20

    The main objective of this study was to determine if family history of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) increases risk of developing an MPNST in patients with neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1). Individuals with NF-1 registered with the Children's Tumor Foundation's Neurofibromatosis Registry were emailed an anonymous 15-minute survey with regard to personal and family history of NF-1, MPNST, ages of onset, and symptomatology. Participation was voluntary and information was self-reported. The survey was sent to 4801 registrants, 878 responded. Presence of a family history of MPNST was found to be a risk factor for the development of MPNST; 19.4% of respondents confirming a family history of MPNST developed MPNST compared with 7.5% of respondents with no family history (odds ratio, 2.975; 95% confidence interval, 1.232-7.187; P=0.021). NF-1 patients with a positive family history developed MPNST at a younger age than those with no family history (8.3% vs. 0.5% P=0.003 and 13.9% vs. 2.4% P=0.003, for onset before 10 and 20, respectively). In the MPNST population with a known family history, onset prior to age 10 was significantly more prevalent (42.9% vs. 7% P=0.029). These results suggest a positive family history of MPNST represents a risk factor for the development and early onset of MPNST in individuals with NF-1.

  4. Calvarial ectopic meningothelial meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Vital, Roberto Bezerra; Hamamoto Filho, Pedro Tadao; Lapate, Renan Luiz; Martins, Vinícius Zanin; de Oliveira Lima, Flávio; Romero, Flávio Ramalho; Zanini, Marco Antônio

    2015-01-01

    Background Meningiomas are the most common benign neoplasm of the brain whereas ectopic presentation, although reported, is rare. Among these ectopic tumors, there are a group of purely intraosseous meningiomas, which usually are diagnosed differentially from common primary osseous tumor such as fibrous dysplasia and osteoid osteoma. Case description We report a 62-year-old female with a history of headaches and 6 months of progressive right parietal bulging, with no neurological signs. Parietal craniotomy was performed with immediate titanium cranioplasty of the parietal convexity. Histopathology exams revealed an ectopic intradiploic meningioma without invasion of cortical layers, with positive staining for progesterone receptors and epithelial membrane antigen. Conclusions Ectopic intraosseous meningiomas remain a rare neoplasm with only a few cases reported. The main theories to justify the unusual topography appear to be embryological remains of neuroectodermal tissue or cellular dedifferentiation. Surgical treatment seems the best curative option. PMID:25805612

  5. Intradural extramedullary hemangiopericytoma of the thoracic spine infiltrating a nerve root: a case report and literature review.

    PubMed

    Moscovici, Samuel; Ramirez-DeNoriega, Fernando; Fellig, Yakov; Rosenthal, Guy; Cohen, José E; Itshayek, Eyal

    2011-11-01

    Review the presentation and diagnosis of an intradural extramedullary hemangiopericytoma of the thoracic spine. To present a rare case of intradural, subpial hemangiopericytoma in the thoracic spine, with a brief overview of the literature. Spinal intradural extramedullary hemangiopericytoma is rare entity that radiographically mimics nerve-sheath tumors. These lesions are typically diagnosed at surgery performed due to suspicion of tumor. A 20-year-old man who presented with back pain, leg weakness, and sphincter incontinence. MR imaging demonstrated an intradural extramedullary lesion at the T9-T10 level that was isointense on T1- and T2-weighted images and homogeneously enhancing after administration of gadolinium, with cystic components seen on T2-weighted images. The preoperative diagnosis was meningioma or schwannoma. At surgery, the lesion was bluish and completely subpial, with apparent nerve root invasion. Pathological examination revealed a neoplasm adjacent to a nerve root with possible focal infiltration. Abundant reticulin fibers and widened, branching vascular channels imparting a staghorn appearance were seen. Up to five mitotic figures were counted in one high-power field. On immunostaining, the neoplastic cells were diffusely immunoreactive for CD99 and immunonegative for EMA, CD34, and S-100 protein. The pathological diagnosis was consistent with anaplastic hemangiopericytoma, WHO grade III. This is the ninth report of spinal intradural hemangiopericytoma. The location of the neoplasm supports the hypothesis that hemangiopericytoma may arise from the spinal pial capillaries.

  6. L-carnitine alleviates sciatic nerve crush injury in rats: functional and electron microscopy assessments

    PubMed Central

    Avsar, Ümmü Zeynep; Avsar, Umit; Aydin, Ali; Yayla, Muhammed; Ozturkkaragoz, Berna; Un, Harun; Saritemur, Murat; Mercantepe, Tolga

    2014-01-01

    Several studies have demonstrated that L-carnitine exhibits neuroprotective effects on injured sciatic nerve of rats with diabetes mellitus. It is hypothesized that L-carnitine exhibits neuroprotective effects on injured sciatic nerve of rats. Rat sciatic nerve was crush injured by a forceps and exhibited degenerative changes. After intragastric administration of 50 and 100 mg/kg L-carnitine for 30 days, axon area, myelin sheath area, axon diameter, myelin sheath diameter, and numerical density of the myelinated axons of injured sciatic nerve were similar to normal, and the function of injured sciatic nerve also improved significantly. These findings suggest that L-carnitine exhibits neuroprotective effects on sciatic nerve crush injury in rats. PMID:25206754

  7. Comprehensive adipocytic and neurogenic tissue microarray analysis of NY-ESO-1 expression - a promising immunotherapy target in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and liposarcoma

    PubMed Central

    Shurell, Elizabeth; Vergara-Lluri, Maria E.; Li, Yunfeng; Crompton, Joseph G.; Singh, Arun; Bernthal, Nicholas; Wu, Hong; Eilber, Fritz C.; Dry, Sarah M.

    2016-01-01

    Background Immunotherapy targeting cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1 shows promise for tumors with poor response to chemoradiation. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) and liposarcomas (LPS) are chemoresistant and have few effective treatment options. Materials Methods Using a comprehensive tissue microarray (TMA) of both benign and malignant tumors in primary, recurrent, and metastatic samples, we examined NY-ESO-1 expression in peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) and adipocytic tumors. The PNST TMA included 42 MPNSTs (spontaneous n = 26, NF1-associated n = 16), 35 neurofibromas (spontaneous n = 22, NF-1 associated n = 13), 11 schwannomas, and 18 normal nerves. The LPS TMA included 48 well-differentiated/dedifferentiated (WD/DD) LPS, 13 myxoid/round cell LPS, 3 pleomorphic LPS, 8 lipomas, 1 myelolipoma, and 3 normal adipocytic tissue samples. Stained in triplicate, NY-ESO-1 intensity and density were scored. Results NY-ESO-1 expression was exclusive to malignant tumors. 100% of myxoid/round cell LPS demonstrated NY-ESO-1 expression, while only 6% of WD/DD LPS showed protein expression, one of which was WD LPS. Of MPNST, 4/26 (15%) spontaneous and 2/16 (12%) NF1-associated MPNSTs demonstrated NY-ESO-1 expression. Strong NY-ESO-1 expression was observed in myxoid/round cell and dedifferentiated LPS, and MPNST in primary, neoadjuvant, and metastatic settings. Conclusions We found higher prevalence of NY-ESO-1 expression in MPNSTs than previously reported, highlighting a subset of MPNST patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. This study expands our understanding of NY-ESO-1 in WD/DD LPS and is the first demonstration of staining in a WD LPS and metastatic/recurrent myxoid/round cell LPS. These results suggest immunotherapy targeting NY-ESO-1 may benefit patients with aggressive tumors resistant to conventional therapy. PMID:27655679

  8. Low grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour: varied cytological and histological patterns

    PubMed Central

    Yamaguchi, U; Hasegawa, T; Hirose, T; Chuman, H; Kawai, A; Ito, Y; Beppu, Y

    2003-01-01

    Background: A small number of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are low grade, and the nature of these low grade tumours has never been systematically assessed. Aims: To describe the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of low grade MPNST and to discuss the main differential diagnoses. Methods: Four cases of low grade MPNST were studied, including one coexistent with neurofibromatosis type 1. The tumours were analysed with respect to nuclear atypia, cellularity, nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, mitotic rate, and necrosis. Immunohistochemistry was performed by standard techniques, and an ultrastructural study was performed on one tumour. Results: The ages of the patients ranged from 32 to 72 years (mean, 58). Two were male and two were female. Three tumours occurred in the deep tissue, including one in the retroperitoneum, and one was located in the dermal and subcutaneous tissue. The maximum diameters of the tumours ranged from 3.5 to 8.0 cm. Microscopically, all tumours showed moderate hypercellularity, an increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, and hyperchromasia, but exhibited varied growth patterns, including those that were atypical neurofibroma-like, low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma-like, low grade epithelioid, and haemangiopericytoma-like. All tumours showed immunoreactivity for S-100 protein and vimentin. Conclusions: These findings suggest that careful clinical and histological evaluation, along with S-100 protein immunostaining, are essential for the accurate diagnosis of low grade MPNST. PMID:14600126

  9. Nerve Regeneration in the Peripheral Nervous System versus the Central Nervous System and the Relevance to Speech and Hearing after Nerve Injuries

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gordon, Tessa; Gordon, Karen

    2010-01-01

    Schwann cells normally form myelin sheaths around axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and support nerve regeneration after nerve injury. In contrast, nerve regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is not supported by the myelinating cells known as oligodendrocytes. We have found that: 1) low frequency electrical stimulation can be…

  10. Unilateral external and internal ophthalmoplegia caused by intracranial meningioma in a dog.

    PubMed

    Larocca, R.D.

    2000-01-01

    Unilateral internal and external ophthalmoplegia caused by an intracranial meningioma occurred in a 15-year-old Belgian Sheepdog. The dog initially presented with ventro-lateral strabismus of the left eye, and ptosis of the left upper eyelid. Anisocoria was present with the left pupil fixed and dilated. Both eyes were visual. Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation revealed a lesion located in the left oculomotor nerve. Pharmacological testing with dilute pilocarpine (0.1% in artificial tears) revealed evidence of parasympathetic denervation of the left eye. Further evaluation via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined mass to the left of midline and lateral to the sella turcica. An attempt was made to excise/debulk the mass due to worsening conditions and the dog died the following day. Necropsy revealed a mass of randomly arranged bundles and streams of spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a strong avidity for vimentin and a negative response for S-100 protein. These findings suggest a diagnosis of meningioma.

  11. Endoscopic Endonasal and Transcranial Surgery for Microsurgical Resection of Ventral Foramen Magnum Meningiomas: A Preliminary Experience.

    PubMed

    Khattar, Nicolas; Koutourousiou, Maria; Chabot, Joseph D; Wang, Eric W; Cohen-Gadol, Aaron A; Snyderman, Carl H; Fernandez-Miranda, Juan C; Gardner, Paul A

    2018-05-01

    Purely ventral foramen magnum meningiomas are challenging tumors to treat given their location, and proximity and relationship to vital neurovascular structures. To present endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) as a complementary approach to the far-lateral suboccipital approach (FLA) for ventral midline tumors. From May 2008 to October 2013, 5 patients underwent EES and 5 FLA for primary ventral foramen magnum meningiomas. We retrospectively reviewed their records to evaluate outcomes. Nine of 10 patients presented with long-tract and lower cranial nerve deficits. All patients who presented with deficits preoperatively completely normalized after tumor resection regardless of approach. Gross total resection was achieved in 2 cases in the EES group and 4 cases in the FLA group (the rest were near total). Vascular encasement was a limitation to gross total resection with both approaches. Preoperative median Karnofsky Performance Scale score was 80 and improved to 100 in both groups. Following EES, 1 patient developed cerebrospinal fluid leak with resultant meningitis. Two patients developed hydrocephalus, one of which developed an epidural abscess following necrosis of the nasoseptal flap, requiring debridement. In the FLA group, 1 patient developed a pseudomeningocele associated with hydrocephalus. One patient developed an abdominal fat graft site hematoma. Both approaches provide excellent results for resection of ventral foramen magnum meningiomas, with reconstruction and hydrocephalus as the main sources of complication. In our practice, EES is a preferred technique in ventral, purely midline tumors with limited inferior extension and reduced lower cranial nerve manipulation, whereas FLA is preferred in tumors with lateral and caudal extension below the tip of the dens.

  12. Chitosan conduits combined with nerve growth factor microspheres repair facial nerve defects

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Huawei; Wen, Weisheng; Hu, Min; Bi, Wenting; Chen, Lijie; Liu, Sanxia; Chen, Peng; Tan, Xinying

    2013-01-01

    Microspheres containing nerve growth factor for sustained release were prepared by a compound method, and implanted into chitosan conduits to repair 10-mm defects on the right buccal branches of the facial nerve in rabbits. In addition, chitosan conduits combined with nerve growth factor or normal saline, as well as autologous nerve, were used as controls. At 90 days post-surgery, the muscular atrophy on the right upper lip was more evident in the nerve growth factor and normal sa-line groups than in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups. physiological analysis revealed that the nerve conduction velocity and amplitude were significantly higher in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups than in the nerve growth factor and normal saline groups. Moreover, histological observation illustrated that the di-ameter, number, alignment and myelin sheath thickness of myelinated nerves derived from rabbits were higher in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups than in the nerve growth factor and normal saline groups. These findings indicate that chitosan nerve conduits bined with microspheres for sustained release of nerve growth factor can significantly improve facial nerve defect repair in rabbits. PMID:25206635

  13. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors of the eighth cranial nerve arising without prior irradiation.

    PubMed

    Carlson, Matthew L; Jacob, Jeffrey T; Habermann, Elizabeth B; Glasgow, Amy E; Raghunathan, Aditya; Link, Michael J

    2016-11-01

    OBJECTIVE Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) of the eighth cranial nerve (CN) are exceedingly rare. To date the literature has focused on MPNSTs occurring after radiation therapy for presumed benign vestibular schwannomas (VSs), while MPNSTs arising without prior irradiation have received little attention. The objectives of the current study are to characterize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, disease course, and outcome using a large national cancer registry database and a systematic review of the English literature. Additionally, a previously unreported case is presented. METHODS The authors conducted an analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, a systematic review of the literature, and present a case report. Data from all patients identified in the SEER database with a diagnosis of MPNST involving the eighth CN, without a history of prior radiation, were analyzed. Additionally, all cases reported in the English literature between January 1980 and March 2015 were reviewed. Finally, 1 previously unreported case is presented. RESULTS The SEER registries identified 30 cases between 1992 and 2012. The average incidence was 0.017 per 1 million persons per year (range 0.000-0.0687 per year). The median age at diagnosis was 55 years, and 16 (53%) were women. Thirteen cases were diagnosed upon autopsy. Of the 17 cases diagnosed while alive, the median follow-up was 118 days, with 3 deaths (18%) observed. When compared with the incidence of benign VS, 1041 VSs present for every 1 MPNST arising from the eighth CN. Including a previously unreported case from the authors' center, a systematic review of the English literature yielded 24 reports. The median age at diagnosis was 44 years, 50% were women, and the median tumor size at diagnosis was 3 cm. Eleven patients (46%) reported isolated audiovestibular complaints typical for VS while 13 (54%) exhibited facial paresis or other signs of a more aggressive process

  14. Meningioma

    MedlinePlus

    ... meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges — the membranes that surround your brain and spinal ... know that something alters some cells in your meninges to make them multiply out of control, leading ...

  15. Giant Olfactory Meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    d'Avella, Domenico; Salpietro, Francesco M.; Alafaci, Cetty; Tomasello, Francesco

    1999-01-01

    Olfactory groove meningiomas may attain surprisingly large size. The subfrontal approach is currently the route preferred by most neurosurgeons for their excision. The pterional-transsylvian route represents an alternate exposure for microsurgery of frontobasal tumors. Although this approach has been already described for olfactory meningiomas, tumors of giant size were not specifically addressed in the literature. We report the application of the pterional-transsylvian approach in six patients with giant olfactory meningiomas. This series is unique because it includes only patients with tumors exceeding 6 cm in diameter with bilateral symmetrical development. A radical removal was achieved in all patients and all of them made a full recovery. To investigate the relevance of the pterional-transsylvian approach for minimizing surgical morbidity, a magnetic resonance imaging protocol was designed to characterize even subtle postoperative frontal lobe structural changes. These changes, limited to the frontal lobe ipsilateral to exposure and localized in specific anatomical domains of the prefrontal area, included cystic degenerative alterations, parenchymal gliosis, and associated persistent white matter edema. Results from the present series strengthen the usefulness of the pterional-transsylvian approach as a safe surgical route for lesions affecting the anterior skull base, even with huge bilateral symmetrical expansion, such as giant olfactory meningiomas. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3p26-bFigure 4p27-bFigure 5Figure 6Figure 7 PMID:17171078

  16. Sclerosing Meningioma : Radiological and Clinical Characteristics of 21 Cases

    PubMed Central

    Kang, Ho; Se, Young-Bem; Dho, Yun-Sik; Choi, Seung Hong; Park, Sung-Hye

    2016-01-01

    Objective A rare subtype of meningioma, sclerosing meningioma is not included in the current World Health Organization classification of meningiomas and is classified into the category of other morphological variation subtypes. Sclerosing meningioma is often misdiagnosed to other non-benign meningioma or malignant neoplasm, so it is important to diagnose sclerosing type correctly. We analyzed the radiological and clinical characteristics of a series of sclerosing meningiomas. Methods Twenty-one patients who underwent surgery in one institute with a histopathologically proven sclerosing meningioma were included from 2006 to 2014. Eighteen tumors were diagnosed as a pure sclerosing-type meningioma, and 3 as mixed type. Magnetic resonance image was taken for all patients including contrast enhancement image. Computed tomography (CT) scan was taken for 16 patients. One neuroradiologist and 1 neurosurgeon reviewed all images retrospectively. Results In the all 16 patients with preoperative CT images, higher attenuation was observed in the meningioma than in the brain parenchyma, and calcification was observed in 11 (69%). In 15 of the 21 patients (71%), a distinctive very low signal intensity appeared as a dark color in T2-weighted images. Nine of these 15 tumors (60%) exhibited heterogeneous enhancement, and 6 (40%) exhibited homogeneous enhancement that was unlike the homogeneous enhancing pattern shown by conventional meningiomas. Ten patients had a clear tumor margin without peritumoral edema. Conclusion Although these peculiar radiological characteristics are not unique to sclerosing meningioma, we believe that they are distinctive features that may be helpful for distinguishing sclerosing meningioma from other subtypes. PMID:27847571

  17. Lower body negative pressure reduces optic nerve sheath diameter during head-down tilt.

    PubMed

    Marshall-Goebel, Karina; Terlević, Robert; Gerlach, Darius A; Kuehn, Simone; Mulder, Edwin; Rittweger, Jörn

    2017-11-01

    The microgravity ocular syndrome (MOS) results in significant structural and functional ophthalmic changes during 6-mo spaceflight missions consistent with an increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure compared with the preflight upright position. A ground-based study was performed to assess two of the major hypothesized contributors to MOS, headward fluid shifting and increased ambient CO 2 , on intracranial and periorbital CSF. In addition, lower body negative pressure (LBNP) was assessed as a countermeasure to headward fluid shifting. Nine healthy male subjects participated in a crossover design study with five head-down tilt (HDT) conditions: -6, -12, and -18° HDT, -12° HDT with -20 mmHg LBNP, and -12° HDT with a 1% CO 2 environment, each for 5 h total. A three-dimensional volumetric scan of the cranium and transverse slices of the orbita were collected with MRI, and intracranial CSF volume and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) were measured after 4.5 h HDT. ONSD increased during -6° ( P < 0.001), -12° ( P < 0.001), and -18° HDT ( P < 0.001) and intracranial CSF increased during -12° HDT ( P = 0.01) compared with supine baseline. Notably, LBNP was able to reduce the increases in ONSD and intracranial CSF during HDT. The addition of 1% CO 2 during HDT, however, had no further effect on ONSD, but rather ONSD increased from baseline in a similar magnitude to -12° HDT with ambient air ( P = 0.001). These findings demonstrate the ability of LBNP, a technique that targets fluid distribution in the lower limbs, to directly influence CSF and may be a promising countermeasure to help reduce increases in CSF. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to demonstrate the ability of lower body negative pressure to directly influence cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the optic nerve, indicating potential use as a countermeasure for increased cerebrospinal fluid on Earth or in space. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  18. Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter: Translating a Terrestrial Focused Technique Into a Clinical Monitoring Tool for Space Flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mason, Sara S.; Foy, Millennia; Sargsyan, Ashot; Garcia, Kathleen; Wear, Mary L.; Bedi, Deepak; Ernst, Randy; Van Baalen, Mary

    2014-01-01

    Emergency medicine physicians recently adopted the use of ultrasonography to quickly measure optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as concomitant with increased intracranial pressure. NASA Space and Clinical Operations Division has been using ground and on-orbit ultrasound capabilities since 2009 to consider this anatomical measure as a proxy for intracranial pressure in the microgravity environment. In the terrestrial emergency room population, an ONSD greater than 0.59 cm is considered highly predictive of elevated intracranial pressure. However, this cut-off limit is not applicable to the spaceflight setting since over 50% of US Operating Segment (USOS) astronauts have an ONSD greater than 0.60 cm even before missions. Crew Surgeon clinical decision-making is complicated by the fact that many astronauts have history of previous spaceflights. Data will be presented characterizing the distribution of baseline ONSD in the astronaut corps, longitudinal trends in-flight, and the predictive power of this measure related to increased intracranial pressure outcomes.

  19. Reexcision Perineural Invasion and Epithelial Sheath Neuroma Possibly on a Spectrum of Postinjury Reactive Hyperplasia Mediated by IL-6.

    PubMed

    Wang, James Y; Nuovo, Gerard; Kline, Mitchell; Magro, Cynthia M

    2017-01-01

    Epithelial sheath neuroma is a rarely recognized but established entity in the medical literature. First described in 2000 by Requena et al, there have only been 7 published cases to date, mostly in female patients and presenting as symptomatic solitary lesions on the back without a known history of trauma. In 2006, Beer et al described and reviewed a dozen cases in which epithelial sheath neuroma-like features were seen in the advent of a surgical procedure, which was termed "re-excision perineural invasion" and attributed to possible eccrine duct implantation during surgery. Our case is a 66-year-old male patient who underwent an excision of a melanocytic neoplasm in which a reactive epithelial sheath neuroma was incidentally discovered in the excision specimen, adjacent to the biopsy site cicatrix. Histologically, there was benign cutaneous nerve hyperplasia with a proliferation of squamous epithelium in intimate apposition to the nerve bundles in the superficial dermis. We postulate that the process active in the formation of re-excision perineural invasion is the same as in epithelial sheath neuroma and that minor trauma not appreciable on histologic examination is responsible in the latter entity. We performed IL-6 staining and documented that IL-6 was upregulated at the interface of the nerve and reactive epithelium, but was absent in nerves distant from the site of surgery, suggesting that IL-6 may be essential to the lesion's development. The recognition of reactive epithelial sheath neuroma including the subcategory of re-excision perineural invasion is crucial for the dermatopathologist to prevent mislabeling this reactive entity as a perineural squamous cell carcinoma, which has clinical consequences for the patient such as wider re-excision and radiation treatment. Additionally, we have identified a potential pathophysiologic basis for this lesion.

  20. A hereditary disposition for bovine peripheral nerve sheath tumors in Danish Holstein cattle.

    PubMed

    Grossi, Anette B; Agerholm, Jørgen S; Christensen, Knud; Jensen, Henrik E; Leifsson, Páll S; Bendixen, Christian; Karlskov-Mortensen, Peter; Fredholm, Merete

    2014-12-10

    Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are frequently found in Danish cattle at slaughter. Bovine PNSTs share several gross and histopathological characteristics with the PNSTs in humans with heritable neurofibromatosis syndromes. The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible hereditary disposition to PNSTs in dairy cattle by statistical analysis performed on data from 567 cattle with PNSTs. Furthermore, a preliminary genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on DNA isolated from 28 affected and 28 non-affected Holstein cows to identify loci in the bovine genome involved in the development of PNSTs. PNSTs were significantly more common in the Danish Holstein breed than in other breeds with 0.49% of Danish Holsteins slaughtered during an eight-year-period having PNSTs. PNSTs also occurred significantly more frequently in the offspring of some specific Holstein sires. Examination of three generation pedigrees showed that these sires were genetically related through a widely used US Holstein sire. The PNSTs included in GWAS were histologically classified as neurofibroma-schwannoma (43%), schwannoma (36%) and neurofibroma (21%) and derived from Holstein cows with multiple PNSTs. A single SNP on chromosome 27 reached genome-wide significance. Gross and histological characteristics of bovine PNSTs are comparable to PNSTs in humans (schwannomatosis). Danish Holsteins are genetically disposed to develop PNSTs but the examined materials are insufficient to allow determination of the mode of inheritance.

  1. Neurocognition in individuals with incidentally-identified meningioma.

    PubMed

    Butts, Alissa M; Weigand, Stephen; Brown, Paul D; Petersen, Ronald C; Jack, Clifford R; Machulda, Mary M; Cerhan, Jane H

    2017-08-01

    Meningiomas are primary intracranial tumors that are often asymptomatic. To our knowledge, no study has attempted to describe neurocognitive function in patients with incidentally-discovered meningioma. We utilized the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA), which is a population-based sample of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents that includes neuropsychological testing and brain MRI approximately every 15 months. Using a text search of radiologists' notes of 2402 MCSA individuals (mean age 77 years, scanned between 2004 and 2014) we identified 48 eligible subjects (2%) who had at least one meningioma. Most meningiomas were small (90% <3 cm). We matched each of the 48 subjects to 5 non-demented MCSA controls (n = 240) on age, sex, and education. Cognitive domains assessed included memory, attention-executive function, language, and visuospatial. More women (67%) had a meningioma than men (33%). Groups did not differ on prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (Meningioma = 19%, Controls = 13%). Across cognitive domains, we observed similar performance for the two groups (p's ≥ 0.21). Subtle differences emerged in memory and language domains (p = 0.05 and p = 0.11) when we divided the Meningioma group by tumor location, wherein the small group with an infratentorial tumor performed more poorly than controls globally as well as on select memory and language measures. Our findings suggest that small meningiomas are generally cognitively benign, but that may change as the tumor evolves, and might be impacted by other factors such as meningioma location.

  2. Low-Level Laser Irradiation Improves Functional Recovery and Nerve Regeneration in Sciatic Nerve Crush Rat Injury Model

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Chau-Zen; Chen, Yi-Jen; Wang, Yan-Hsiung; Yeh, Ming-Long; Huang, Mao-Hsiung; Ho, Mei-Ling; Liang, Jen-I; Chen, Chia-Hsin

    2014-01-01

    The development of noninvasive approaches to facilitate the regeneration of post-traumatic nerve injury is important for clinical rehabilitation. In this study, we investigated the effective dose of noninvasive 808-nm low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on sciatic nerve crush rat injury model. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 experimental groups: a normal group with or without 808-nm LLLT at 8 J/cm2 and a sciatic nerve crush injury group with or without 808-nm LLLT at 3, 8 or 15 J/cm2. Rats were given consecutive transcutaneous LLLT at the crush site and sacrificed 20 days after the crush injury. Functional assessments of nerve regeneration were analyzed using the sciatic functional index (SFI) and hindlimb range of motion (ROM). Nerve regeneration was investigated by measuring the myelin sheath thickness of the sciatic nerve using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by analyzing the expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) in sciatic nerve using western blot and immunofluorescence staining. We found that sciatic-injured rats that were irradiated with LLLT at both 3 and 8 J/cm2 had significantly improved SFI but that a significant improvement of ROM was only found in rats with LLLT at 8 J/cm2. Furthermore, the myelin sheath thickness and GAP43 expression levels were significantly enhanced in sciatic nerve-crushed rats receiving 808-nm LLLT at 3 and 8 J/cm2. Taken together, these results suggest that 808-nm LLLT at a low energy density (3 J/cm2 and 8 J/cm2) is capable of enhancing sciatic nerve regeneration following a crush injury. PMID:25119457

  3. [Management of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas and the posterior part of the temporal bone. Report on 44 cases].

    PubMed

    Le Garlantezec, C; Vidal, V Franco; Guerin, J; Bébéar, J P; Liguoro, D; Darrouzet, V

    2005-01-01

    To review and study the management of CPA meningiomas through the experience of an otoneurosurgical team. Fourty-two patients (44 meningiomas) were considered. Seventy-seven per cent of tumors (34 cases) were operated on; 6 tumors (14.6%) were exclusively irradiated using fractionated radiation therapy (FRT) and four only surveyed (9,8%). transpetrosal approaches were exclusively used. These were translabyrinthine (TLA) in 47%, widened retrolabyrinthine (WRLA) in 41% of cases, transcochlear approach (TCA) in three cases and a middle fossa in one. A transtentorial approach was combined in 35% of cases (8 TLA, 4 WRLA). Surgical removal was incomplete in 11,8% of cases; in 3 cases growing tumor was treated by FRT included one case of anaplasic tumor Postoperative complications were: 1 meningitis, 1 wound abscess, 2 hydrocephalus (6%) and 4 CSF fistulas (12%). No complications have been observed during the last 7 years (21 cases). House and Brackmann Grade 1 or 2 facial function was obtained in 59% of cases (but 10 patients had a preoperative facial nerve paresis). A normal or subnormal AAO-HNS Class A-B Hearing could be preserved in 57% of WRLA. Radiation therapy allowed tumor shrinkage in all cases. In 3 cases this regression was of more than 50%. Surgery is the gold standard in treating CPA meningiomas. Transpetrosal approaches and particularly WRLA pure or combined to a transtentorial approach are for us the best way to remove these tumors in preserving hearing and facial nerve function. When hearing is poor or when tumor extension to the clivus or the premeatal area is consistent a TLA is either planned preoperatively or obtained from a WRLA.

  4. CT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the head and neck.

    PubMed

    Kim, Ha Youn; Hwang, Ji Young; Kim, Hyung-Jin; Kim, Yi Kyung; Cha, Jihoon; Park, Gyeong Min; Kim, Sung Tae

    2017-10-01

    Background Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a highly malignant tumor and rarely occurs in the head and neck. Purpose To describe the imaging features of MPNST of the head and neck. Material and Methods We retrospectively analyzed computed tomography (CT; n = 14), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 16), and 18 F-FDG PET/CT (n = 5) imaging features of 18 MPNSTs of the head and neck in 17 patients. Special attention was paid to determine the nerve of origin from which the tumor might have arisen. Results All lesions were well-defined (n = 3) or ill-defined (n = 15) masses (mean, 6.1 cm). Lesions were at various locations but most commonly the neck (n = 8), followed by the intracranial cavity (n = 3), paranasal sinus (n = 2), and orbit (n = 2). The nerve of origin was inferred for 11 lesions: seven in the neck, two in the orbit, one in the cerebellopontine angle, and one on the parietal scalp. Attenuation, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern of the lesions on CT and MRI were non-specific. Necrosis/hemorrhage/cystic change within the lesion was considered to be present on images in 13 and bone change in nine. On 18 F-FDG PET/CT images, all five lesions demonstrated various hypermetabolic foci with maximum standard uptake value (SUV max ) from 3.2 to 14.6 (mean, 7.16 ± 4.57). Conclusion MPNSTs can arise from various locations in the head and neck. Though non-specific, a mass with an ill-defined margin along the presumed course of the cranial nerves may aid the diagnosis of MPSNT in the head and neck.

  5. Rhabdoid Meningioma of Brain - A Rare Aggressive Tumor

    PubMed Central

    Mondal, Sajeeb; Pradhan, Rajashree; Pal, Subrata; Chatterjee, Sharmistha; Bandyapadhyay, Arindam; Bhattacharyya, Debosmita

    2017-01-01

    Rhabdoid meningioma is a rare aggressive variant of meningioma, regarded as WHO Grade III type. Histologically and cytologically, it is distinctive type having abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, cytoplasmic inclusion with eccentrically placed vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. High recurrence rate and poor outcome are important features. Here, we are presenting a rare case of rhabdoid meningioma found in a recurrent meningioma of the posterior fossa in a middle-aged female. We emphasized the squash cytology and histology finding of the rare neoplasm. PMID:28900335

  6. A new entity in the differential diagnosis of geniculate ganglion tumours: fibrous connective tissue lesion of the facial nerve.

    PubMed

    de Arriba, Alvaro; Lassaletta, Luis; Pérez-Mora, Rosa María; Gavilán, Javier

    2013-01-01

    Differential diagnosis of geniculate ganglion tumours includes chiefly schwannomas, haemangiomas and meningiomas. We report the case of a patient whose clinical and imaging findings mimicked the presentation of a facial nerve schwannoma.Pathological studies revealed a lesion with nerve bundles unstructured by intense collagenisation. Consequently, it was called fibrous connective tissue lesion of the facial nerve. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

  7. Epilepsy and adverse quality of life in surgically resected meningioma.

    PubMed

    Tanti, M J; Marson, A G; Jenkinson, M D

    2017-09-01

    Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors, and despite surgery or therapy with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), many patients suffer from seizures. Epilepsy has a significant impact on quality of life (QoL) in non-tumor populations, but the impact of epilepsy on QoL in patients with meningioma is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of epilepsy on QoL in patients that have undergone resection of a benign meningioma. We recruited meningioma patients without epilepsy (n=109), meningioma patients with epilepsy (n=56), and epilepsy patients without meningioma (n=64). QoL was measured with the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-BR), and the Liverpool Adverse Events Profile (LAEP). Regression analyses identified significant determinants of QoL. Patients with meningioma and epilepsy had poorer QoL scores than meningioma patients without epilepsy in all measures. In FACT-BR, this difference was significant. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that current AED use had a greater impact on QoL scores than recent seizures. Other variables associated with impaired QoL included depression, unemployment, and meningioma attributed symptoms. Epilepsy has a negative impact on quality of life in patients with benign meningioma. AED use is correlated with impaired QoL and raised LAEP scores, suggesting that AEDs and adverse effects may have led to impaired QoL in our meningioma patients with epilepsy. The severity of epilepsy in our meningioma population was comparatively mild; therefore, a more conservative approach to AED therapy may be indicated in an attempt to minimize adverse effects. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. Intracranial meningiomas related to external cranial irradiation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Spallone, A.; Gagliardi, F.M.; Vagnozzi, R.

    1979-08-01

    Three cases are presented of meningiomas following small-dose external cranial irradiation in which several features clearly indicate a causal relationship between radiotherapy and tumor development. The length of the latent period separates meningiomas following high-dose irradiation from those which followed small-dose irradiation. Therefore the oncogenic mechanism seems to act differently in the two groups. This demonstration that multiple meningiomas can occur in patients irradiated for Tinea capitis should enable other similar cases to be recognized.

  9. Results of stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with imaging defined cavernous sinus meningiomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pollock, Bruce E.; Stafford, Scott L.

    2005-08-01

    Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery as primary management for patients with imaging defined cavernous sinus meningiomas. Methods: Between 1992 and 2001, 49 patients had radiosurgery for dural-based masses of the cavernous sinus presumed to be meningiomas. The mean patient age was 55.5 years. The mean tumor volume was 10.2 mL; the mean tumor margin dose was 15.9 Gy. The mean follow-up was 58 months (range, 16-144 months). Results: No tumor enlarged after radiosurgery. Twelve of 38 patients (26%) with preexisting diplopia or facial numbness/pain had improvement in cranial nervemore » function. Five patients (10%) had new (n = 3) or worsened (n = 2) trigeminal dysfunction; 2 of these patients (4%) underwent surgery at 20 and 25 months after radiosurgery despite no evidence of tumor progression. Neither patient improved after partial tumor resection. One patient (2%) developed an oculomotor nerve injury. One patient (2%) had an ischemic stroke related to occlusion of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. Event-free survival was 98%, 85%, and 80% at 1, 3, and 7 years after radiosurgery, respectively. Univariate analysis of patient and dosimetric factors found no analyzed factor correlated with postradiosurgical morbidity. Conclusions: Radiosurgery was an effective primary management strategy for patients with an imaging defined cavernous sinus meningioma. Except in situations of symptomatic mass effect, unusual clinical presentation, or atypical imaging features, surgery to confirm the histologic diagnosis is unlikely to provide clinical benefit.« less

  10. Meningiomas after cranial radiotherapy for childhood cancer: a single institution experience.

    PubMed

    Felicetti, Francesco; Fortunati, Nicoletta; Garbossa, Diego; Biasin, Eleonora; Rudà, Roberta; Daniele, Dino; Arvat, Emanuela; Corrias, Andrea; Fagioli, Franca; Brignardello, Enrico

    2015-07-01

    Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) treated with cranial radiation therapy (CRT) are at risk of developing meningiomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cumulative incidence of meningiomas in a cohort of CCS who previously underwent CRT. We considered all CCS who received CRT and were followed up at the "Transition Unit for Childhood Cancer Survivors" in Turin. Even though asymptomatic, they had at least one brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging performed at a minimum interval of 10 years after treatment for pediatric cancer. We identified 90 patients (median follow-up 24.6 years). Fifteen patients developed meningioma (median time from pediatric cancer, 22.5 years). In four patients, it was suspected on the basis of neurological symptoms (i.e., headache or seizures), whereas all other cases, including five giant meningiomas, were discovered in otherwise asymptomatic patients. Multiple meningiomas were discovered in four CCS. Ten patients underwent surgical resection. An atypical meningioma (grade II WHO) was reported in four patients. One patient with multiple meningiomas died for a rapid growth of the intracranial lesions. A second neoplasm (SN) other than meningioma was diagnosed in five out of the 15 patients with meningioma and in ten out of the 75 CCS without meningioma. Cox multivariate analysis showed that the occurrence of meningioma was associated with the development of other SNs, whereas age, sex, or CRT dose had no influence. CCS at risk of the development of meningioma deserve close clinical follow-up, especially those affected by other SNs.

  11. Immunohistochemical profile of neurotrophins in human cranial dura mater and meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Artico, Marco; Bronzetti, Elena; Pompili, Elena; Ionta, Brunella; Alicino, Valentina; D'Ambrosio, Anna; Santoro, Antonio; Pastore, Francesco S; Elenkov, Ilia; Fumagalli, Lorenzo

    2009-06-01

    The immunohistochemical profile of neurotrophins and their receptors in the human cranial dura mater was studied by examining certain dural zones in specimens harvested from different regions (frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital). Dural specimens were obtained during neurosurgical operations performed in ten patients for surgical treatment of intracranial lesions (meningiomas, traumas, gliomas, vascular malformations). The dural fragments were taken from the area of the craniotomy at least 8 cm from the lesion as well as from the area in which the meningioma had its dural attachment. Immunohistochemical characterization and distribution of neurotrophins, with their receptors, were analyzed. The concrete role played by these neurotrophic factors in general regulation, vascular permeability, algic responsivity and release of locally active substances in the human dura mater is still controversial. Our study revealed a general structural alteration of dural tissue due to the invasivity of meningiomatous lesions, together with an improved expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in highly proliferating neoplastic cells and an evident production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in inflammatory cells, suggesting that BDNF has a role in supporting the proliferation rate of neoplastic cells, while NGF is involved in the activation of a chronic inflammatory response in neoplastic areas.

  12. Swimming Exercise in the Acute or Late Phase after Sciatic Nerve Crush Accelerates Nerve Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Teodori, Rosana Macher; Betini, Joice; de Oliveira, Larissa Salgado; Sobral, Luciane Lobato; Takeda, Sibele Yoko Mattozo; Montebelo, Maria Imaculada de Lima

    2011-01-01

    There is no consensus about the best time to start exercise after peripheral nerve injury. We evaluated the morphological and functional characteristics of the sciatic nerves of rats that began to swim immediately after crush nerve injury (CS1), those that began to swim 14 days after injury (CS14), injured rats not submitted to swimming (C), and uninjured rats submitted to swimming (S). After 30 days the number of axons in CS1 and CS14 was lower than in C (P < 0.01). The diameter of axons and nerve fibers was larger in CS1 (P < 0.01) and CS14 (P < 0.05) than in C, and myelin sheath thickness was lower in all crushed groups (P < 0.05). There was no functional difference between CS1 and CS14 (P > 0.05). Swimming exercise applied during the acute or late phase of nerve injury accelerated nerve regeneration and synaptic elimination after axonotmesis, suggesting that exercise may be initiated immediately after injury. PMID:21876821

  13. Association between prediagnostic glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and meningioma, and reverse causality

    PubMed Central

    Bernardo, Brittany M; Orellana, Robert C; Weisband, Yiska Lowenberg; Hammar, Niklas; Walldius, Goran; Malmstrom, Hakan; Ahlbom, Anders; Feychting, Maria; Schwartzbaum, Judith

    2016-01-01

    Background: Although meningioma is a benign tumour, it may cause significant morbidity. Obesity and diabetes are positively associated with meningioma. To evaluate the potential effects of obesity-related prediagnostic glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol on meningioma and of prediagnostic meningioma on these biomarkers, we conducted a cohort study. Methods: We identified 41 355 individuals in the Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk cohort with values for these biomarkers within 15 years before meningioma diagnosis, death, migration or the end of follow-up. We then estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and their interactions with time and age using Cox regression. Results: Meningioma was diagnosed in 181 women and 115 men whose median follow-up time was 7 years. Fasting serum glucose level was inversely related to meningioma among women (Ptrend=0.0006) but not men (Ptrend=0.24). Prediagnostic diabetes was inversely related to meningioma in both sexes combined (HR=0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.71), as was serum cholesterol within the year before diagnosis (HR=0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.72). Conclusions: Paradoxically, hyperglycaemia is inversely associated with meningioma in women. This finding does not necessarily negate the positive role of obesity or diabetes in meningioma development; rather, it may indicate that their effects depend on the stage of development. Furthermore, the prediagnostic tumour may reduce serum cholesterol levels. PMID:27253176

  14. Steroid hormone and epidermal growth factor receptors in meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Horsfall, D J; Goldsmith, K G; Ricciardelli, C; Skinner, J M; Tilley, W D; Marshall, V R

    1989-11-01

    A prospective study of steroid hormone and epidermal growth factor receptor expression in 57 meningiomas is presented. Scatchard analysis of radioligand binding identified 20% of meningiomas as expressing classical oestrogen receptors (ER) at levels below that normally accepted for positivity, the remainder being negative. ER could not be visualized in any meningioma using immunocytochemistry. Alternatively, 74% of meningiomas demonstrated the presence of progesterone receptors (PR) by Scatchard analysis, the specificity of which could not be attributed to glucocorticoid or androgen receptors. Confirmation of classical PR presence was determined by immunocytochemical staining. The presence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was demonstrated in 100% of meningiomas using immunocytochemical staining. These data are reviewed in the context of previously reported results and are discussed in relation to the potential for medical therapy as an adjunct to surgery.

  15. Long-Term Results of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Jang, Chang Ki; Jung, Hyun Ho; Chang, Jong Hee; Chang, Jin Woo; Park, Yong Gou

    2015-01-01

    Background The predominant treatment modality for meningioma is surgical resection. However, gamma knife radiosurgery is also an important treatment modality for meningioma that is small or cannot be completely removed because of its location. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and long-term results of radiosurgical treatment for meningioma in our institution. Methods We studied 628 patients (130 men and 498 women) who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial meningioma, which is radiologically diagnosed, from Jan 2008 to Nov 2012. We included patients with single lesion meningioma, and followed up after 6 months with imaging, and then at 24 months with a clinical examination. Patients with high-grade meningioma or multiple meningiomas were excluded. We analyzed each of the factors associated with progression free survival. The median patient's age was 56.8 years. Maximal dosage was 27.8 Gy and marginal dosage was 13.9 Gy. Results The overall tumor control rate was 95%. Twenty-eight patients (4.4%) showed evidence of tumor recurrence. Ninety-eight patients (15%) developed peritumoral edema (PTE) after gamma-knife surgery; two of them (2%) underwent surgical resections due to PTE. Nine patients had craniotomy and tumor removal after gamma knife surgery. Conclusion Gamma knife surgery for intracranial meningioma has proven to be a safe and effective treatment tool with successful long-term outcomes. Gamma knife radiosurgery can be especially effective in cases of remnant meningioma after surgical resection or where PTE is not present. PMID:26605265

  16. Long-Term Results of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningioma.

    PubMed

    Jang, Chang Ki; Jung, Hyun Ho; Chang, Jong Hee; Chang, Jin Woo; Park, Yong Gou; Chang, Won Seok

    2015-10-01

    The predominant treatment modality for meningioma is surgical resection. However, gamma knife radiosurgery is also an important treatment modality for meningioma that is small or cannot be completely removed because of its location. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and long-term results of radiosurgical treatment for meningioma in our institution. We studied 628 patients (130 men and 498 women) who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial meningioma, which is radiologically diagnosed, from Jan 2008 to Nov 2012. We included patients with single lesion meningioma, and followed up after 6 months with imaging, and then at 24 months with a clinical examination. Patients with high-grade meningioma or multiple meningiomas were excluded. We analyzed each of the factors associated with progression free survival. The median patient's age was 56.8 years. Maximal dosage was 27.8 Gy and marginal dosage was 13.9 Gy. The overall tumor control rate was 95%. Twenty-eight patients (4.4%) showed evidence of tumor recurrence. Ninety-eight patients (15%) developed peritumoral edema (PTE) after gamma-knife surgery; two of them (2%) underwent surgical resections due to PTE. Nine patients had craniotomy and tumor removal after gamma knife surgery. Gamma knife surgery for intracranial meningioma has proven to be a safe and effective treatment tool with successful long-term outcomes. Gamma knife radiosurgery can be especially effective in cases of remnant meningioma after surgical resection or where PTE is not present.

  17. Characterization of the mechanical behavior of the optic nerve sheath and its role in spaceflight-induced ophthalmic changes.

    PubMed

    Raykin, Julia; Forte, Taylor E; Wang, Roy; Feola, Andrew; Samuels, Brian C; Myers, Jerry G; Mulugeta, Lealem; Nelson, Emily S; Gleason, Rudy L; Ethier, C Ross

    2017-02-01

    Visual impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome is characterized by a number of permanent ophthalmic changes, including loss of visual function. It occurs in some astronauts during long-duration spaceflight missions. Thus, understanding the pathophysiology of VIIP is currently a major priority in space medicine research. It is hypothesized that maladaptive remodeling of the optic nerve sheath (ONS), in response to microgravity-induced elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP), contributes to VIIP. However, little is known about ONS biomechanics. In this study, we developed a custom mechanical testing system that allowed for unconfined lengthening, twisting, and circumferential distension of the porcine ONS during inflation and axial loading. Data were fit to a four-fiber family constitutive equation to extract material and structural parameters. Inflation testing showed a characteristic "cross-over point" in the pressure-diameter curves under different axial loads in all samples that were tested; the cross-over pressure was [Formula: see text] mmHg ([Formula: see text]). Large sample-to-sample variations were observed in the circumferential strain, while only modest variations were observed in the circumferential stress. Multiphoton microscopy revealed that the collagen fibers of the ONS were primarily oriented axially when the tissue was loaded. The existence of this cross-over behavior is expected to be neuroprotective, as it would avoid optic nerve compression during routine changes in gaze angle, so long as ICP was within the normal range. Including these observations into computational models of VIIP will help provide insight into the pathophysiology of VIIP and could help identify risk factors and potential interventions.

  18. In vitro culture of various typed meningiomas and characterization of a human malignant meningioma cell line (HKBMM).

    PubMed

    Ishiwata, Isamu; Ishiwata, Chieko; Ishiwata, Emiko; Sato, Yoshiro; Kiguchi, Kazushige; Tachibana, Toshiaki; Ishikawa, Hiroshi

    2004-12-01

    We placed on culture the 13 cases of meningiomas, succeeded in making a primary culture of 10 cases and maintained 5 cases in vitro over considerable period of time (over three month), and one cell line derived from a malignant meningioma were established. In the early period of the primary culture, meningioma cells were spindle- or round-shaped cells. In the case of psammomatous type, the cultured cells were characterized as forming psammoma bodies. A cell line designated "HKBMM" was established from a human malignant meningioma occurred from frontal lobe. This line grew well without interruption for 5 years and was subcultivated over 120 times. The cells were spindle and fibrous in shape, and neoplastic and pleomorphic features, and multilayering without contact inhibition. The cells proliferated rapidly, and the population doubling time was about 29 hours. The chromosome number showed a wide distribution of aneuploidy. The mode was in the diploid range. The culture cells were easily transplanted into the subcutis of nude mice and produced the tumor resembling the original tumor.

  19. [Gradient-index (GRIN) endoscopic examinations from the inner structures of the optic nerve meninges].

    PubMed

    Sens, Frank Michael; Killer, Hanspeter Esriel; Meyer, Peter

    2003-03-01

    Due to the excellent image quality and the small outer diameter of the GRIN-(gradient index) endoscope tips we were able to examine the subdural and the subarachnoidal space of the optic nerve meninges by endoscopy. This examination was performed to obtain more information about the inner structure of the optic nerve meninges. In this post-mortem study 7 optic nerves were examined from the chiasm to the globe by GRIN endoscopy (Volpi, Schlieren, Switzerland), with an outer diameter of 0.89 mm, integrated optic of 0.5 mm diameter and an integrated fluid channel of 0.2 mm diameter. In all cases the endoscopic examination of the optic nerve meninges was technically easy to perform. It was possible to study the inner surface of the nerve sheaths and the nerve sheath spaces in close-up. We found horizontal and vertical cords on the inner surface of the dura mater, which could tighten by movements of the optic nerve. With a gradient-index (GRIN) endoscope we obtained new information about the inner structure of the optic nerve meninges. New theories about the changes of the optic nerve meninges during movements of the optic nerve may evolve from this study. Further studies with this new method should be encouraged.

  20. Phase-contrast tomography of sciatic nerves: image quality and experimental parameters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Töpperwien, M.; Krenkel, M.; Ruhwedel, T.; Möbius, W.; Pacureanu, A.; Cloetens, P.; Salditt, T.

    2017-06-01

    We present propagation-based phase-contrast tomography of mouse sciatic nerves stained with osmium, leading to an enhanced contrast in the myelin sheath around the axons, in order to visualize the threedimensional (3D) structure of the nerve. We compare different experimental parameters and show that contrast and resolution are high enough to identify single axons in the nerve, including characteristic functional structures such as Schmidt-Lanterman incisures.

  1. Sporadic pediatric meningiomas: a neuroradiological and neuropathological study of 15 cases.

    PubMed

    Huntoon, Kristin; Pluto, Charles P; Ruess, Lynne; Boué, Daniel R; Pierson, Christopher R; Rusin, Jerome A; Leonard, Jeffrey

    2017-08-01

    OBJECTIVE Sporadic meningiomas have been classified in many different ways. Radiographically, these lesions can be described as occurring in either typical or atypical locations. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are any histopathological differences between sporadic meningiomas that arise in these varying locations in children. METHODS The neuroimaging, histopathological findings, and clinical records in patients with sporadic pediatric meningiomas not associated with neurofibromatosis Type 2 or prior radiation therapy were retrospectively reviewed. Tumors were classified by radiological findings as either typical or atypical, and they were categorized histopathologically by using the latest WHO nomenclature and grading criteria. RESULTS Fifteen sporadic meningiomas in pediatric patients were biopsied or resected at the authors' institution between 1989 and 2013. Five (33%) were typical in radiographic appearance and/or location and 10 (67%) were atypical. Four (80%) typical meningiomas were WHO Grade I tumors. Most (60%) of the atypical meningiomas were WHO Grade II or III. CONCLUSIONS This study is the largest series of sporadic pediatric meningiomas in atypical locations to date. Although sporadic meningiomas are relatively infrequent in children, those with atypical imaging, specifically those with apparently intraparenchymal and intraosseous locations, may be more common than previously recognized. In this study, pediatric sporadic meningiomas arising in atypical locations, in particular intraparenchymal meningiomas, may be of higher histopathological grade. The authors' findings should alert clinicians to the potential for more aggressive clinical behavior in these tumors.

  2. Radiotherapy of meningioma: a treatment in need of radiobiological research.

    PubMed

    Pinzi, Valentina; Bisogno, Ilaria; Prada, Francesco; Ciusani, Emilio; Fariselli, Laura

    2018-05-18

    Meningiomas account for one third of primary intracranial tumors, nevertheless information on meningioma cell lines and in vivo models is scant. Although radiotherapy is one of the most relevant therapeutic options for the treatment patients with meningioma, radiobiological research to understand tumor responses to this treatment is far from being thoroughly understood. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive picture of the current literature on this field, so as to foster s research in this regard. We carried out a review of meningioma radiobiology based on a peer-reviewed PubMed search. As a result of our study, we can confirm that the main limitation of radiobiological research into meningioma is the paucity of robust in vitro and in vivo models. Alternative approaches to overcome the already identified problems, and to allow better understanding of the entire histopathological spectrum of meningiomas have been explored. A radiobiological perspective of meningioma may help to improve clinical results both in terms of tumour control and healthy tissue sparing. Although we are far from drawing any conclusions, this review can lead researchers to identify some cues for future areas of study.

  3. Intracranial meningiomas, the VEGF-A pathway, and peritumoral brain oedema.

    PubMed

    Nassehi, Damoun

    2013-04-01

    Meningiomas are the second-most common intracranial tumours in adults. They are derived from the arachnoid cells, and although approximately 90% of meningiomas are benign, more than half of all meningiomas develop peritumoral brain oedema (PTBE), which increases morbidity. The PTBE can be treated with steroid therapy, but this treatment is not specific, is not always effective, and involves long-term side-effects. Meningiomas are treated with radiation therapy, stereotactic radio-surgery or surgical resection. At the moment surgical resection is the only definite treatment, and the removal of the tumour also removes the PTBE. Based on the localization of the meningioma, surgery can be complicated. Although PTBE around meningiomas is frequent, the mechanisms behind its development are not clearly understood. It is believed that due to tumour growth and local tissue hypoxia, angiogenesis is increased and leads to the formation of PTBE. The angiogenic protein vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is believed to be involved in the formation of PTBE around meningiomas, as several studies have found that it is increased in meningiomas with PTBE. VEGF-A is also known as vascular permeability factor due to its ability to increase the permeability of capillaries. Paper I examines the VEGF-A protein and mRNA levels in 101 intracranial meningiomas. The PTBE is quantified on MRI, and capillary length and tumour water content are measured and compared to control brain tissue. Possible co-factors to PTBE like meningioma localization and subtypes are also examined. Forty-three of the patients have primary, solitary, supratentorial meningiomas with PTBE. The correlation between PTBE or edema index with the VEGF-A protein and mRNA, capillary length, and tumour water content is investigated in these patients. A novel method is used for mRNA quantification. It involves direct amplification of the mRNA with probes and branched DNA in order to produce a chemiluminescence signal

  4. [Dynamics of lagophthalmos depending on facial nerve repair and its intraoperative monitoring in neurosurgical patients].

    PubMed

    Tabachnikova, T V; Serova, N K; Shimansky, V N

    2014-01-01

    Over 200 patients with acoustic neuromas and over 100 patients with posterior cranial fossa meningiomas are annually operated on at the N.N. Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute. Intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve function is used in most patients with tumors of the posterior cranial fossa to identify the facial nerve in the surgical wound. If the anatomical integrity of the facial nerve in the cranial cavity cannot be retained, facial nerve repair is performed to restore the facial muscle function. Intraoperative electrical stimulation of the facial nerve has a great prognostic significance to evaluate the dynamics of lagophthalmos in the late postoperative period and to select the proper method for lagophthalmos correction. When the facial nerve was reinnervated by the descending branch or trunk of the hypoglossal nerve, sufficient eyelid closure was observed only in 3 patients out of 17.

  5. Microstructural and ultrastructural assessment of inferior alveolar nerve damage following nerve lateralization and implant placement: an experimental study in rabbits.

    PubMed

    Yoshimoto, Marcelo; Watanabe, Il-sei; Martins, Marília T; Salles, Marcos B; Ten Eyck, Gary R; Coelho, Paulo G

    2009-01-01

    The present study assessed damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) following nerve lateralization and implant placement surgery through optical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). IAN lateralization was performed in 16 adult female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). During the nerve lateralization procedure, one implant was placed through the mandibular canal, and the IAN was replaced in direct contact with the implant. The implant was placed in the right mandible, and the left side was used as a control (no surgical procedure). After 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and samples were prepared for optical and TEM analysis of IAN structural damage. Histomorphometric analysis was performed to determine the number and cross-sectional dimensions of nerve fascicles and myelin sheath thickness between experimental and control groups. The different parameters were compared by one-way analysis of variance at the 95% significance level. Alterations in the perineural and endoneural regions of the IAN, with higher degrees of vascularization, were observed in the experimental group. TEM showed that the majority of the myelinated nerve fibers were not affected in the experimental samples. No significant variation in the number of fascicles was observed, significantly larger fascicle height and width were observed in the control group, and significantly thicker myelin sheaths were observed in the experimental samples. IAN lateralization resulted in substantial degrees of tissue disorganization at the microstructural level because of the presence of edema. However, at the ultrastructural level, small amounts of fiber degeneration were observed.

  6. Rare Primary Central Nervous System Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Kubicky, Charlotte Dai; Sahgal, Arjun; Chang, Eric L.; Lo, Simon S.

    2014-01-01

    There are close to 70,000 new cases of primary central nervous system tumors diagnosed annually in the United States. Meningiomas, gliomas, nerve sheath tumors and pituitary tumors account for 85% of them. There is abundant literature on these commonly occurring tumors but data from the literature on infrequently encountered tumors such as atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, choroid plexus carcinoma, ganglioglioma, hemangiopericytoma, and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma are limited. This review provides an overview of the clinicopathologic and therapeutic aspects of these rare primary central nervous system tumors. PMID:25276324

  7. Pre-differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in combination with a microstructured nerve guide supports peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve model.

    PubMed

    Boecker, Arne Hendrik; van Neerven, Sabien Geraldine Antonia; Scheffel, Juliane; Tank, Julian; Altinova, Haktan; Seidensticker, Katrin; Deumens, Ronald; Tolba, Rene; Weis, Joachim; Brook, Gary Anthony; Pallua, Norbert; Bozkurt, Ahmet

    2016-02-01

    Many bioartificial nerve guides have been investigated pre-clinically for their nerve regeneration-supporting function, often in comparison to autologous nerve transplantation, which is still regarded as the current clinical gold standard. Enrichment of these scaffolds with cells intended to support axonal regeneration has been explored as a strategy to boost axonal regeneration across these nerve guides Ansselin et al. (1998). In the present study, 20 mm rat sciatic nerve defects were implanted with a cell-seeded microstructured collagen nerve guide (Perimaix) or an autologous nerve graft. Under the influence of seeded, pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells, axons regenerated well into the Perimaix nerve guide. Myelination-related parameters, like myelin sheath thickness, benefitted from an additional seeding with pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells. Furthermore, both the number of retrogradely labelled sensory neurons and the axon density within the implant were elevated in the cell-seeded scaffold group with pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells. However, a pre-differentiation had no influence on functional recovery. An additional cell seeding of the Perimaix nerve guide with mesenchymal stromal cells led to an extent of functional recovery, independent of the differentiation status, similar to autologous nerve transplantation. These findings encourage further investigations on pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells as a cellular support for peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2015 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. Sheath energy transmission in a collisional plasma with collisionless sheath

    DOE PAGES

    Tang, Xian-Zhu; Guo, Zehua

    2015-10-16

    Sheath energy transmission governs the plasma energy exhaust onto a material surface. The ion channel is dominated by convection, but the electron channel has a significant thermal conduction component, which is dominated by the Knudsen layer effect in the presence of an absorbing wall. First-principle kinetic simulations also reveal a robustly supersonic sheath entry flow. The ion sheath energy transmission and the sheath potential are accurately predicted by a sheath model of truncated bi-Maxwellian electron distribution. The electron energy transmission is further enhanced by a parallel heat flux of the perpendicular degrees of freedom.

  9. Trauma-induced schwannoma of the recurrent laryngeal nerve after thyroidectomy.

    PubMed

    Kennedy, William P; Brody, Robert M; LiVolsi, Virginia A; Wang, Amber R; Mirza, Natasha A

    2016-06-01

    Laryngeal schwannomas are rare, benign tumors, most often arising from the superior laryngeal nerve. We describe a case of a 68-year-old female with a laryngeal schwannoma of the recurrent laryngeal nerve after traumatic injury. We postulate that trauma to the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy or thyroplasty incited growth of a nerve sheath tumor. This is the first reported case of a trauma-induced schwannoma of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and second case of a recurrent laryngeal nerve schwannoma. Although rare, this case demonstrates that these tumors should be considered during workup of vocal cord paresis after surgery or failed thyroplasty. Laryngoscope, 126:1408-1410, 2016. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

  10. Analysis of the neurofibromatosis 2 gene reveals molecular variants of meningioma.

    PubMed Central

    Wellenreuther, R.; Kraus, J. A.; Lenartz, D.; Menon, A. G.; Schramm, J.; Louis, D. N.; Ramesh, V.; Gusella, J. F.; Wiestler, O. D.; von Deimling, A.

    1995-01-01

    There is evidence from cytogenetic and loss of heterozygosity studies for the involvement of a tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 22 in the formation of meningiomas. Recently, the NF2 gene, which causes neurofibromatosis type 2 and which is located in the affected region on chromosome 22, has been identified. A previous study on 8 of the 17 exons of the NF2 gene described mutations in 16% of meningiomas. We have analyzed the entire coding region of the NF2 gene in 70 sporadic meningiomas and identified 43 mutations in 41 patients. These resulted predominantly in immediate truncation, splicing abnormalities, or an altered reading frame of the predicted protein product. Although there was no evidence for distinct hotspots, all mutations occurred in the first 13 exons, the region of homology with the filopodial proteins moesin, ezrin, and radixin. The association of loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 22 with mutations in the NF2 gene was significant. These data suggest that NF2 represents the meningioma locus on chromosome 22. NF2 mutations occurred significantly more frequently in fibroblastic meningioma (70%) and transitional meningioma (83%) than in meningiothelial meningioma (25%), thus indicating a differential molecular pathogenesis of these meningioma variants. Images Figure 1 PMID:7717450

  11. Rectus sheath catheters for continuous analgesia after upper abdominal surgery.

    PubMed

    Cornish, Philip; Deacon, Alf

    2007-01-01

    The segmental nerves T6-T11 pass through and innervate the rectus abdominis muscle and overlying skin. The arcuate lines compartmentalize the rectus, but they are deficient posteriorly and hence a catheter tunnelled into the posterior sheath can be used to achieve an effective continuous analgesic block. Volume is important to fill the compartment. It is a simple surgical procedure that has several advantages and appears a viable alternative to epidural analgesia.

  12. Computer-based radiological longitudinal evaluation of meningiomas following stereotactic radiosurgery.

    PubMed

    Shimol, Eli Ben; Joskowicz, Leo; Eliahou, Ruth; Shoshan, Yigal

    2018-02-01

    Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a common treatment for intracranial meningiomas. SRS is planned on a pre-therapy gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI scan (Gd-T1w MRI) in which the meningioma contours have been delineated. Post-SRS therapy serial Gd-T1w MRI scans are then acquired for longitudinal treatment evaluation. Accurate tumor volume change quantification is required for treatment efficacy evaluation and for treatment continuation. We present a new algorithm for the automatic segmentation and volumetric assessment of meningioma in post-therapy Gd-T1w MRI scans. The inputs are the pre- and post-therapy Gd-T1w MRI scans and the meningioma delineation in the pre-therapy scan. The output is the meningioma delineations and volumes in the post-therapy scan. The algorithm uses the pre-therapy scan and its meningioma delineation to initialize an extended Chan-Vese active contour method and as a strong patient-specific intensity and shape prior for the post-therapy scan meningioma segmentation. The algorithm is automatic, obviates the need for independent tumor localization and segmentation initialization, and incorporates the same tumor delineation criteria in both the pre- and post-therapy scans. Our experimental results on retrospective pre- and post-therapy scans with a total of 32 meningiomas with volume ranges 0.4-26.5 cm[Formula: see text] yield a Dice coefficient of [Formula: see text]% with respect to ground-truth delineations in post-therapy scans created by two clinicians. These results indicate a high correspondence to the ground-truth delineations. Our algorithm yields more reliable and accurate tumor volume change measurements than other stand-alone segmentation methods. It may be a useful tool for quantitative meningioma prognosis evaluation after SRS.

  13. Gene expression profiles of metabolic aggressiveness and tumor recurrence in benign meningioma.

    PubMed

    Serna, Eva; Morales, José Manuel; Mata, Manuel; Gonzalez-Darder, José; San Miguel, Teresa; Gil-Benso, Rosario; Lopez-Gines, Concha; Cerda-Nicolas, Miguel; Monleon, Daniel

    2013-01-01

    Around 20% of meningiomas histologically benign may be clinically aggressive and recur. This strongly affects management of meningioma patients. There is a need to evaluate the potential aggressiveness of an individual meningioma. Additional criteria for better classification of meningiomas will improve clinical decisions as well as patient follow up strategy after surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between gene expression profiles and new metabolic subgroups of benign meningioma with potential clinical relevance. Forty benign and fourteen atypical meningioma tissue samples were included in the study. We obtained metabolic profiles by NMR and recurrence after surgery information for all of them. We measured gene expression by oligonucleotide microarray measurements on 19 of them. To our knowledge, this is the first time that distinct gene expression profiles are reported for benign meningioma molecular subgroups with clinical correlation. Our results show that metabolic aggressiveness in otherwise histological benign meningioma proceeds mostly through alterations in the expression of genes involved in the regulation of transcription, mainly the LMO3 gene. Genes involved in tumor metabolism, like IGF1R, are also differentially expressed in those meningioma subgroups with higher rates of membrane turnover, higher energy demand and increased resistance to apoptosis. These new subgroups of benign meningiomas exhibit different rates of recurrence. This work shows that benign meningioma with metabolic aggressiveness constitute a subgroup of potentially recurrent tumors in which alterations in genes regulating critical features of aggressiveness, like increased angiogenesis or cell invasion, are still no predominant. The determination of these gene expression biosignatures may allow the early detection of clinically aggressive tumors.

  14. Overexpression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling pathway in human meningioma.

    PubMed

    Talari, Noble Kumar; Panigrahi, Manas K; Madigubba, Sailaja; Phanithi, Prakash Babu

    2018-04-01

    Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor and involved in tumorigenesis of many cancers. However there are no reports on AHR in human meningioma. Therefore we examined the status of the AHR and its signalling molecules in human meningioma by using tumor biopsy samples and autopsy control meninges. We report the up regulation of AHR pathway genes like aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), aldehyde dehydrogenase1family memberA3 (ALDH1A3), cytochrome P450, family1, subfamily A polypeptide1 (CYP1A1) and TCCD induced poly ADP ribose polymerase (TIPARP) gene expression in human meningioma. Further, AHR protein expression was found to be up regulated in all grades of human meningioma. We found that AHR localized in the nucleus for high grade anaplastic meningioma through immunohistochemical analysis. Since AHR signalling pathway was known to involve in inhibition of apoptosis in cancer cells, we evaluated the cyclophilin D levels which maintains mitochondrial permeability transition pore a critical event during apoptosis. We report that cyclophilin D levels were upregulated in all grades of human meningioma compared to control meninges. Finally we also evaluated c-Fos protein levels as its levels were regulated by AHR. Here we report that c-Fos protein levels were down regulated in all grades of human meningioma compared to control meninges. To sum-up we found that AHR signalling pathway components were upregulated, as the grade of the meningioma progresses from low to high grade, suggesting an important role of AHR signalling pathway in human meningioma.

  15. Intracranial meningiomas managed at Memfys hospital for neurosurgery in Enugu, Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Mezue, Wilfred C; Ohaegbulam, Samuel C; Ndubuisi, Chika C; Chikani, Mark C; Achebe, David S

    2012-09-01

    The epidemiology and pathology of meningioma in Nigeria are still evolving and little has been published about this tumor in Nigeria, especially in the southeast region. The aim of this paper is to compare the characteristics of intracranial meningioma managed in our center with the pattern reported in the literature worldwide. Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data of patients managed for intracranial meningioma between January 2002 and December 2010 at a Private neurosurgery Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. We excluded patients whose histology results were inconclusive. Meningiomas constituted 23.8% of all intracranial tumors seen in the period. The male to female ratio was 1:1.1. The peak age range for males and females were in the fifth and sixth decades, respectively. The most common location is the Olfactory groove in 26.5% of patients followed by convexity in 23.5%. Presentation varied with anatomical location of tumor. Patients with olfactory groove meningioma (OGM) mostly presented late with personality changes and evidence of raised ICP. Tuberculum sellar and sphenoid region tumors presented earlier with visual impairment with or without hormonal abnormalities. Seizures occurred in 30.9% of all patients and in 45% of those with convexity meningiomas. Only 57.4% of the patients were managed surgically and there was no gender difference in this group. WHO grade1 tumors were the most common histological types occurring in 84.6%. One patient had atypical meningioma and two had anaplastic tumors. The pattern of meningioma in our area may have geographical differences in location and histology. Childhood meningioma was rare.

  16. Association of tamoxifen with meningioma: a population-based study in Sweden

    PubMed Central

    Sundquist, Jan; Sundquist, Kristina

    2016-01-01

    Previous studies suggest that hormone therapy may play an important role in the development of meningioma. However, it is unclear whether medication with tamoxifen can prevent meningioma. Our study cohort included all women who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1961 and 2010, and a total of 227 535 women were identified with breast cancer with a median age at diagnosis of 63 years. Women diagnosed with breast cancer after 1987 were defined as tamoxifen exposed; those diagnosed with breast cancer before or during 1987 were defined as not exposed to tamoxifen. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to calculate the risk of subsequent meningioma. Of these women, 223 developed meningioma. For women without tamoxifen exposure, the risk of meningioma was significantly increased, with an SIR of 1.54 (95% confidence interval 1.30–1.81); the risk was not increased in those with tamoxifen exposure (SIR=1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.84–1.32). The increased risk of meningioma in women without tamoxifen exposure persisted during 10 years of follow-up. In this historical cohort study, we found that women diagnosed with breast cancer but not treated with tamoxifen had an increased incidence of meningioma, whereas the incidence was close to that of the general population in patients treated with tamoxifen. This suggests that tamoxifen may prevent the development of meningioma. PMID:25642792

  17. Sheaths: A Comparison of Magnetospheric, ICME, and Heliospheric Sheaths

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sibeck, D. G.; Richardson, J. D.; Liu, W.

    2007-01-01

    When a supersonic flow encounters an obstacles, shocks form to divert the flow around the obstacle. The region between the shock and the obstacle is the sheath, where the supersonic flow is compressed, heated, decelerated, and deflected. Supersonic flows, obstacles, and thus sheaths are observed on many scales throughout the Universe. We compare three examples seen in the heliosphere, illustrating the interaction of the solar wind with obstacles of three very different scales lengths. Magnetosheaths form behind planetary bow shocks on scales ranging from tens to 100 planetary radii. ICME sheath form behind shocks driven by solar disturbances on scale lengths of a few to tens of AU. The heliosheath forms behind the termination shock due to the obstacle presented by the interstellar medium on scale lengths of tens to a hundred AU. Despite this range in scales some common features have been observed. Magnetic holes, possibly due to mirror mode waves, have been observed in all three of these sheaths. Plasma depletion layers are observed in planetary and ICME sheaths. Other features observed in some sheaths are wave activity (ion cyclotron, plasma), energetic particles, transmission of Alfven waves/shocks, tangential discontinuities turbulence behind quasi-parallel shocks, standing slow mode waves, and reconnection on the obstacle boundary. We compare these sheath regions, discussing similarities and differences and how these may relate to the scale lengths of these regions.

  18. Bevacizumab therapy for adults with recurrent/progressive meningioma: a retrospective series

    PubMed Central

    Lou, Emil; Sumrall, Ashley L.; Turner, Scott; Peters, Katherine B.; Desjardins, Annick; Vredenburgh, James J.; McLendon, Roger E.; Herndon, James E.; McSherry, Frances; Norfleet, Julie; Friedman, Henry S.

    2012-01-01

    Intracranial meningiomas are often indolent tumors which typically grow over years to decades. Nonetheless, meningiomas that progress after maximum safe resection and radiation therapy pose a significant therapeutic challenge and effective therapies have yet to be identified. Preclinical studies implicate angiogenesis in the pathophysiology of more aggressive meningiomas, suggesting that anti-angiogenic therapies may be of utility in this setting. We performed a retrospective review of fourteen patients with recurrent meningioma treated at Duke University Medical Center with bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, administered either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Most patients were heavily pre-treated. Progression-free survival at 6 months was 86 % and was comparable regardless of meningioma grade and whether bevacizumab was administered as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. Most toxicities were mild however single patients developed CNS hemorrhage (grade 1) and intestinal perforation (grade 4), respectively. Bevacizumab can be administered safely to patients with meningioma and appears to be associated with encouraging anti-tumor effect when administered as either a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. Phase II trials investigating bevacizumab in patients with progressive/recurrent meningioma are warranted. PMID:22535433

  19. Impact of radiotherapy in atypical meningioma recurrence: literature review.

    PubMed

    Pereira, Benedito Jamilson Araújo; de Almeida, Antônio Nogueira; Paiva, Wellingson Silva; Teixeira, Manoel Jacobsen; Marie, Suely Kazue Nagahashi

    2018-03-19

    Evaluate whether radiotherapy (RT) after the neurosurgical treatment of atypical meningiomas (AM) has an impact on the reduction rate of recurrence. A Medline search through October 2017 using "atypical meningioma" returned 1277 papers for initial review. Inclusion criteria were as follows. We analyzed the database and included articles in which the anatomic pathological classification of atypical meningiomas was in accordance with WHO 2007 or WHO 2016 criteria, patients > 18 years of age, and there was postoperative external beam radiation to the tumor bed. Exclusion criteria were WHO grade I or III meningioma, patients who underwent whole-brain radiation, RT used as salvage therapy for recurrence, palliative dose of RT (< 45 Gy), recurrent AMs, and multiple AMs. Papers reporting outcomes in which atypical and anaplastic meningiomas were analyzed together were rejected, as were papers with small samples that may compromise evaluation. After filtering our initial selection, only 17 papers were selected. After reviewing the seventeen articles including a total of 1761 patients (972 female and 799 male; 1.21 female/1.0 male), the difference in proportion of tumor recurrence between patients with and without radiotherapy after neurosurgical procedure was 1.0448, 95% CI [0.8318 to 1.3125], p value = 0.7062. On the basis of this review, there is no evidence to suggest that RT decreases the rate of recurrence in patients with atypical meningiomas.

  20. Radiation-induced cerebral meningioma: a recognizable entity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rubinstein, A.B.; Shalit, M.N.; Cohen, M.L.

    1984-11-01

    The authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical and histopathological findings in 201 patients with intracranial meningiomas operated on in the period 1978 to 1982. Forty-three of the patients (21.4%) had at some previous time received radiation treatment to their scalp, the majority for tinea capitis. The findings in these 43 irradiated patients were compared with those in the 158 non-irradiated patients. Several distinctive clinical and histological features were identified in the irradiated group, which suggest that radiation-induced meningiomas can be defined as a separate nosological subgroup. The use of irradiation in large numbers of children with tinea capitis in the eramore » prior to the availability of griseofulvin may be responsible for a significantly increased incidence of intracranial meningiomas.« less

  1. Malignant Subdural Hematoma Associated with High-Grade Meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Teramoto, Shinichiro; Tsunoda, Akira; Kawamura, Kaito; Sugiyama, Natsuki; Saito, Rikizo; Maruki, Chikashi

    2018-01-01

    A 70-year-old man, who had previously undergone surgical resection of left parasagittal meningioma involving the middle third of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) two times, presented with recurrence of the tumor. We performed removal of the tumor combined with SSS resection as Simpson grade II. After tumor removal, since a left dominant bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) appeared, it was treated by burr hole surgery. However, because the CSDH rapidly and repeatedly recurred and eventually changed to acute subdural hematoma, elimination of the hematoma with craniotomy was accomplished. The patient unfortunately died of worsening of general condition despite aggressive treatment. Histopathology of brain autopsy showed invasion of anaplastic meningioma cells spreading to the whole outer membrane of the subdural hematoma. Subdural hematoma is less commonly associated with meningioma. Our case indicates the possibility that subdural hematoma associated with meningioma is formed by a different mechanism from those reported previously. PMID:29896565

  2. Epidural Cystic Spinal Meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Ji; Chen, Zheng-he; Wang, Zi-feng; Sun, Peng; Jin, Jie-tian; Zhang, Xiang-heng; Zhao, Yi-ying; Wang, Jian; Mou, Yong-gao; Chen, Zhong-ping

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Cystic spinal meningioma (CSM) is an uncommon meningioma variant. Extradural CSMs are particularly rare and difficult to distinguish from other intraaxial tumors. This study presents a case of a 36-year-old woman with intraspinal extradual CSM at the thoracolumbar spine. She experienced persistent weakness, progressive numbness, and sensory disturbance in the right lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient revealed an irregular cystic mass at the thoracic 11 to lumbar 3 levels dorsally. This case was misdiagnosed as other neoplasms prior to surgery because of the atypical radiographic features and location of the tumor. Extradural CSMs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal extradural cystic neoplasms. Complete removal of cystic wall provides an optimal outcome, rendering the lesion curable. PMID:26986119

  3. Kinetics of Uptake and Washout of Lidocaine in Rat Sciatic Nerve In Vitro

    PubMed Central

    Leeson, Stanley; Strichartz, Gary

    2012-01-01

    Background The potency and efficacy of local anesthetics injected clinically for peripheral nerve block depends strongly on the rate of neural drug uptake. However, since diffusion into surrounding tissues and removal by the vascular system are major factors in the overall distribution of lidocaine in vivo, true kinetics of drug/neural tissue interactions must be studied in the absence of those confounding factors. Methods Uptake: Ensheathed or desheathed isolated rat sciatic nerves were exposed to [14C]-lidocaine for 0-180min and then removed and the lidocaine content of nerve and sheath analyzed. Washout: Isolated nerves were soaked in [14C]-lidocaine for 60min and then placed in lidocaine-free solution for 0-30min, with samples removed at different times to assess the drug content. Experimental variables included the effects of the ensheathing epineurium, lidocaine concentration, pH, presence of CO2-bicarbonate, and incubation duration. Results The equilibrium uptake of lidocaine increased with incubation time, concentration and the fraction of molecules in the non-ionized form. The uptake rate was unaffected by drug concentration, but was about halved by the presence of the epineurial sheath, with the washout rate slowed less. Slight alkalinization, from pH 6.8 to pH 7.4, by bicarbonate-CO2 buffer or a non-bicarbonate buffer, enhanced the neural uptake, and to the same degree. The washout of lidocaine was faster after shorter incubations at high concentrations than when equal amounts of lidocaine were taken up after long incubations at low lidocaine concentrations. Conclusion Lidocaine enters a nerve by a process other than free diffusion, through an epineurial sheath that is a slight obstacle. Given the rapid entry in vitro compared to the much smaller and transient content measured in vivo, it seems highly unlikely that lidocaine equilibrates with the nerve during a peripheral blockade. PMID:23400993

  4. Plasma-Sheath Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riemann, Karl-Ulrich

    2012-10-01

    In typical gas discharges a quasineutral plasma is shielded from a negativ absorbing wall by a thin positive sheath that is nearly planar and collision-free. The subdivision of ``plasma'' and ``sheath'' was introduced by Langmuir and is based on a small ratio of the electron Debye lenghth λD to the dominant competing characteristic plasma length l. Depending on the special conditions, l may represent, e.g., the plasma extension, the ionization length, the ion mean free path, the ion gyro radius, or a geometric length. Strictly speaking, this subdivion is possible only in the asymptotic limit λD/l->0. The asymptotic analysis results in singularities at the ``sheath edge'' closely related to the ``Bohm criterion.'' Due to these singularities a direct smooth matching of the separate plasma and sheath soltions is not possible. To obtain a consistent smooth transition, the singular sheath edge must be bridged by an additinal narrow ``intermediate'' model zone accounting both for plasma processes (e.g., collisions) and for the first build up of space charge. Due to this complexity and to different interpretations of the ``classical'' papers by Langmuir and Bohm, the asymptotic plasma-sheath concept and the definition of the sheath edge were questioned and resulted in controversies during the last two decades. We discuss attempts to re-define the sheath edge, to account for finite values of λD/l in the Bohm criterion, and demonstrate the consistent matching of plasma and sheath. The investigations of the plasma-sheath transition discussed so far are based on a simplified fluid analysis that cannot account for the essential inhomogeneity of the boundary layer and for the dominant role of slow ions in space charge formation. Therefore we give special emphasis to the kinetic theory of the plasma-sheath transition. Unfortunately this approach results in an additional mathematical difficulty caused by ions with zero velocity. We discuss attempts to avoid this singularity by

  5. Clinicopathologic features and pathogenesis of melanocytic colonization in atypical meningioma.

    PubMed

    Dehghan Harati, Mitra; Yu, Andrew; Magaki, Shino D; Perez-Rosendahl, Mari; Im, Kyuseok; Park, Young K; Bergsneider, Marvin; Yong, William H

    2018-02-01

    Only two prior cases of benign dendritic melanocytes colonizing a meningioma have been reported. We add a third case, describe clinicopathologic features shared by the three, and elucidate the risk factors for this very rare phenomenon. A 29 year-old Hispanic woman presented with headache and hydrocephalus. MRI showed a lobulated enhancing pineal region mass measuring 41 mm in greatest dimension. Subtotal resection of the mass demonstrated an atypical meningioma, WHO grade II, and the patient subsequently underwent radiotherapy. She presented 4 years later with diplopia, and MRI showed an enhancing extra-axial mass measuring 47 mm in greatest dimension and centered on the tentorial incisura. Subtotal resection showed a brain-invasive atypical meningioma with melanocytic colonization. The previous two cases in the literature were atypical meningiomas, one of which was also brain invasive. Atypical meningiomas may be at particular risk for melanocytic colonization as they upregulate molecules known to be chemoattractants for melanocytes. We detected c-Kit expression in a minority of the melanocytes as well as stem cell factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in the meningioma cells, suggesting that mechanisms implicated in normal melanocyte migration may be involved. In some cases, brain invasion with disruption of the leptomeningeal barrier may also facilitate migration from the subarachnoid space into the tumor. Whether there is low-level proliferation of the dendritic melanocytes is unclear. Given that all three patients were non-Caucasian, meningiomas in persons and/or brain regions with increased dendritic melanocytes may predispose to colonization. The age range spanned from 6 years old to 70 years old. All three patients were female. The role of gender and estrogen in the pathogenesis of this entity remains to be clarified. Whether melanocytic colonization may also occur in the more common Grade I meningiomas awaits identification of additional

  6. [Diagnosis and surgical treatment of intraparenchymal sylvian fissure meningioma].

    PubMed

    Zheng, Jian; Wang, Shuo; Zhao, Ji-Zong; Cao, Yong

    2009-09-08

    To describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with intraparenchymal sylvian meningioma at our department. A retrospective review was performed over 5 patients with intraparenchymal sylvian fissure meningioma confirmed by histopathology and receiving treatment at our department during January 1997 to September 2008. The mean age was 19.4 years old and there were 3 males and 2 females. On CT scanning, intraparenchymal sylvian meningioma was iso- or slightly hyper-dense masses. On MR imaging, tumors showed iso- or hypo- intense signal on T1WI and hyperintense signal on T2WI. After contrast enhancement, T1-weighted images revealed well-demarcated enhancing masses and intimately associated with the middle cerebral artery and its branches in the sylvian fissure. All the patients underwent craniotomy. As a rare disease with radiographic characteristics similar to those of general meningiomas, intraparenchymal sylvian fissure meningioma does not adhere to the dura matter but adhere to or even encase the middle cerebral artery and its branches in the sylvian fissure. All of the above have differential values. During the surgical procedures, a proper handling of tumor and encompassed main trunk of middle cerebral artery and its branches is crucial to patient prognosis.

  7. Facilitation of facial nerve regeneration using chitosan-β-glycerophosphate-nerve growth factor hydrogel.

    PubMed

    Chao, Xiuhua; Xu, Lei; Li, Jianfeng; Han, Yuechen; Li, Xiaofei; Mao, YanYan; Shang, Haiqiong; Fan, Zhaomin; Wang, Haibo

    2016-06-01

    Conclusion C/GP hydrogel was demonstrated to be an ideal drug delivery vehicle and scaffold in the vein conduit. Combined use autologous vein and NGF continuously delivered by C/GP-NGF hydrogel can improve the recovery of facial nerve defects. Objective This study investigated the effects of chitosan-β-glycerophosphate-nerve growth factor (C/GP-NGF) hydrogel combined with autologous vein conduit on the recovery of damaged facial nerve in a rat model. Methods A 5 mm gap in the buccal branch of a rat facial nerve was reconstructed with an autologous vein. Next, C/GP-NGF hydrogel was injected into the vein conduit. In negative control groups, NGF solution or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was injected into the vein conduits, respectively. Autologous implantation was used as a positive control group. Vibrissae movement, electrophysiological assessment, and morphological analysis of regenerated nerves were performed to assess nerve regeneration. Results NGF continuously released from C/GP-NGF hydrogel in vitro. The recovery rate of vibrissae movement and the compound muscle action potentials of regenerated facial nerve in the C/GP-NGF group were similar to those in the Auto group, and significantly better than those in the NGF group. Furthermore, larger regenerated axons and thicker myelin sheaths were obtained in the C/GP-NGF group than those in the NGF group.

  8. The effects of tumor location on diagnostic criteria for canine malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) and the markers for distinction between canine MPNSTs and canine perivascular wall tumors.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, S; Uchida, K; Nakayama, H

    2014-07-01

    Canine malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) occur not only in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) but also in soft tissue and various organs (non-PNS). The most important diagnostic criterion is proof of peripheral nerve sheath origin. This is difficult in non-PNS MPNSTs, and its differential diagnosis is challenging. Canine perivascular wall tumors (PWTs) also commonly arise in soft tissue. Their histopathological features are quite similar to those of canine MPNSTs, making their differential diagnosis challenging. To elucidate whether the morphological features are applicable to diagnose non-PNS MPNSTs and to demonstrate useful markers for distinction between canine MPNSTs and PWTs, the authors examined 30 canine MPNSTs and 31 PWTs immunohistochemically for S100, nestin, NGFR, Olig2, claudin-1, CD57, PRX, α-SMA, desmin, and calponin. Among canine MPNSTs, the PNS tumors displayed significantly higher S100 and Olig2 expression than the non-PNS tumors. The expression levels of the other markers did not differ significantly, suggesting that the same morphological diagnostic criteria are applicable regardless of their location. The PWT cells displayed significantly weaker immunoreactivity than MPNSTs to markers used except α-SMA and desmin. Cluster analysis sorted most canine MPNSTs and PWTs into 2 distinctly different clusters, whereas 3 MPNSTs and 6 PWTs were assigned to the opposing cluster. These 3 MPNSTs were negative for almost all markers, while these 6 PWTs were positive for only neuronal markers. In particular, NGFR and Olig2 were almost negative in the rest of PWT cases. These findings suggest that NGFR and Olig2 are useful to distinguish these 2 tumors. © The Author(s) 2013.

  9. Clinical potential of meningioma genomic insights: a practical review for neurosurgeons.

    PubMed

    Karsy, Michael; Azab, Mohammed A; Abou-Al-Shaar, Hussam; Guan, Jian; Eli, Ilyas; Jensen, Randy L; Ormond, D Ryan

    2018-06-01

    Meningiomas are among the most common intracranial pathological conditions, accounting for 36% of intracranial lesions treated by neurosurgeons. Although the majority of these lesions are benign, the classical categorization of tumors by histological type or World Health Organization (WHO) grade has not fully captured the potential for meningioma progression and recurrence. Many targeted treatments have failed to generate a long-lasting effect on these tumors. Recently, several seminal studies evaluating the genomics of intracranial meningiomas have rapidly changed the understanding of the disease. The importance of NF2 (neurofibromin 2), TRAF7 (tumor necrosis factor [TNF] receptor-associated factor 7), KLF4 (Kruppel-like factor 4), AKT1, SMO (smoothened), PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha), and POLR2 (RNA polymerase II subunit A) demonstrates that there are at least 6 distinct mutational classes of meningiomas. In addition, 6 methylation classes of meningioma have been appreciated, enabling improved prediction of prognosis compared with traditional WHO grades. Genomic studies have shed light on the nature of recurrent meningioma, distinct intracranial locations and mutational patterns, and a potential embryonic cancer stem cell-like origin. However, despite these exciting findings, the clinical relevance of these findings remains elusive. The authors review the key findings from recent genomic studies in meningiomas, specifically focusing on how these findings relate to clinical insights for the practicing neurosurgeon.

  10. Secretory meningioma: clinicopathologic features of eight cases.

    PubMed

    Nishio, S; Morioka, T; Suzuki, S; Hirano, K; Fukui, M

    2001-07-01

    The clinical and morphological features of eight patients with meningothelial meningiomas with numerous pseudopsammoma bodies (secretory meningiomas) are presented. The six female and two male patients ranged in age from 43 to 68 years. Tumours were located at the petroclival region in two, the lateral parasellar region in two, the petrous apex in one and the sphenoid ridge in three patients. On magnetic resonance imaging, they were iso or hypointense on T1-weighted images, and hyper or isointense on T 2-weighted images. Peritumoral brain edema was absent in five cases, and was mild to moderate in three cases. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were measured preoperatively in three patients, with one having an elevated serum CEA level which re turned to normal following tumour resection. Immunohistochemical analysis on the resected tumour tissues, pseudopsammoma bodies and surrounding tumour cells were shown to be CEA-positive. Ultrastructurally, pseudopsammoma bodies were composed of granular and filamentous materials located predominantly in the intracellular lumina, which were lined by microvilli. While these morphological features of focal epithelial and secretory differentiation of tumour cells call attention to the broad spectrum of differentiation properties of meningiomas, the biological behavior of the eight tumours reported herein corresponded to those of meningiomas in general. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

  11. [Positional damage of the sciatic nerve during neurosurgical intervention into the posterior cranial fossa in the sitting position].

    PubMed

    Konovalov, A N; Lubnin, A Iu; Shimanskiĭ, V N; Kolycheva, M V; Ogurtsova, A A; Grigorian, A A

    2009-01-01

    The paper describes a rare case of severe, but reversible bilateral damage to the sciatic nerve (compression neuropathy) in a patient with Blumenbach's clivus meningioma developing during 12-hour operation removing the tumor in the patient's sitting position on the operating table. The etiology and prevention of this complication are discussed.

  12. Meningioma of the superior leaflet of the velum interpositum: A case report

    PubMed Central

    Champagne, Pierre-Olivier; Bojanowski, Michel W.

    2015-01-01

    Background: Meningiomas of the velum interpositum in the roof of the third ventricle are rare. Knowing from which leaflet the meningioma originates and thus its relationships with the internal cerebral and Galen veins, may help in choosing the surgical approach. Case Description: We report the case of a 40-year-old male with a meningioma arising from the superior leaflet of the velum interpositum. The tumor was resected successfully using the infratentorial-supracerebellar approach. Reviewing the literature, of the 22 reported cases of velum interpositum meningiomas, sufficient information regarding the precise location of the origin of the tumor was provided in 14 cases, all of which were from the inferior leaflet. Conclusion: We report the first case of velum interpositum meningioma arising from the superior leaflet and give a potential explanation as to why meningiomas of the velum interpositum occur more commonly on the inferior leaflet. Distinguishing from which of the two leaflets the tumor originates may influence the surgical strategy. PMID:25949856

  13. Prognostic roles for fibroblast growth factor receptor family members in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Wenya; Du, Xiaoling; Song, Fengju; Zheng, Hong; Chen, Kexin; Zhang, Wei; Yang, Jilong

    2016-04-19

    Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare, highly malignant, and poorly understood sarcomas. The often poor outcome of MPNST highlights the necessity of identifying prognostic predictors for this aggressive sarcoma. Here, we investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family members in human MPNSTs. aCGH and bioinformatics analysis identified frequent amplification of the FGFR1 gene. FISH analysis revealed that 26.9% MPNST samples had amplification of FGFR1, with both focal and polysomy patterns observed. IHC identified that FGFR1 protein expression was positively correlated with FGFR1 gene amplification. High expression of FGFR1 protein was associated with better overall survival (OS) and was an independent prognostic predictor for OS of MPNST patients. Additionally, combined expression of FGFR1 and FGFR2 protein characterized a subtype of MPNST with better OS. FGFR4 protein was expressed 82.3% of MPNST samples, and was associated with poor disease-free survival. We performed microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) profiling of two cohorts of primary MPNST tissue samples including 25 patients treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and 26 patients from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to validate the gene amplification detected by aCGH analysis. Another cohort of 63 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded MPNST samples (including 52 samples for FISH assay) was obtained to explore FGFR1, 2, 3, and 4 protein expression by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Our integrated genomic and molecular studies provide evidence that FGFRs play different prognostic roles in MPNST.

  14. Effect of Surface Pore Structure of Nerve Guide Conduit on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Oh, Se Heang; Kim, Jin Rae; Kwon, Gu Birm; Namgung, Uk; Song, Kyu Sang

    2013-01-01

    Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Pluronic F127 nerve guide conduits (NGCs) with different surface pore structures (nano-porous inner surface vs. micro-porous inner surface) but similar physical and chemical properties were fabricated by rolling the opposite side of asymmetrically porous PCL/F127 membranes. The effect of the pore structure on peripheral nerve regeneration through the NGCs was investigated using a sciatic nerve defect model of rats. The nerve fibers and tissues were shown to have regenerated along the longitudinal direction through the NGC with a nano-porous inner surface (Nanopore NGC), while they grew toward the porous wall of the NGC with a micro-porous inner surface (Micropore NGC) and, thus, their growth was restricted when compared with the Nanopore NGC, as investigated by immunohistochemical evaluations (by fluorescence microscopy with anti-neurofilament staining and Hoechst staining for growth pattern of nerve fibers), histological evaluations (by light microscopy with Meyer's modified trichrome staining and Toluidine blue staining and transmission electron microscopy for the regeneration of axon and myelin sheath), and FluoroGold retrograde tracing (for reconnection between proximal and distal stumps). The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) immobilized on the pore surfaces of the NGCs on nerve regeneration was not so significant when compared with NGCs not containing immobilized NGF. The NGC system with different surface pore structures but the same chemical/physical properties seems to be a good tool that is used for elucidating the surface pore effect of NGCs on nerve regeneration. PMID:22871377

  15. Intratumoral heterogeneity and TERT promoter mutations in progressive/higher-grade meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Juratli, Tareq A.; Thiede, Christian; Koerner, Mara V.A.; Tummala, Shilpa S.; Daubner, Dirk; Shankar, Ganesh M.; Williams, Erik A.; Martinez-Lage, Maria; Soucek, Silke; Robel, Katja; Penson, Tristan; Krause, Mechthild; Appold, Steffen; Meinhardt, Matthias; Pinzer, Thomas; Miller, Julie J.; Krex, Dietmar; Ely, Heather A.; Silverman, Ian M.; Christiansen, Jason; Schackert, Gabriele; Wakimoto, Hiroaki; Kirsch, Matthias; Brastianos, Priscilla K.; Cahill, Daniel P.

    2017-01-01

    Background Recent studies have reported mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) in meningiomas. We sought to determine the frequency, clonality and clinical significance of telomere gene alterations in a cohort of patients with progressive/higher-grade meningiomas. Methods We characterized 64 temporally- and regionally-distinct specimens from 26 WHO grade III meningioma patients. On initial diagnoses, the meningiomas spanned all WHO grades (3 grade I, 13 grade II and 10 grade III). The tumor samples were screened for TERTp and ATRX/DAXX mutations, and TERT rearrangements. Additionally, TERTp was sequenced in a separate cohort of 19 patients with radiation-associated meningiomas. We examined the impact of mutational status on patients’ progression and overall survival. Results Somatic TERTp mutations were detected in six patients (6/26 = 23%). Regional intratumoral heterogeneity in TERTp mutation status was noted. In 4 patients, TERTp mutations were detected in recurrent specimens but not in the available specimens of the first surgery. Additionally, a TERT gene fusion (LPCAT1-TERT) was found in one sample. In contrary, none of the investigated samples harbored an ATRX or DAXX mutation. In the cohort of radiation-induced meningiomas, TERTp mutation was detected in two patients (10.5%). Importantly, we found that patients with emergence of TERTp mutations had a substantially shorter OS than their TERTp wild-type counterparts (2.7 years, 95% CI 0.9 – 4.5 years versus 10.8 years, 95% CI 7.8 -12.8 years, p=0.003). Conclusions In progressive/higher-grade meningiomas,TERTp mutations are associated with poor survival, supporting a model in which selection of this alteration is a harbinger of aggressive tumor development. In addition, we observe spatial intratumoral heterogeneity of TERTp mutation status, consistent with this model of late emergence in tumor evolution. Thus, early detection of TERTp mutations may define patients with more

  16. Meningioma in Down Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Takahiro; Shinojima, Naoki; Todaka, Tatemi; Nishikawa, Shigeyuki; Yano, Shigetoshi; Kuratsu, Jun-ichi

    2015-09-01

    Down syndrome comprises multiple malformations and is due to trisomy of chromosome 21. There is epidemiologic evidence that individuals with Down syndrome are at decreased risk for solid tumors including brain tumors. It has been suggested that some genes expressed on the extra copy of chromosome 21 act as tumor suppressor genes and contribute to protection against tumorigenesis. We report the first case to our knowledge of a patient with Down syndrome, an 8-year-old boy, with an intracranial meningioma, in which the status of chromosome 21 was examined. The diagnosis was based on histologic examination of the surgically resected tumor. Postoperatively, the patient's neurologic status improved, and there was no tumor regrowth in the next 2 years. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosome 22 confirmed high allele loss involving the neurofibromin 2 gene locus, a finding typical in meningiomas. Fluorescence in situ hybridization also revealed chromosome 21 heterogeneity in tumor cells; not only cells with trisomy 21 but also cells with disomy and monosomy 21 were present. All blood cells from the patient manifested trisomy 21. Deletion of the chromosome 21 allele may be associated with tumorigenesis of meningioma in Down syndrome. This supports the hypothesis that some genes whose expression is increased on the extra copy of chromosome 21 function as tumor suppressor genes and that they contribute to the reduced tumor incidence in individuals with Down syndrome. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Posttranscriptional deregulation of signaling pathways in meningioma subtypes by differential expression of miRNAs.

    PubMed

    Ludwig, Nicole; Kim, Yoo-Jin; Mueller, Sabine C; Backes, Christina; Werner, Tamara V; Galata, Valentina; Sartorius, Elke; Bohle, Rainer M; Keller, Andreas; Meese, Eckart

    2015-09-01

    Micro (mi)RNAs are key regulators of gene expression and offer themselves as biomarkers for cancer development and progression. Meningioma is one of the most frequent primary intracranial tumors. As of yet, there are limited data on the role of miRNAs in meningioma of different histological subtypes and the affected signaling pathways. In this study, we compared expression of 1205 miRNAs in different meningioma grades and histological subtypes using microarrays and independently validated deregulation of selected miRNAs with quantitative real-time PCR. Clinical utility of a subset of miRNAs as biomarkers for World Health Organization (WHO) grade II meningioma based on quantitative real-time data was tested. Potential targets of deregulated miRNAs were discovered with an in silico analysis. We identified 13 miRNAs deregulated between different subtypes of benign meningiomas, and 52 miRNAs deregulated in anaplastic meningioma compared with benign meningiomas. Known and putative target genes of deregulated miRNAs include genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition for benign meningiomas, and Wnt, transforming growth factor-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling for higher-grade meningiomas. Furthermore, a 4-miRNA signature (miR-222, -34a*, -136, and -497) shows promise as a biomarker differentiating WHO grade II from grade I meningiomas with an area under the curve of 0.75. Our data provide novel insights into the contribution of miRNAs to the phenotypic spectrum in benign meningiomas. By deregulating translation of genes belonging to signaling pathways known to be important for meningioma genesis and progression, miRNAs provide a second in line amplification of growth promoting cellular signals. MiRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis of aggressive meningiomas might prove useful and should be explored further in a prospective manner. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights

  18. Orbital meningioma with a granular cell component in a dog, with extracranial metastasis.

    PubMed

    Pérez, V; Vidal, E; González, N; Benavides, J; Ferreras, M C; Villagrasa, M; Pumarola, M

    2005-01-01

    A meningioma with a significant component of granular cells is described in the left ocular orbit of a 5-year-old male Golden retriever dog that presented with exophthalmos. The neoplastic mass surrounded the optic nerve. Microscopically, the tumour was characterized by nests of large, round to polygonal cells, variable in size, with eccentric nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, containing PAS-positive granules. In focal areas, cells were smaller and occasionally formed whorl-like structures. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that neoplastic cells reacted positively for vimentin and, with less intensity, for neuron specific enolase and S-100, whereas they were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein and cytokeratins. Metastatic growths, formed by similar cells, were seen in the lung and heart.

  19. Intraventricular meningiomas: a clinicopathological study and review.

    PubMed

    Bhatoe, Harjinder S; Singh, Prakash; Dutta, Vibha

    2006-03-15

    Intraventricular meningiomas are rare tumors. The origin of these tumors can be traced to embryological invagination of arachnoid cells into the choroid plexus. The authors analyzed data that they had collected to study the clinicopathological aspects and review the origin, presentation, imaging, and management of these tumors. In this retrospective analysis, the authors describe the cases of 12 patients who had received a diagnosis of intraventricular meningioma and underwent surgery for the tumors. Nine of these patients were men and three were women. Features of neurofibromatosis Type 2 were present in two of the women. Nine of the tumors were located in the lateral ventricles, one was in the third ventricle, and two were in the fourth ventricle. Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) was the universal presentation in all the patients, and the preoperative diagnoses were confirmed on neuroimaging studies. Excision was performed using the parietooccipital (trigonal) approach for lateral ventricle tumors, the transcortical-transventricular route for the third ventricle tumor, and suboccipital craniectomy for fourth ventricle tumors. Postoperatively, one patient died and the others experienced resolution of their symptoms. Histopathological features of these tumors were similar to those seen in meningiomas in other locations. Intraventricular meningiomas are slow-growing tumors that become large prior to detection. Although they are commonly seen in the lateral ventricles, they occur in the third and fourth ventricles as well. Presentation is in the form of raised ICP with no localizing features; therefore the diagnosis is based on imaging studies. Hydrocephalus occurs due to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid pathways. Excision requires planning to avoid eloquent cortex incision. The histopathological features are varied, although most of the tumors in the study were angiomatous meningiomas. These tumors are no different histologically from tumors that are dural in

  20. Meningiomas, dicentric chromosomes, gliomas, and telomerase activity.

    PubMed

    Carroll, T; Maltby, E; Brock, I; Royds, J; Timperley, W; Jellinek, D

    1999-08-01

    Lack of telomere maintenance during cell replication leads to telomere erosion and loss of function. This can result in telomere associations which probably cause the dicentric chromosomes seen in some tumour cells. One mechanism of telomere maintenance in dividing cells is the action of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that adds TTAGGG repeats onto telomeres and compensates for their shortening during cell division. Over 90 per cent of extracranial malignant neoplasms have been found to have telomerase activity. This study sought to determine if there was a relationship between absence of telomerase activity and presence of dicentric chromosomes in meningiomas and to what extent the other main group of central nervous system tumours, the gliomas, expressed telomerase activity. Telomerase activity was measured on 25 meningiomas and 29 gliomas. Four of the meningiomas were atypical variants and 11 were positive for dicentric chromosomes. Twenty-five of 29 gliomas were glioblastoma multiforme tumours. Measures were taken to ensure absence of false positives due to primer-dimer interaction and false negatives due to protein degradation or the presence of Taq polymerase inhibitors. All 25 meningiomas and the four low-grade gliomas (WHO grade II) were telomerase activity-negative. Seven (28 per cent) of the 25 glioblastoma multiforme tumours showed telomerase activity. The absence of telomerase activity in meningiomas and the high frequency of telomere associations support the hypothesis that these tumours are benign, transformed but pre-crisis. The relatively low frequency of telomerase activity in the malignant glioblastoma multiforme suggests that most of these tumours may have other mechanisms of telomere maintenance and that the potentially therapeutic telomerase inhibitors will not be of great value in the future management of the majority of patients suffering from these tumours. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  1. Massive Oculomotor Nerve Enlargement: A Case of Presumed Schwannomatosis.

    PubMed

    Donaldson, Laura; Rebello, Ryan; Rodriguez, Amadeo

    2017-06-01

    A 45-year-old man presented with a slowly progressive pupil-involving third nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tubular lesion extending from the interpeduncular cistern through the cavernous sinus and into the left orbit where it branched into a superior and an inferior division, clearly outlining the anatomy of the third cranial nerve. Multiple other, less pronounced, enlarged cranial nerves were noted. The differential diagnosis included chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN), neurofibromatosis (NF), and schwannomatosis. The absence of other muscle weakness and of sensory symptoms combined with normal peripheral nerve conduction studies effectively ruled out the hypertrophic polyneuropathies and pointed to a syndromic cause of multiple benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs). The authors are treating this case as presumed schwannomatosis, a syndrome similar to NF2 with much lower frequency of acoustic neuromas.

  2. A comparison of plasma levobupivacaine concentrations following transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block.

    PubMed

    Yasumura, R; Kobayashi, Y; Ochiai, R

    2016-05-01

    Levobupivacaine is commonly used as the local anaesthetic of choice in peripheral nerve blocks, but its pharmacokinetics have not been fully investigated. We compared the changes in plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine following transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block. Fifty woman undergoing laparoscopy were randomly allocated to receive either a transversus abdominis plane block or an rectus sheath block. In both groups, 2.5 mg.kg(-1) levobupivacaine was administered, and blood samples were obtained 15 min, 30 min, 60 min and 120 min after injection. The mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and mean time to reach Cmax (Tmax) as determined by non-linear regression analysis were 1.05 μg.ml(-1) and 32.4 min in the transversus abdominis plane group and 0.95 μg.ml(-1) and 60.9 min in the rectus sheath group, respectively. The plasma concentration of levobupivacaine peaked earlier in the transversus abdominis plane group than in the rectus sheath group and the maximum plasma concentration depended on the dose administered but not the procedure. © 2016 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

  3. Collision tumor of the facial nerve: a synchronous seventh nerve schwannoma and neurofibroma.

    PubMed

    Gross, Brian C; Carlson, Matthew L; Driscoll, Colin L; Moore, Eric J

    2012-10-01

    To report a novel case of a collision tumor involving an intraparotid neurofibroma and a mastoid segment facial nerve schwannoma. Clinical capsule report. Tertiary academic referral center. A 29-year-old woman with a 2-year history of an asymptomatic enlarging left infraauricular mass and normal FN function presented to a tertiary care referral center. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a cystic lesion in the deep portion of the parotid gland extending into the stylomastoid foramen. The patient underwent superficial parotidectomy, and a cystic parotid mass was found to be intrinsic to the intraparotid facial nerve. A portion of the mass was biopsied, and intraoperative frozen section pathology was consistent with a neurofibroma. A mastoidectomy with FN decompression was then performed until a normal-appearing segment was identified just proximal to the second genu. After biopsy, proximal facial nerve stimulation failed to elicit evoked motor potentials, and en bloc resection was performed. Final pathology demonstrated a schwannoma involving the mastoid segment and a neurofibroma involving the proximal intraparotid facial nerve. We report the first case of a facial nerve collision tumor involving an intraparotid neurofibroma and a mastoid segment facial nerve schwannoma. Benign FN sheath tumors of the parotid gland are rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a parotid mass.

  4. The Top-100 Most-Cited Articles on Meningioma.

    PubMed

    Almutairi, Othman; Albakr, Abdulrahman; Al-Habib, Amro; Ajlan, Abdulrazag

    2017-11-01

    There is an abundance of articles published on meningioma. To identify the 100 most-cited articles on meningioma and to perform a bibliometric analysis. In November 2016, we performed a title-specific search of the Scopus database using "meningioma" as our search query term without publication date restrictions. The top 100 most cited articles were obtained and reviewed. The top 100 most cited articles received a mean 198 citations per paper. Publication dates ranged from 1953 to 2013; most articles were published between 1994 and 2003, with 50 articles published during that period. NEUROSURGERY published the greatest number of top cited articles (22 of 100). The most frequent study categories were laboratorial studies (31 of 100) and natural history studies (28 of 100). Nonoperative management studies were twice as common as operative management studies in the top-cited articles. Neurosurgery as a specialty contributed to 50% of the top 100 list. The most contributing institute was the Mayo Clinic (11%); the majority of the top cited articles originated in the United States (53%). We identified the top 100 most-cited articles on meningioma that may be considered significant and impactful works, as well as the most noteworthy. In addition, we recognized the historical development and advances in meningioma research and the important contributions of various authors, specialty fields, and countries. A large proportion of the most cited articles were written by authors other than neurosurgeons, and many of these articles were published in non-neurosurgery journals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. APPARATUS FOR SHEATHING RODS

    DOEpatents

    Ford, W.K.; Wyatt, M.; Plail, S.

    1961-08-01

    An arrangement is described for sealing a solid body of nuclear fuel, such as a uranium metal rod, into a closelyfitting thin metallic sheath with an internal atmosphere of inert gas. The sheathing process consists of subjecting the sheath, loaded with the nuclear fuel body, to the sequential operations of evacuation, gas-filling, drawing (to entrap inert gas and secure close contact between sheath and body), and sealing. (AEC)

  6. Glancing angle RF sheaths

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    D'Ippolito, D. A.; Myra, J. R.

    2013-10-01

    RF sheaths occur in tokamaks when ICRF waves encounter conducting boundaries. The sheath plays an important role in determining the efficiency of ICRF heating, the impurity influxes from the edge plasma, and the plasma-facing component damage. An important parameter in sheath theory is the angle θ between the equilibrium B field and the wall. Recent work with 1D and 2D sheath models has shown that the rapid variation of θ around a typical limiter can lead to enhanced sheath potentials and localized power deposition (hot spots) when the B field is near glancing incidence. The physics model used to obtain these results does not include some glancing-angle effects, e.g. possible modification of the angular dependence of the Child-Langmuir law and the role of the magnetic pre-sheath. Here, we report on calculations which explore these effects, with the goal of improving the fidelity of the rf sheath BC used in analytical and numerical calculations. Work supported by US DOE grants DE-FC02-05ER54823 and DE-FG02-97ER54392.

  7. Adenosine triphosphatase activity of cutaneous nerve fibers.

    PubMed

    Idé, C; Saito, T

    1980-02-01

    The histochemical study of Mg++-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Mg++-ATPase) activity was carried out on the peripheral nerves of mouse digital skin by light and electron microscopy. Under the light microscope, the ATPase activity was clearly demonstrated on the nerve fibers as a fine network in the subepidermal regions. Under the electron microscope, the reaction product of enzyme activity was located in the interspace between axolemma and the surrounding Schwann cells of the unmyelinated nerve fibers. No reaction product was observed in the space between the axolemma and the Schwann cells associated with myelinated nerve fibers. Demonstrable activity was absent at the nodes of Ranvier as well as on the para- and internodal regions of these myelinated axons. The part of the axolemma lacking a Schwann cell sheath failed to show a reaction product. The perineural epithelial cells surrounding the nerve fibers displayed reaction product in the caveolae. These results suggest a functional difference in the axon-Schwann interface of myelinated as compared to unmyelinated nerve fibers. The function of the perineural epithelial cell would be expected to be a regulatory one in transferring materials across the epithelium to keep the proper humoral environment around nerve fibers.

  8. Assessment of intracranial pressure with ultrasonographic retrobulbar optic nerve sheath diameter measurement.

    PubMed

    Liu, Dachuan; Li, Zhen; Zhang, Xuxiang; Zhao, Liping; Jia, Jianping; Sun, Fei; Wang, Yaxing; Ma, Daqing; Wei, Wenbin

    2017-09-29

    Ultrasonograpic retrobulbar optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement is considered to be an alternative noninvasive method to estimate intracranial pressure,but the further validation is urgently needed. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of the ultrasonographic ONSD and intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients. One hundred and ten patients whose intracranial pressure measured via lumbar puncture were enrolled in the study. Their retrobulbar ONSD with B-scan ultrasound was determined just before lumber puncture. The correlation between the ICP and the body mass index (BMI), ONSD or age was established respectively with the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The discriminant analysis was used to obtain a discriminant formula for predicting ICP with the ONSD、BMI、gender and age. Another 20 patients were recruited for further validation the efficiency of this discriminant equation. The mean ICP was 215.3 ± 81.2 mmH 2 O. ONSD was 5.70 ± 0.80 mm in the right eye and 5.80 ± 0.77 mm in the left eye. A significant correlation was found between ICP and BMI (r = 0.554, p < 0.001), the mean ONSD (r = 0.61, P < 0.001), but not with age (r = -0.131, p = 0.174) and gender (r = 0.03, p = 0.753). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the critical value for the risk mean-ONSD was 5.6 mm from the ROC curve, with the sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 73.1%. With 200 mmH 2 O as the cutoff point for a high or low ICP, stepwise discriminant was applied, the sensitivity and specificity of ONSD predicting ICP was 84.5%-85.7% and 86.5%-92.3%. Ophthalmic ultrasound measurement of ONSD may be a good surrogate of invasive ICP measurement. This non-invasive method may be an alternative approach to predict the ICP value of patients whose ICP measurement via lumbar puncture are in high risk. The discriminant formula, which incorporated the factor of BMI, had similar sensitivity and higher

  9. Stimulation of the human auditory nerve with optical radiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fishman, Andrew; Winkler, Piotr; Mierzwinski, Jozef; Beuth, Wojciech; Izzo Matic, Agnella; Siedlecki, Zygmunt; Teudt, Ingo; Maier, Hannes; Richter, Claus-Peter

    2009-02-01

    A novel, spatially selective method to stimulate cranial nerves has been proposed: contact free stimulation with optical radiation. The radiation source is an infrared pulsed laser. The Case Report is the first report ever that shows that optical stimulation of the auditory nerve is possible in the human. The ethical approach to conduct any measurements or tests in humans requires efficacy and safety studies in animals, which have been conducted in gerbils. This report represents the first step in a translational research project to initiate a paradigm shift in neural interfaces. A patient was selected who required surgical removal of a large meningioma angiomatum WHO I by a planned transcochlear approach. Prior to cochlear ablation by drilling and subsequent tumor resection, the cochlear nerve was stimulated with a pulsed infrared laser at low radiation energies. Stimulation with optical radiation evoked compound action potentials from the human auditory nerve. Stimulation of the auditory nerve with infrared laser pulses is possible in the human inner ear. The finding is an important step for translating results from animal experiments to human and furthers the development of a novel interface that uses optical radiation to stimulate neurons. Additional measurements are required to optimize the stimulation parameters.

  10. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells accelerate nerve regeneration and functional recovery in a rat model of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

    PubMed

    Li, Yun; Xu, Wen; Cheng, Li-Yu

    2017-09-01

    Medialization thyroplasty or injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis cannot restore mobility of the vocal fold. Recent studies have shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells is effective in the repair of nerve injuries. This study investigated whether adipose-derived stem cell transplantation could repair recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Rat models of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were established by crushing with micro forceps. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs; 8 × 10 5 ) or differentiated Schwann-like adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (dADSCs; 8 × 10 5 ) or extracellular matrix were injected at the site of injury. At 2, 4 and 6 weeks post-surgery, a higher density of myelinated nerve fiber, thicker myelin sheath, improved vocal fold movement, better recovery of nerve conduction capacity and reduced thyroarytenoid muscle atrophy were found in ADSCs and dADSCs groups compared with the extracellular matrix group. The effects were more pronounced in the ADSCs group than in the dADSCs group. These experimental results indicated that ADSCs transplantation could be an early interventional strategy to promote regeneration after recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

  11. Assessment of nerve ultrastructure by fibre-optic confocal microscopy.

    PubMed

    Cushway, T R; Lanzetta, M; Cox, G; Trickett, R; Owen, E R

    1996-01-01

    Fibre-optic technology combined with confocality produces a microscope capable of optical thin sectioning. In this original study, tibial nerves have been stained in a rat model with a vital dye, 4-(4-diethylaminostyryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide, and analysed by fibre-optic confocal microscopy to produce detailed images of nerve ultrastructure. Schwann cells, nodes of Ranvier and longitudinal myelinated sheaths enclosing axons were clearly visible. Single axons appeared as brightly staining longitudinal structures. This allowed easy tracing of multiple signal axons within the nerve tissue. An accurate measurement of internodal lengths was easily accomplished. This technique is comparable to current histological techniques, but does not require biopsy, thin sectioning or tissue fixing. This study offers a standard for further in vivo microscopy, including the possibility of monitoring the progression of nerve regeneration following microsurgical neurorraphy.

  12. Are there attacking points in the eicosanoid cascade for chemotherapeutic options in benign meningiomas?

    PubMed

    Pfister, Christina; Ritz, Rainer; Pfrommer, Heike; Bornemann, Antje; Tatagiba, Marcos S; Roser, Florian

    2007-01-01

    The current treatment for recurrent or malignant meningiomas with adjuvant therapies has not been satisfactory, and there is an intense interest in evaluating new molecular markers to act as therapeutic targets. Enzymes of the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 or 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) are upregulated in a number of epithelial tumors, but to date there are hardly any data about the expression of these markers in meningiomas. To find possible targets for chemotherapeutic intervention, the authors evaluated the expression of AA derivatives at different molecular levels in meningiomas. One hundred and twenty-four meningioma surgical specimens and normal human cortical tissue samples were immunohistochemically and cytochemically stained for COX-2, COX-1, 5-LO, and prostaglandin E receptor 4 (PTGER4). In addition, Western blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed to detect the presence of eicosanoids in vivo and in vitro. Sixty (63%) of 95 benign meningiomas, 21 (88%) of 24 atypical meningiomas, all five malignant meningiomas, and all normal human cortex samples displayed high COX-2 immunoreactivity. All cultured specimens and IOMM-Lee cells stained positive for COX-2, COX-1, 5-LO, and PTGER4. The PCR analysis demonstrated no changes in eicosanoid expression among meningiomas of different World Health Organization grades and in normal human cortical and dura mater tissue. Eicosanoid derivatives COX-1, COX-2, 5-LO, and PTGER4 enzymes show a high universal expression in meningiomas but are not upregulated in normal human cortex and dura tissue. This finding of the ubiquitous presence of these enzymes in meningiomas offers an excellent baseline for testing upcoming chemotherapeutic treatments.

  13. RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded canine meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Grenier, Jennifer K.; Foureman, Polly A.; Sloma, Erica A.

    2017-01-01

    Meningiomas are the most commonly reported primary intracranial tumor in dogs and humans and between the two species there are similarities in histology and biologic behavior. Due to these similarities, dogs have been proposed as models for meningioma pathobiology. However, little is known about specific pathways and individual genes that are involved in the development and progression of canine meningioma. In addition, studies are lacking that utilize RNAseq to characterize gene expression in clinical cases of canine meningioma. The primary objective of this study was to develop a technique for which high quality RNA can be extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue and then used for transcriptome analysis to determine patterns of gene expression. RNA was extracted from thirteen canine meningiomas–eleven from formalin fixed and two flash-frozen. These represented six grade I and seven grade II meningiomas based on the World Health Organization classification system for human meningioma. RNA was also extracted from fresh frozen leptomeninges from three control dogs for comparison. RNAseq libraries made from formalin fixed tissue were of sufficient quality to successfully identify 125 significantly differentially expressed genes, the majority of which were related to oncogenic processes. Twelve genes (AQP1, BMPER, FBLN2, FRZB, MEDAG, MYC, PAMR1, PDGFRL, PDPN, PECAM1, PERP, ZC2HC1C) were validated using qPCR. Among the differentially expressed genes were oncogenes, tumor suppressors, transcription factors, VEGF-related genes, and members of the WNT pathway. Our work demonstrates that RNA of sufficient quality can be extracted from FFPE canine meningioma samples to provide biologically relevant transcriptome analyses using a next-generation sequencing technique, such as RNA-seq. PMID:29073243

  14. Foramen Magnum Meningioma: a Case Report and Review of Literature.

    PubMed

    Jurinovic, Pavao; Bulicic, Ana Repic; Marcic, Marino; Mise, Nikolina Ivica; Titlic, Marina; Suljic, Enra

    2016-02-01

    Meningiomas are slow-growing benign tumors that arise at any location where arachnoid cells reside. Although meningiomas account for a sizable proportion of all primary intracranial neoplasms (14.3-19%), only 1.8 to 3.2% arise at the foramen magnum. Their indolent development at the craniocervical junction makes clinical diagnosis complex and often leads to a long interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis. We report a case of a 79-year-old male patient, presented with ataxia and sense of threatening fainting during verticalization. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of meningioma in the right side of craniospinal junction.

  15. Single-fraction Radiosurgery for Presumed Intracranial Meningiomas: Efficacy and Complications From a 22-Year Experience

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pollock, Bruce E., E-mail: pollock.bruce@mayo.edu; Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN; Stafford, Scott L.

    Purpose: To define the rate of tumor control and factors associated with radiation-related complications after single-fraction radiosurgery (SRS) for patients with imaging defined intracranial meningiomas. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 251 patients (192 women, 59 men) having SRS for imaging-defined intracranial meningiomas between 1990 and 2008. Excluded were patients with radiation-induced tumors, meningiomatosis, or neurofibromatosis. The mean patient age was 58.6 {+-} 13.4 years. The majority of tumors involved the skull base/tentorium (n = 210, 83.7%). The mean treatment volume was 7.7 {+-} 6.2 cm{sup 3}; the mean tumor margin dose was 15.8 {+-} 2.0 Gy. Follow-up (mean, 62.9more » {+-} 43.9 months) was censored at last evaluation (n = 224), death (n = 22), or tumor resection (n = 5). Results: No patient died from tumor progression or radiation-related complications. Tumor size decreased in 181 patients (72.1%) and was unchanged in 67 patients (26.7%). Three patients (1.2%) had in-field tumor progression noted at 28, 145, and 150 months, respectively. No patient had a marginal tumor progression. The 3- and 10-year local control rate was 99.4%. One patient had distant tumor progression at 105 months and underwent repeat SRS. Thirty-one patients (12.4%) had either temporary (n = 8, 3.2%) or permanent (n = 23, 9.2%) symptomatic radiation-related complications including cranial nerve deficits (n = 14), headaches (n = 5), hemiparesis (n = 5), new/worsened seizure (n = 4), cyst-formation (n = 1), hemifacial spasm (n = 1), and stroke (n = 1). The 1- and 5-year complication rates were 8.3% and 11.5%, respectively. Radiation-related complications were associated with convexity/falx tumors (HR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-6.1, p = 0.009) and increasing tumor volume (HR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p = 0.04) on multivariate analysis. No patient developed a radiation-induced tumor. Conclusions: Single-fraction SRS at the used dose range provides a high rate of tumor

  16. Massive Oculomotor Nerve Enlargement: A Case of Presumed Schwannomatosis

    PubMed Central

    Donaldson, Laura; Rebello, Ryan; Rodriguez, Amadeo

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT A 45-year-old man presented with a slowly progressive pupil-involving third nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tubular lesion extending from the interpeduncular cistern through the cavernous sinus and into the left orbit where it branched into a superior and an inferior division, clearly outlining the anatomy of the third cranial nerve. Multiple other, less pronounced, enlarged cranial nerves were noted. The differential diagnosis included chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN), neurofibromatosis (NF), and schwannomatosis. The absence of other muscle weakness and of sensory symptoms combined with normal peripheral nerve conduction studies effectively ruled out the hypertrophic polyneuropathies and pointed to a syndromic cause of multiple benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs). The authors are treating this case as presumed schwannomatosis, a syndrome similar to NF2 with much lower frequency of acoustic neuromas. PMID:28512503

  17. MRS study of meningeal hemangiopericytoma and edema: a comparison with meningothelial meningioma.

    PubMed

    Righi, Valeria; Tugnoli, Vitaliano; Mucci, Adele; Bacci, Antonella; Bonora, Sergio; Schenetti, Luisa

    2012-10-01

    Intracranial hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are rare tumors and their radiological appearance resembles that of meningiomas, especially meningothelial meningiomas. To increase the knowledge on the biochemical composition of this type of tumor for better diagnosis and prognosis, we performed a molecular study using ex vivo high resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) perfomed on HPC and peritumoral edematous tissues. Moreover, to help in the discrimination between HPC and meningothelial meningioma we compared the ex vivo HR-MAS spectra of samples from one patient with HPC and 5 patients affected by meningothelial meningioma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in vivo localized single voxel 1H-MRS was also performed on the same patients prior to surgery and the in vivo and ex vivo MRS spectra were compared. We observed the presence of OH-butyrate, together with glucose in HPC and a low amount of N-acetylaspartate in the edema, that may reflect neuronal alteration responsible for associated epilepsy. Many differences between HPC and meningothelial meningioma were identified. The relative ratios of myo-inositol, glucose and gluthatione with respect to glutamate are higher in HPC compared to meningioma; whereas the relative ratios of creatine, glutamine, alanine, glycine and choline-containing compounds with respect to glutamate are lower in HPC compared to meningioma. These data will be useful to improve the interpretation of in vivo MRS spectra resulting in a more accurate diagnosis of these rare tumors.

  18. Photothermal therapy improves the efficacy of a MEK inhibitor in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sweeney, Elizabeth E.; Burga, Rachel A.; Li, Chaoyang; Zhu, Yuan; Fernandes, Rohan

    2016-11-01

    Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive tumors with low survival rates and the leading cause of death in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients under 40 years old. Surgical resection is the standard of care for MPNSTs, but is often incomplete and can generate loss of function, necessitating the development of novel treatment methods for this patient population. Here, we describe a novel combination therapy comprising MEK inhibition and nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT) for MPNSTs. MEK inhibitors block activity driven by Ras, an oncogene constitutively activated in NF1-associated MPNSTs, while PTT serves as a minimally invasive method to ablate cancer cells. Our rationale for combining these seemingly disparate techniques for MPNSTs is based on several reports demonstrating the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy with local PTT. We combine the MEK inhibitor, PD-0325901 (PD901), with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) as PTT agents, to block MEK activity and simultaneously ablate MPNSTs. Our data demonstrate the synergistic effect of combining PD901 with PBNP-based PTT, which converge through the Ras pathway to generate apoptosis, necrosis, and decreased proliferation, thereby mitigating tumor growth and increasing survival of MPNST-bearing animals. Our results suggest the potential of this novel local-systemic combination “nanochemotherapy” for treating patients with MPNSTs.

  19. Photothermal therapy improves the efficacy of a MEK inhibitor in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

    PubMed

    Sweeney, Elizabeth E; Burga, Rachel A; Li, Chaoyang; Zhu, Yuan; Fernandes, Rohan

    2016-11-11

    Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive tumors with low survival rates and the leading cause of death in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients under 40 years old. Surgical resection is the standard of care for MPNSTs, but is often incomplete and can generate loss of function, necessitating the development of novel treatment methods for this patient population. Here, we describe a novel combination therapy comprising MEK inhibition and nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT) for MPNSTs. MEK inhibitors block activity driven by Ras, an oncogene constitutively activated in NF1-associated MPNSTs, while PTT serves as a minimally invasive method to ablate cancer cells. Our rationale for combining these seemingly disparate techniques for MPNSTs is based on several reports demonstrating the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy with local PTT. We combine the MEK inhibitor, PD-0325901 (PD901), with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) as PTT agents, to block MEK activity and simultaneously ablate MPNSTs. Our data demonstrate the synergistic effect of combining PD901 with PBNP-based PTT, which converge through the Ras pathway to generate apoptosis, necrosis, and decreased proliferation, thereby mitigating tumor growth and increasing survival of MPNST-bearing animals. Our results suggest the potential of this novel local-systemic combination "nanochemotherapy" for treating patients with MPNSTs.

  20. Ultrasonographic measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter and its association with eyeball transverse diameter in 585 healthy volunteers.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong Hwan; Jun, Jin-Sun; Kim, Ryul

    2017-11-21

    The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is considered as an indirect marker for intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the optimal cut-off value for an abnormal ONSD indicating elevated ICP and its associated factors have been unclear. Thus, we investigated normative values for the ONSD using ultrasonography and investigate the potential factors affecting it. We prospectively recruited healthy volunteers between September 2016 and March 2017. A total of 585 individuals were included, in which the mean ONSD was 4.11 mm [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.09-4.14 mm]. Although ONSD was correlated with sex (p = 0.015), height (p = 0.003), and eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) (p < 0.001) in simple linear regression analyses, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only ETD was independently associated with ONSD (p < 0.001). Accordingly, we further established a normative value for the ONSD/ETD ratio and its associated factors. The mean ONSD/ETD ratio was 0.18 (95% CI, 0.18-0.18), but the ONSD/ETD ratio was not correlated with sex, height, weight, body mass index, and head circumference. Our findings suggest that the ONSD had a strong correlation with ETD, and ONSD/ETD ratio might provide more reliable data than ONSD itself as a marker of ICP.

  1. Long-term follow-up of 287 meningiomas in neurofibromatosis type 2 patients: clinical, radiological, and molecular features

    PubMed Central

    Goutagny, Stéphane; Bah, Alpha Boubacar; Henin, Dominique; Parfait, Béatrice; Grayeli, Alexis Bozorg; Sterkers, Olivier; Kalamarides, Michel

    2012-01-01

    Decision-making criteria for optimal management of meningiomas in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients is hampered by lack of robust data, particularly long-term natural history. Seventy-four NF2 patients harboring 287 cranial meningiomas followed up for a mean period of 110.2 months were studied retrospectively. The median number of meningiomas per patient was 3. The mean maximum diameter of meningiomas at diagnosis was 14.3 mm, with a mean annual growth rate of 1.5 mm. Sixty-six percent of tumors showed no or minimal growth. In a subgroup of patients with 3D MRI, 7.3% of meningiomas (28% of patients) had a volumetric growth rate 20% or more per year. Twenty-five de novo meningiomas appeared during the follow-up (8.7%) and demonstrated a higher growth rate than other meningiomas (6.6 mm/year). Fifty-six meningiomas (23%) in 34 NF2 patients (45.9%) were operated on during the follow-up period. Among symptomatic resected meningiomas, grades II and III tumors were found in 29% and 6% of cases, respectively, with a remarkable intratumor histological heterogeneity. Single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis of 22 meningioma samples in 14 NF2 patients showed increasing chromosome instability with increasing grade, the most frequent losses being on 22q, 1p, 18q, and 6p. This study provides clues to improve tailored treatment of meningiomas: de novo and brain edema-associated meningiomas require active treatment. Future clinical trials in NF2 need to focus specifically on meningiomas as the primary endpoint and should include patients with meningiomas growing 20% or more per year in order to assess new treatments. PMID:22711605

  2. Engineered Herpes Simplex Viruses for the Treatment of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-01

    sheath tumors ( MPNST ), which occur in patients with neurofibromatosis type-1, to oncolytic HSV (oHSVs). We have demonstrated that many of the MPNSTs ...there ability to maintain late viral protein synthesis in the infected MPNST cells. This is an unanticipated finding that could have been...productive and has led to new information regarding the susceptibility of MPNST to oHSVs. We are currently testing 2 new hypotheses developed based upon

  3. A morphological and biochemical evaluation of the effects of quercetin on experimental sciatic nerve damage in rats.

    PubMed

    Türedi, Sibel; Yuluğ, Esin; Alver, Ahmet; Bodur, Akin; İnce, İmran

    2018-04-01

    The present study evaluated the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of quercetin in a rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury using histopathological, morphometric and biochemical methods. A total of 48 male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 10-12 weeks old were randomly divided into eight groups, consisting of two sham groups (S-7, S-28), three quercetin-treated groups (Q-7, Q-28; 200 mg/kg/7 days), trauma (T-7, T-28; 1 min sciatic nerve crush injury) and three trauma+quercetin groups (T+Q-7, T+Q-28; trauma+quercetin 200 mg/kg/7 days). Rats were sacrificed on day 7 or 28. Oxidant-antioxidant biochemical parameters in nerve tissues from all groups were analyzed using histopathological staining with toluidine blue and Masson's trichrome. DNA fragmentations were identified using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling in cells from each tissue sample. Degeneration of the axons and myelin sheath, the breakdown of the concentric lamellar structure of the myelin sheath and axonal swelling were observed in groups T-7 and T-28. Myelin sheath thicknesses, nerve fiber diameters and the number of myelinated nerve fibers decreased, while the apoptotic index (AI) increased in the T-7 and T-28 groups. However, it was observed that nerve regeneration began in the T+Q-7 and T+Q-28 groups compared with the sham groups, together with the healing of cellular damage and axonal structure and a decrease in the AI. Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity did not differ significantly between the T-7 and S-7 groups. However, catalase activity significantly decreased in the T-28 group when compared with the sham 7 day group. Tissue malondialdehyde levels significantly increased, while serum catalase activity increased in the T+Q-7 group compared with the T-7 group. These results suggest that quercetin has beneficial effects on nerve regeneration and may shorten the healing period in crush-type sciatic nerve injuries.

  4. Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET imaging of meningioma and other intracranial tumors.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Derek R; Hunt, Christopher H; Nathan, Mark A; Parisi, Joseph E; Boeve, Bradley F; Murray, Melissa E; Knopman, David S; Jack, Clifford R; Petersen, Ronald C; Lowe, Val J; Johnson, Geoffrey B

    2018-01-01

    Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Diagnosis by MRI is generally straightforward, but lack of imaging specificity can present a diagnostic dilemma, particularly in patients with cancer. We report our experience with meningioma identification on Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET/CT. Patients who underwent PiB PET/CT from 2006 to 2015 were reviewed to identify those with intracranial tumors. Tumor types were classified by MR appearance, or by pathology when available. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) measurements of tumor PiB activity were compared across tumor types. 2472 patients underwent PiB PET/CT in the period of interest; 45 patients (1.8%) had probable or definite intracranial tumor. Tumor types were meningioma (29/45, 64%), vestibular schwannoma (7/45, 16%), pituitary macroadenoma (4/45, 9%), metastatic disease (2/45, 4%), and others (3/45, 7%). In patients with meningioma, the mean lesion SUVmax was 2.05 (SD 1.37), versus 1.00 (SD 0.42) in patients with non-meningioma tumors (p < 0.01). A receiver operating curve was created for lesion:cerebellum SUVmax ratio, with an area under the curve of 0.91 for a value of 1.68. At or above this ratio, specificity for meningioma was 100% (95% CI 79-100%) and sensitivity was 76% (95% CI 57-90%). PiB PET activity within an intracranial tumor is a highly specific and reasonably sensitive marker of meningioma. Further prospective evaluation is warranted to validate this result as well as to assess the performance of commercially available beta-amyloid radiotracers in meningioma identification.

  5. Craniocervical Junction Meningiomas without Hydrocephalus Presenting Solely with Syncope: Report of 2 Cases.

    PubMed

    Champagne, Pierre-Olivier; Bojanowski, Michel W

    2018-06-01

    To our knowledge, there have not been any reported cases of a meningioma of the craniocervical region presenting solely with syncope as its initial symptom. Only 1 case of meningioma presenting with syncope has been published, but it was associated with hydrocephalus. We report 2 cases of syncope caused by a craniocervical junction meningioma, with syncope being the sole presenting symptom and without hydrocephalus. We discuss the possible pathophysiology, as well as the clinical relevance of this type of presentation. We reviewed the charts, operative details, and imagery of 2 cases of meningioma in the region of the craniocervical junction, with syncope as their sole presenting feature. We also reviewed the literature. In 1 case the syncope occurred spontaneously. In the other, it occurred during a Valsalva maneuver. Both meningiomas were surgically removed via a retromastoid approach. There was no recurrence of syncope following surgery. Following a literature review, we found 1 case of posterior fossa meningioma presenting with syncope, but hydrocephalus was also present. Syncope can be the sole manifestation of a meningioma of the craniocervical junction. Such syncopes are a consequence of transient dysfunction of the autonomous pathways in the medulla and/or of the medulla's output. In the absence of other causes of syncope, a meningioma in this region, even in the absence of hydrocephalus, should not be considered as fortuitous, but rather as the actual cause of syncope. Recognizing this possibility offers the potential for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the syncope. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Multifocal meningiomas in a patient with a constitutional ring chromosome 22.

    PubMed Central

    Arinami, T; Kondo, I; Hamaguchi, H; Nakajima, S

    1986-01-01

    We report a patient with a constitutional ring chromosome 22, in whom multifocal meningiomas were confirmed at necropsy, and discuss the relationship between the constitutional chromosome change and tumourigenesis of meningiomas in this patient. Images PMID:3712397

  7. Genipin-Cross-Linked Chitosan Nerve Conduits Containing TNF-α Inhibitors for Peripheral Nerve Repair.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Li; Zhao, Weijia; Niu, Changmei; Zhou, Yujie; Shi, Haiyan; Wang, Yalin; Yang, Yumin; Tang, Xin

    2018-07-01

    Tissue engineered nerve grafts (TENGs) are considered a promising alternative to autologous nerve grafting, which is considered the "gold standard" clinical strategy for peripheral nerve repair. Here, we immobilized tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors onto a nerve conduit, which was introduced into a chitosan (CS) matrix scaffold utilizing genipin (GP) as the crosslinking agent, to fabricate CS-GP-TNF-α inhibitor nerve conduits. The in vitro release kinetics of TNF-α inhibitors from the CS-GP-TNF-α inhibitor nerve conduits were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. The in vivo continuous release profile of the TNF-α inhibitors released from the CS-GP-TNF-α inhibitor nerve conduits was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay over 14 days. We found that the amount of TNF-α inhibitors released decreased with time after the bridging of the sciatic nerve defects in rats. Moreover, 4 and 12 weeks after surgery, histological analyses and functional evaluations were carried out to assess the influence of the TENG on regeneration. Immunochemistry performed 4 weeks after grafting to assess early regeneration outcomes revealed that the TENG strikingly promoted axonal outgrowth. Twelve weeks after grafting, the TENG accelerated myelin sheath formation, as well as functional restoration. In general, the regenerative outcomes following TENG more closely paralleled findings observed with autologous grafting than the use of the CS matrix scaffold. Collectively, our data indicate that the CS-GP-TNF-α inhibitor nerve conduits comprised an elaborate system for sustained release of TNF-α inhibitors in vitro, while studies in vivo demonstrated that the TENG could accelerate regenerating axonal outgrowth and functional restoration. The introduction of CS-GP-TNF-α-inhibitor nerve conduits into a scaffold may contribute to an efficient and adaptive immune microenvironment that can be used to facilitate peripheral nerve repair.

  8. DNA methylation-based classification and grading system for meningioma: a multicentre, retrospective analysis.

    PubMed

    Sahm, Felix; Schrimpf, Daniel; Stichel, Damian; Jones, David T W; Hielscher, Thomas; Schefzyk, Sebastian; Okonechnikov, Konstantin; Koelsche, Christian; Reuss, David E; Capper, David; Sturm, Dominik; Wirsching, Hans-Georg; Berghoff, Anna Sophie; Baumgarten, Peter; Kratz, Annekathrin; Huang, Kristin; Wefers, Annika K; Hovestadt, Volker; Sill, Martin; Ellis, Hayley P; Kurian, Kathreena M; Okuducu, Ali Fuat; Jungk, Christine; Drueschler, Katharina; Schick, Matthias; Bewerunge-Hudler, Melanie; Mawrin, Christian; Seiz-Rosenhagen, Marcel; Ketter, Ralf; Simon, Matthias; Westphal, Manfred; Lamszus, Katrin; Becker, Albert; Koch, Arend; Schittenhelm, Jens; Rushing, Elisabeth J; Collins, V Peter; Brehmer, Stefanie; Chavez, Lukas; Platten, Michael; Hänggi, Daniel; Unterberg, Andreas; Paulus, Werner; Wick, Wolfgang; Pfister, Stefan M; Mittelbronn, Michel; Preusser, Matthias; Herold-Mende, Christel; Weller, Michael; von Deimling, Andreas

    2017-05-01

    The WHO classification of brain tumours describes 15 subtypes of meningioma. Nine of these subtypes are allotted to WHO grade I, and three each to grade II and grade III. Grading is based solely on histology, with an absence of molecular markers. Although the existing classification and grading approach is of prognostic value, it harbours shortcomings such as ill-defined parameters for subtypes and grading criteria prone to arbitrary judgment. In this study, we aimed for a comprehensive characterisation of the entire molecular genetic landscape of meningioma to identify biologically and clinically relevant subgroups. In this multicentre, retrospective analysis, we investigated genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of meningiomas from ten European academic neuro-oncology centres to identify distinct methylation classes of meningiomas. The methylation classes were further characterised by DNA copy number analysis, mutational profiling, and RNA sequencing. Methylation classes were analysed for progression-free survival outcomes by the Kaplan-Meier method. The DNA methylation-based and WHO classification schema were compared using the Brier prediction score, analysed in an independent cohort with WHO grading, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival data available, collected at the Medical University Vienna (Vienna, Austria), assessing methylation patterns with an alternative methylation chip. We retrospectively collected 497 meningiomas along with 309 samples of other extra-axial skull tumours that might histologically mimic meningioma variants. Unsupervised clustering of DNA methylation data clearly segregated all meningiomas from other skull tumours. We generated genome-wide DNA methylation profiles from all 497 meningioma samples. DNA methylation profiling distinguished six distinct clinically relevant methylation classes associated with typical mutational, cytogenetic, and gene expression patterns. Compared with WHO grading, classification by

  9. Foramen Magnum Meningioma: a Case Report and Review of Literature

    PubMed Central

    Jurinovic, Pavao; Bulicic, Ana Repic; Marcic, Marino; Mise, Nikolina Ivica; Titlic, Marina; Suljic, Enra

    2016-01-01

    Introduction: Meningiomas are slow-growing benign tumors that arise at any location where arachnoid cells reside. Although meningiomas account for a sizable proportion of all primary intracranial neoplasms (14.3–19%), only 1.8 to 3.2% arise at the foramen magnum. Their indolent development at the craniocervical junction makes clinical diagnosis complex and often leads to a long interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Case report: We report a case of a 79-year-old male patient, presented with ataxia and sense of threatening fainting during verticalization. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of meningioma in the right side of craniospinal junction. PMID:27041817

  10. Differentiation of fibroblastic meningiomas from other benign subtypes using diffusion tensor imaging.

    PubMed

    Tropine, Andrei; Dellani, Paulo D; Glaser, Martin; Bohl, Juergen; Plöner, Till; Vucurevic, Goran; Perneczky, Axel; Stoeter, Peter

    2007-04-01

    To differentiate fibroblastic meningiomas, usually considered to be of a hard consistency, from other benign subtypes using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). From DTI data sets of 30 patients with benign meningiomas, we calculated diffusion tensors and mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps as well as barycentric maps representing the geometrical shape of the tensors. The findings were compared to postoperative histology. The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and informed consent was given by the patients. According to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), FA was the best parameter to differentiate between the subtypes (F=32.2; p<0.0001). Regarding tensor shape, endothelial meningiomas were represented by spherical tensors (80%) corresponding to isotropic diffusion, whereas the fibroblastic meningiomas showed a high percentage (43%) of nonspherical tensors, indicating planar or longitudinal diffusion. The difference was highly significant (F=28.4; p<0.0001) and may be due to the fascicular arrangement of long spindle-shaped tumor cells and the high content of intra- and interfascicular fibers as shown in the histology. In addition, a capsule-like rim of the in-plane diffusion surrounded most meningiomas irrespective of their histological type. If these results correlate to the intraoperative findings of meningioma consistency, DTI-based measurement of FA and analysis of the shape of the diffusion tensor is a promising method to differentiate between fibroblastic and other subtypes of benign meningiomas in order to get information about their "hard" or "soft" consistency prior to removal. Copyright (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  11. Genome-wide association analysis identifies a meningioma risk locus at 11p15.5.

    PubMed

    Claus, Elizabeth B; Cornish, Alex J; Broderick, Peter; Schildkraut, Joellen M; Dobbins, Sara E; Holroyd, Amy; Calvocoressi, Lisa; Lu, Lingeng; Hansen, Helen M; Smirnov, Ivan; Walsh, Kyle M; Schramm, Johannes; Hoffmann, Per; Nöthen, Markus M; Jöckel, Karl-Heinz; Swerdlow, Anthony; Larsen, Signe Benzon; Johansen, Christoffer; Simon, Matthias; Bondy, Melissa; Wrensch, Margaret; Houlston, Richard; Wiemels, Joseph L

    2018-05-12

    Meningioma are adult brain tumors originating in the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord, with significant heritable basis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have previously identified only a single risk locus for meningioma, at 10p12.31. To identify a susceptibility locus for meningioma, we conducted a meta-analysis of two GWAS, imputed using a merged reference panel of 1,000 Genomes and UK10K data, with validation in two independent sample series totaling 2,138 cases and 12,081 controls. We identified a new susceptibility locus for meningioma at 11p15.5 (rs2686876, odds ratio = 1.44, P = 9.86 × 10-9). A number of genes localize to the region of linkage disequilibrium encompassing rs2686876, including RIC8A, which plays a central role in the development of neural crest-derived structures, such as the meninges. This finding advances our understanding of the genetic basis of meningioma development and provides additional support for a polygenic model of meningioma.

  12. Analysis of Several PLA2 mRNA in Human Meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Denizot, Yves; De Armas, Rafael; Durand, Karine; Robert, Sandrine; Moreau, Jean-Jacques; Caire, François; Weinbreck, Nicolas; Labrousse, François

    2009-01-01

    In view of the important oncogenic action of phospholipase A2(PLA2) we investigated PLA2 transcripts in human meningiomas. Real-time PCR was used to investigate PLA2 transcripts in 26 human meningioma tumors. Results indicated that three Ca2+-dependent high molecular weight PLA2 (PLA2-IVA, PLA2-IVB, PLA2-IVC), one Ca2+-independent high molecular weight PLA2 (PLA2-VI) and five low molecular weight secreted forms of PLA2 (PLA2-IB, PLA2-IIA, PLA2-III, PLA2-V, and PLA2-XII) are expressed with PLA2-IVA, PLA2-IVB, PLA2-VI, and PLA2-XIIA as the major expressed forms. PLA2-IIE, PLA2-IIF, PLA2-IVD, and PLA2-XIIB are not detected. Plasma (PLA2-VIIA) and intracellular (PLA2-VIIB) platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase transcripts are expressed in human meningiomas. However no difference was found for PLA2 transcript amounts in relation to the tumor grade, the subtype of meningiomas, the presence of inflammatory infiltrated cells, of an associated edema, mitosis, brain invasion, vascularisation or necrosis. In conclusion numerous genes encoding multiples forms of PLA2 are expressed in meningiomas where they might act on the phospholipid remodeling and on the local eicosanoid and/or cytokine networks. PMID:20339511

  13. Prostate carcinoma mimicking a sphenoid wing meningioma.

    PubMed

    Bradley, Lucas H; Burton, Matthew; Gokden, Murat; Serletis, Demitre

    2015-01-01

    We report here on a rare case of a large, lateral sphenoid wing tumor with radiographic and intraoperative findings highly suggestive of meningioma, yet pathology was in fact consistent with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. An 81 year-old male presented with expressive dysphasia, right-sided weakness and headaches. Imaging revealed a heterogeneously-enhancing lesion based on the left lateral sphenoid wing. The presumed diagnosis was strongly in favor of meningioma, and the patient underwent complete resection of the dural-based lesion. Final pathology confirmed the unexpected finding of a metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Although he tolerated surgery well, the patient was subsequently referred for palliative therapy given findings of widespread systemic disease. Intracranial metastases may involve the dura, at times presenting with rare radiographic features highly suggestive for meningioma, as in our case here. This makes differentiation, at least based on imaging, a challenge. Elderly patients presenting with neurological deficits secondary to a newly-diagnosed, dural-based lesion should thus be considered for metastasis, prompting additional imaging studies (including body CT, MRI or PET) to rule out a primary lesion elsewhere. In some cases, this may affect the overall decision to proceed with surgical resection, or alternatively, to proceed directly to palliative therapy (the latter decision made in the context of widespread metastatic disease). We conclude that dural-based metastatic lesions may mimic meningiomas, warranting thorough pre-operative work-up to exclude the possibility of metastasis. In certain cases, identification of widespread disease might preclude surgery and favor palliation, instead. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  14. Prostate carcinoma mimicking a sphenoid wing meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Bradley, Lucas H.; Burton, Matthew; Gokden, Murat; Serletis, Demitre

    2015-01-01

    Introduction We report here on a rare case of a large, lateral sphenoid wing tumor with radiographic and intraoperative findings highly suggestive of meningioma, yet pathology was in fact consistent with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Presentation of case An 81 year-old male presented with expressive dysphasia, right-sided weakness and headaches. Imaging revealed a heterogeneously-enhancing lesion based on the left lateral sphenoid wing. The presumed diagnosis was strongly in favor of meningioma, and the patient underwent complete resection of the dural-based lesion. Final pathology confirmed the unexpected finding of a metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Although he tolerated surgery well, the patient was subsequently referred for palliative therapy given findings of widespread systemic disease. Discussion Intracranial metastases may involve the dura, at times presenting with rare radiographic features highly suggestive for meningioma, as in our case here. This makes differentiation, at least based on imaging, a challenge. Elderly patients presenting with neurological deficits secondary to a newly-diagnosed, dural-based lesion should thus be considered for metastasis, prompting additional imaging studies (including body CT, MRI or PET) to rule out a primary lesion elsewhere. In some cases, this may affect the overall decision to proceed with surgical resection, or alternatively, to proceed directly to palliative therapy (the latter decision made in the context of widespread metastatic disease). Conclusion We conclude that dural-based metastatic lesions may mimic meningiomas, warranting thorough pre-operative work-up to exclude the possibility of metastasis. In certain cases, identification of widespread disease might preclude surgery and favor palliation, instead. PMID:26318129

  15. Diagnosis of meningioma by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Butte, Pramod V; Pikul, Brian K; Hever, Aviv; Yong, William H; Black, Keith L; Marcu, Laura

    2005-01-01

    We investigate the use of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) as an adjunctive tool for the intraoperative rapid evaluation of tumor specimens and delineation of tumor from surrounding normal tissue. Tissue autofluorescence is induced with a pulsed nitrogen laser (337 nm, 1.2 ns) and the intensity decay profiles are recorded in the 370 to 500 nm spectral range with a fast digitizer (0.2 ns resolution). Experiments are conducted on excised specimens (meningioma, dura mater, cerebral cortex) from 26 patients (97 sites). Spectral intensities and time-dependent parameters derived from the time-resolved spectra of each site are used for tissue characterization. A linear discriminant analysis algorithm is used for tissue classification. Our results reveal that meningioma is characterized by unique fluorescence characteristics that enable discrimination of tumor from normal tissue with high sensitivity (>89%) and specificity (100%). The accuracy of classification is found to increase (92.8% cases in the training set and 91.8% in the cross-validated set correctly classified) when parameters from both the spectral and the time domain are used for discrimination. Our findings establish the feasibility of using TR-LIFS as a tool for the identification of meningiomas and enables further development of real-time diagnostic tools for analyzing surgical tissue specimens of meningioma or other brain tumors.

  16. Diagnosis of meningioma by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy

    PubMed Central

    Butte, Pramod V.; Pikul, Brian K.; Hever, Aviv; Yong, William H.; Black, Keith L.; Marcu, Laura

    2010-01-01

    We investigate the use of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) as an adjunctive tool for the intraoperative rapid evaluation of tumor specimens and delineation of tumor from surrounding normal tissue. Tissue autofluorescence is induced with a pulsed nitrogen laser (337 nm, 1.2 ns) and the intensity decay profiles are recorded in the 370 to 500 nm spectral range with a fast digitizer (0.2 ns resolution). Experiments are conducted on excised specimens (meningioma, dura mater, cerebral cortex) from 26 patients (97 sites). Spectral intensities and time-dependent parameters derived from the time-resolved spectra of each site are used for tissue characterization. A linear discriminant analysis algorithm is used for tissue classification. Our results reveal that meningioma is characterized by unique fluorescence characteristics that enable discrimination of tumor from normal tissue with high sensitivity (>89%) and specificity (100%). The accuracy of classification is found to increase (92.8% cases in the training set and 91.8% in the cross-validated set correctly classified) when parameters from both the spectral and the time domain are used for discrimination. Our findings establish the feasibility of using TR-LIFS as a tool for the identification of meningiomas and enables further development of real-time diagnostic tools for analyzing surgical tissue specimens of meningioma or other brain tumors. PMID:16409091

  17. DNA microarray analysis identifies CKS2 and LEPR as potential markers of meningioma recurrence.

    PubMed

    Menghi, Francesca; Orzan, Francesca N; Eoli, Marica; Farinotti, Mariangela; Maderna, Emanuela; Pisati, Federica; Bianchessi, Donatella; Valletta, Lorella; Lodrini, Sandro; Galli, Giuseppe; Anghileri, Elena; Pellegatta, Serena; Pollo, Bianca; Finocchiaro, Gaetano

    2011-01-01

    Meningiomas are the most frequent intracranial tumors. Surgery can be curative, but recurrences are possible. We performed gene expression analyses and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies looking for new markers predicting the recurrence risk. We analyzed expression profiles of 23 meningiomas (10 grade I, 10 grade II, and 3 grade III) and validated the data using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We performed LOH analysis on 40 meningiomas, investigating chromosomal regions on 1p, 9p, 10q, 14q, and 22q. We found 233 and 268 probe sets to be significantly down- and upregulated, respectively, in grade II or III meningiomas. Genes downregulated in high-grade meningiomas were overrepresented on chromosomes 1, 6, 9, 10, and 14. Based on functional enrichment analysis, we selected LIM domain and actin binding 1 (LIMA1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3), cyclin-dependent kinases regulatory subunit 2 (CKS2), leptin receptor (LEPR), and baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5) for validation using qPCR and confirmed their differential expression in the two groups of tumors. We calculated ΔCt values of CKS2 and LEPR and found that their differential expression (C-L index) was significantly higher in grade I than in grade II or III meningiomas (p < .0001). Interestingly, the C-L index of nine grade I meningiomas from patients who relapsed in <5 years was significantly lower than in grade I meningiomas from patients who did not relapse. These findings indicate that the C-L index may be relevant to define the progression risk in meningioma patients, helping guide their clinical management. A prospective analysis on a larger number of cases is warranted.

  18. Temporary clamping of external carotid artery in convexity, parasagittal and temporal base meningioma.

    PubMed

    Yadav, Yad Ram; Parihar, Vijay; Agarwal, Moneet; Bhatele, Pushp Raj

    2012-01-01

    The management of intraoperative bleeding during removal of a large hyper vascular meningioma is crucial for safe and efficient surgery. Preoperative embolization of meningioma is the best way to reduce vascularity of meningiomas but this technique is not readily available, costly and has its own limitations. The study is aimed to evaluate the use of temporary clamping of external carotid artery to reduce blood loss and operating time during excision of large convexity, parasagittal or temporal base meningiomas. A prospective study of 115 consecutively operated meningiomas of size 5 cms or more were operated from January 2002 to December2010. Temporary clamping of external carotid artery was done in 61 while 51 cases were managed without clamping. There was significant reduction of blood loss, operative time and blood transfusion given in the temporary clipping group compared to non clipping group. There was stitch abscess in two patients each in clamping, and non clamping group. There was no scalp necrosis or mortality in any of the group. Temporary clamping of external carotid artery is a safe, simple and cost-effective alternative to embolization for the surgery of large meningiomas. This can be practiced at all the centers.

  19. The quantitative evaluation of intracranial pressure by optic nerve sheath diameter/eye diameter CT measurement.

    PubMed

    Bekerman, Inessa; Sigal, Tal; Kimiagar, Itzhak; Ben Ely, Anna; Vaiman, Michael

    2016-12-01

    The changes of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) have been used to assess changes of the intracranial pressure for 20 years. The aim of this research was to further quantify the technique of measuring the ONSD for this purpose. Retrospective study of computed tomographic (CT) data of 1766 adult patients with intracranial hypotension (n=134) or hypertension (n=1632) were analyzed. The eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) and ONSD were obtained bilaterally, and the ONSD/ETD ratio was calculated. The ratio was used to calculate the normal ONSD for patients and to estimate the intracranial pressure of the patients before and after the onset of the pathology. Correlation analysis was performed with invasively measured intracranial pressure, the presence or absence of papilledema, sex, and age. In hypotension cases, the ONSD by CT was 3.4±0.7 mm (P=.03 against normative 4.4±0.8 mm). In cases with hypertension, the diameter was 6.9±1.3 (P=.02, with a cutoff value ˃5.5 mm). The ONSD/ETD ratio was 0.29±0.04 against 0.19±0.02 in healthy adults (P=.01). The ONSD and the ONSD/ETD ratio can indicate low intracranial pressure, but quantification is impossible at intracranial pressure less than 13 mm Hg. In elevated intracranial pressure, the ONSD and the ratio provide readings that correspond to readings in millimeters of mercury. The ONSD method, reinforced with additional calculations, may help to indicate a raised intracranial pressure, evaluate its severity quantitatively, and establish quantitative goals for treatment of intracranial hypertension, but the limitations of the method are to be taken into account. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Olfactory groove meningioma: discussion of clinical presentation and surgical outcomes following excision via the subcranial approach.

    PubMed

    Pepper, Jon-Paul; Hecht, Sarah L; Gebarski, Stephen S; Lin, Erin M; Sullivan, Stephen E; Marentette, Lawrence J

    2011-11-01

    To describe surgical outcomes and radiographic features of olfactory groove meningiomas treated by excision through the subcranial approach. Special emphasis is placed on paranasal sinus and orbit involvement. Retrospective review of a series of patients. Nineteen patients underwent excision of olfactory groove meningioma (OGM) via the transglabellar/subcranial approach between December 1995 and November 2009. Nine patients had previously undergone prior resection at outside institutions, and four had prior radiotherapy in addition to a prior excision. Transglabellar/subcranial surgical approach to the anterior skull base was performed. Tumor histology included three World Health Organization (WHO) grade III lesions, one WHO grade II lesion, and 15 WHO grade I lesions. Fourteen patients had evidence of extension into the paranasal sinuses, with the ethmoid sinus being most commonly involved. Kaplan-Meier estimates of mean overall and disease-free survival were 121.45 months and 93.03 months, respectively. The mean follow-up interval was 41.0 months, and at the time of data analysis three patients had recurrent tumors. Seven (36.8%) patients experienced a major complication in the perioperative period; there were no perioperative mortalities. Orbit invasion was observed in four patients, with optic nerve impingement in 11 patients. Of these, three patients had long-term diplopia. No patients experienced worsening of preoperative visual acuity. Olfactory groove meningiomas demonstrate a propensity to spread into the paranasal sinuses, particularly in recurrent cases. Given a tendency for infiltrative recurrence along the skull base, this disease represents an important area of collaboration between neurosurgery and otolaryngology. The subcranial approach offers excellent surgical access for excision, particularly for recurrences that involve the paranasal sinuses and optic apparatus. Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society

  1. MicroRNA-224 targets ERG2 and contributes to malignant progressions of meningioma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Maomao; Deng, Xiaodong; Ying, Qi

    2015-05-01

    MicroRNA-224 is overexpressed in various malignant tumors with poor prognosis, which plays a critical role in biological processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis and several developmental and physiological progressions. However, the potential association between miR-224 and clinical outcome in patients with meningiomas remains unknown. Here, we investigate miR-224 expression and biological functions in meningiomas. MiR-224 expression was measured by Northern blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in meningioma and normal brain tissues. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to exam its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognostic value. The biological effects of miR-224 on the cellmore » proliferation and apoptosis in meningioma cells were examined by MTT assay and apoptosis assay. We found the expression levels of miR-224 were significantly higher in meningioma tissues than that in normal brain, positively correlated with advanced pathological grade. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that meningioma patients with low miR-224 expression exhibited significantly prolonged overall and recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ERG2 was an identical candidate target gene of MiR-224 in vitro. Our results indicated that downregulation of miR-224 suppressed cell growth and resulted in the enhancement of cell apoptosis through activation of the ERG2-BAK-induced apoptosis pathway. Our findings imply the miR-224 expression could predict the overall survival and recurrence-free survival of patients with meningioma and it might be a promising therapeutic target for treating malignant meningiomas. - Highlights: • MiR-224 expression is correlates with prognosis in meningioma patients. • ERG2 is a novel downstream target of miR-224. • MiR-224 suppressed cell growth and enhanced apoptosis in IOMM-Lee and CH157 cells. • MiR-224 is an upstream regulator of

  2. Reduced Allergy and Immunoglobulin E among Adults with Intra-cranial Meningioma Compared to Controls

    PubMed Central

    Wiemels, Joseph L.; Wrensch, Margaret; Sison, Jennette D.; Zhou, Mi; Bondy, Melissa; Calvocoressi, Lisa; Black, Peter M.; Yu, Herbert; Schildkraut, Joellen M.; Claus, Elizabeth B.

    2012-01-01

    Meningioma, the most frequent tumor in the central nervous system, has few recognized risk factors. We explored the role of allergies in a population-based case-control consortium study of meningioma in five geographic areas. We also studied serum levels of a marker of atopic allergy (IgE) in a subset of study participants, a first for a study on meningioma. Participants (N = 1,065) with surgically resected, pathologically confirmed meningioma and controls (N = 634) selected via random-digit dialing were recruited and interviewed. Cases were less likely than controls to report history of physician-diagnosed allergy [odds ratio (OR) = 0.64; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.51 – 0.80]. Also, cases (N = 295) had lower total serum IgE than controls [N = 192; OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75–0.98 for each unit of Ln(IgE)]. Similar to glioma and cancers at several other sites, meningioma appears to have an inverse relationship with history of allergies and a biomarker of atopic allergy. Since some common opposing predisposition or developmental processes for allergy and meningioma may exist, further research into immune processes that can affect the incidence and natural history of meningioma is warranted. PMID:21520030

  3. Superior interhemispheric approach for midline meningioma from the anterior cranial base.

    PubMed

    Lévêque, S; Derrey, S; Martinaud, O; Gérardin, E; Langlois, O; Fréger, P; Hannequin, D; Castel, H; Proust, F

    2011-07-01

    For suprasellar meningioma, the fronto-basal exposure is considered the standard approach. The superior interhemispheric (IH) approach is less described in the literature. To assess the surgical complications, functional outcome (visual, olfaction), morbidity and mortality rates and late recurrence, after resection by superior IH approach of midline skull base meningioma. Between 1998 and 2008, 52 consecutive patients with midline meningioma on the anterior portion of the skull base (mean age: 63.8 ± 13.1; sex ratio F/M: 3.7) were operated on via the superior IH approach. After a mean follow-up of 56.9 ± 32.9 months, an independent neurosurgeon proposed a prospective examination of functional outcome to each patient, as well as a visual and olfactory function assessment. Fifty-two patients were divided into a group with olfactory groove meningioma (n=34) and another with tuberculum sellae meningioma (n=18). The outcome was characterized by postoperative complications in 13 patients (25%), mortality rate in two (3.8%) and long-term morbidity at in 17 (37%) of 50 surviving patients. Based on multivariate analysis, no prognosis factor was significant as regards the favorable outcome. The mean postoperative KPS score (86.6 ± 9.4) was significantly improved. However, dysexecutive syndrome was observed in four patients (8%), hyposmia-anosmia in 34 (68%) and visual acuity deteriorated in one (2%). The superior IH approach could be considered a safe anteriorly orientated midline approach for removal OGM and TSM meningioma. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  4. Outer Electrospun Polycaprolactone Shell Induces Massive Foreign Body Reaction and Impairs Axonal Regeneration through 3D Multichannel Chitosan Nerve Guides

    PubMed Central

    Behrens, Peter; Wienecke, Soenke; Chakradeo, Tanmay; Glasmacher, Birgit

    2014-01-01

    We report on the performance of composite nerve grafts with an inner 3D multichannel porous chitosan core and an outer electrospun polycaprolactone shell. The inner chitosan core provided multiple guidance channels for regrowing axons. To analyze the in vivo properties of the bare chitosan cores, we separately implanted them into an epineural sheath. The effects of both graft types on structural and functional regeneration across a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve gap were compared to autologous nerve transplantation (ANT). The mechanical biomaterial properties and the immunological impact of the grafts were assessed with histological techniques before and after transplantation in vivo. Furthermore during a 13-week examination period functional tests and electrophysiological recordings were performed and supplemented by nerve morphometry. The sheathing of the chitosan core with a polycaprolactone shell induced massive foreign body reaction and impairment of nerve regeneration. Although the isolated novel chitosan core did allow regeneration of axons in a similar size distribution as the ANT, the ANT was superior in terms of functional regeneration. We conclude that an outer polycaprolactone shell should not be used for the purpose of bioartificial nerve grafting, while 3D multichannel porous chitosan cores could be candidate scaffolds for structured nerve grafts. PMID:24818158

  5. Outer electrospun polycaprolactone shell induces massive foreign body reaction and impairs axonal regeneration through 3D multichannel chitosan nerve guides.

    PubMed

    Duda, Sven; Dreyer, Lutz; Behrens, Peter; Wienecke, Soenke; Chakradeo, Tanmay; Glasmacher, Birgit; Haastert-Talini, Kirsten

    2014-01-01

    We report on the performance of composite nerve grafts with an inner 3D multichannel porous chitosan core and an outer electrospun polycaprolactone shell. The inner chitosan core provided multiple guidance channels for regrowing axons. To analyze the in vivo properties of the bare chitosan cores, we separately implanted them into an epineural sheath. The effects of both graft types on structural and functional regeneration across a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve gap were compared to autologous nerve transplantation (ANT). The mechanical biomaterial properties and the immunological impact of the grafts were assessed with histological techniques before and after transplantation in vivo. Furthermore during a 13-week examination period functional tests and electrophysiological recordings were performed and supplemented by nerve morphometry. The sheathing of the chitosan core with a polycaprolactone shell induced massive foreign body reaction and impairment of nerve regeneration. Although the isolated novel chitosan core did allow regeneration of axons in a similar size distribution as the ANT, the ANT was superior in terms of functional regeneration. We conclude that an outer polycaprolactone shell should not be used for the purpose of bioartificial nerve grafting, while 3D multichannel porous chitosan cores could be candidate scaffolds for structured nerve grafts.

  6. Modeling of dynamic bipolar plasma sheaths

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grossmann, J. M.; Swanekamp, S. B.; Ottinger, P. F.

    1991-08-01

    The behavior of a one dimensional plasma sheath is described in regimes where the sheath is not in equilibrium because it carries current densities that are either time dependent, or larger than the bipolar Child-Langmuir level determined from the injected ion flux. Earlier models of dynamic bipolar sheaths assumed that ions and electrons evolve in a series of quasi-equilibria. In addition, sheath growth was described by the equation Zenoxs = (ji)-Zenouo, where xs is the velocity of the sheath edge, ji is the ion current density, nouo is the injected ion flux density, and Ze is the ion charge. In this paper, a generalization of the bipolar electron-to-ion current density ratio formula is derived to study regimes where ions are not in equilibrium. A generalization of the above sheath growth equation is also developed which is consistent with the ion continuity equation and which reveals new physics of sheath behavior associated with the emitted electrons and their evolution. Based on these findings, two new models of dynamic bipolar sheaths are developed. Larger sheath sizes and potentials than those of earlier models are found. In certain regimes, explosive sheath growth is predicted.

  7. Simian virus 40-related antigens in three human meningiomas with defined chromosome loss.

    PubMed Central

    Weiss, A F; Portmann, R; Fischer, H; Simon, J; Zang, K D

    1975-01-01

    Two out of seven meningiomas tested in early cell cultures by indirect immunofluorescence staining showed simian virus 40 (SV40)-related tumor (T) antigen. In one tumor 90% of the cells were positive. An additional SV40-related antigen (U) was found in 10% of cells of a third tumor. These findings indicate that the meningioma cells showing a positive reaction are transformed by a papova virus that has at least partly the same antigenic properties as SV40 virus. SV40-related viral capsid (V) antigen was absent in all the meningiomas tested. No virus infectious for African green monkey kidney (AGMK) cells could be isolated. The tumors positive for T and U antigens showed the chromosome aberration typical for human meningiomas, i.e., the loss of one chromosome, G-22. The T-antigen-positive tumors showed further hypodiploidization. Experiments to rescue virus from the T-antigen-positive tumors showed further hypodiploidization. Experiments to rescue virus from the T-antigen-positive meningioma cells were performed: fusion of cells pretreated with 8-azaguanine with cells premissive for SV40 led to a low percentage (0.01-0.05%) of V-antigen-positive nuclei in heterokaryon cultures. On the basis of these results, the possibility of a correlation between the meningioma, a relatively common intracranial tumor in man, and an SV40-related papova virus must be considered. It remains to be shown whether this virus is a causative agent for human meningiomas. Images PMID:164660

  8. DNA Microarray Analysis Identifies CKS2 and LEPR as Potential Markers of Meningioma Recurrence

    PubMed Central

    Menghi, Francesca; Orzan, Francesca N.; Eoli, Marica; Farinotti, Mariangela; Maderna, Emanuela; Pisati, Federica; Bianchessi, Donatella; Valletta, Lorella; Lodrini, Sandro; Galli, Giuseppe; Anghileri, Elena; Pellegatta, Serena; Pollo, Bianca

    2011-01-01

    Meningiomas are the most frequent intracranial tumors. Surgery can be curative, but recurrences are possible. We performed gene expression analyses and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies looking for new markers predicting the recurrence risk. We analyzed expression profiles of 23 meningiomas (10 grade I, 10 grade II, and 3 grade III) and validated the data using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We performed LOH analysis on 40 meningiomas, investigating chromosomal regions on 1p, 9p, 10q, 14q, and 22q. We found 233 and 268 probe sets to be significantly down- and upregulated, respectively, in grade II or III meningiomas. Genes downregulated in high-grade meningiomas were overrepresented on chromosomes 1, 6, 9, 10, and 14. Based on functional enrichment analysis, we selected LIM domain and actin binding 1 (LIMA1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3), cyclin-dependent kinases regulatory subunit 2 (CKS2), leptin receptor (LEPR), and baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5) for validation using qPCR and confirmed their differential expression in the two groups of tumors. We calculated ΔCt values of CKS2 and LEPR and found that their differential expression (C-L index) was significantly higher in grade I than in grade II or III meningiomas (p < .0001). Interestingly, the C-L index of nine grade I meningiomas from patients who relapsed in <5 years was significantly lower than in grade I meningiomas from patients who did not relapse. These findings indicate that the C-L index may be relevant to define the progression risk in meningioma patients, helping guide their clinical management. A prospective analysis on a larger number of cases is warranted. PMID:21948653

  9. Olfactory groove meningiomas: approaches and complications.

    PubMed

    Aguiar, Paulo Henrique Pires de; Tahara, Adriana; Almeida, Antonio Nogueira; Simm, Renata; Silva, Arnaldo Neves da; Maldaun, Marcos Vinicius Calfatt; Panagopoulos, Alexandros Theodoros; Zicarelli, Carlos Alexandre; Silva, Pedro Gabriel

    2009-09-01

    Olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM) account for 4.5% of all intracranial meningiomas. We report 21 patients with OGMs. Tumors were operated on using three surgical approaches: bifrontal (7 patients), fronto-pterional (11 patients) and fronto-orbital (3 patients). Total tumor removal (Simpson Grade 1) was achieved in 13 patients and Simpson II in 8 patients. Perioperative mortality was 4.76%. The average size of the OGM was 4.3+/-1.1cm. The overall recurrence rate was 19%. We preferred to use the pterional approach, which provides quick access to the tumor with less brain exposure. It also allows complete drainage of cisternal cerebrospinal fluid, providing a good level of brain relaxation during surgery. However, for long, thin tumors, hemostasis can be difficult using this approach.

  10. The transcondylar approach to craniocervical meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Rassi, Marcio S; de Oliveira, Jean G; Borba, Luis A B

    2017-10-01

    Surgical removal of foramen magnum meningiomas poses great challenges due their deep location within the central skull base and their proximity to vital neurovascular structures. This video depicts the operative nuances of surgical management for a 59-year-old female who presented with a right-sided spinocranial meningioma. Simpson Grade I resection was achieved through a right transcondylar approach. The patient's postoperative period was unremarkable, and she was discharged home on postoperative Day 5 for periodic follow-up. The transcondylar approach safely exposes the craniocervical junction at the anterior aspect of the neuraxis and still allows the surgeon to access the tumor through a parallel plane, with minimum morbidity. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/P0-kXjAkw9U .

  11. A Clinicopathologic Study of Head and Neck Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors.

    PubMed

    Owosho, Adepitan A; Estilo, Cherry L; Huryn, Joseph M; Chi, Ping; Antonescu, Cristina R

    2018-06-01

    Head and neck high grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (HN-MPNSTs) are rare highly aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that show overlapping morphologic and immunophenotypic features with melanoma and other high grade sarcomas, resulting in diagnostic challenges, particularly in sporadic settings. Recent discoveries have implicated loss of function mutations in the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) components, including EED or SUZ12 genes, as one of the leading pathogenetic mechanisms in high grade MPNST. MPNSTs with PRC2 loss are associated with complete loss of trimethylation at lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3), which emerged as a reliable immunohistochemical marker in the diagnosis of sporadic and radiation induced MPNST. As the diagnosis of MPNST in the HN is particularly challenging to distinguish from melanoma and other sarcoma types, we carried out a clinicopathologic analysis on HN-MPNST patients managed at our institution over a 20-year period (1997-2016), using the latest diagnostic criteria including H3K27me3 staining and other molecular investigations. The overall survival of HN-MPNST was compared with other HN soft tissue sarcomas. The diagnosis of HN-MPNST was confirmed in 13 patients (seven males and six females), with a mean age of 31 years; with 3 (23%) patients being of pediatric age. The most common site was the neck soft tissue (77%). Two-thirds of patients (n = 9) had stigmata of NF1, three had prior radiotherapy and only one developed a de novo MPNST. All except one tumor (86%) tested showed loss of H3K27me3 expression, including all non-NF1 patients. The 2 and 5-year DSS rates were 50 and 30%. The 2-year DFS rate was 21%. Adverse predictors on DSS included adult age (p = 0.011), prior-history of RT (p = 0.003) and recurrence (p = 0.003). Compared to other molecularly confirmed subsets of HN sarcomas (Ewing and Ewing-like sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma), HN-MPNST had the worst overall survival (p

  12. Primary intraosseous atypical inflammatory meningioma presenting as a lytic skull lesion: Case report with review of literature.

    PubMed

    Bohara, Sangita; Agarwal, Swapnil; Khurana, Nita; Pandey, P N

    2016-01-01

    Primary extradural meningiomas of the skull comprise 1% of all meningiomas, and lytic skull meningiomas are still rarer and are said to be more aggressive. We present a case of 38-year-old male with an extradural tumor which on histopathological examination showed features of inflammatory atypical meningioma (WHO Grade II). The intense inflammatory nature of osteolytic primary intraosseous meningioma has not been reported before. This entity deserves special mention because of the need for adjuvant therapy and proper follow-up.

  13. The Role of Mifepristone in Meningiomas Management: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

    PubMed

    Cossu, Giulia; Levivier, Marc; Daniel, Roy Thomas; Messerer, Mahmoud

    2015-01-01

    We performed a systematic literature review to analyze the clinical application and the safety of mifepristone, a prominent antiprogesterone agent, in meningioma patients. A systematic search was performed through Medline, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov databases from 1960 to 2014. Study Selection. Studies were selected through a PICO approach. Population was meningioma patients, meningioma cells cultures, and animal models. Intervention was mifepristone administration. Control was placebo administration or any other drug tested. Outcomes were clinical and radiological responsiveness, safety profile, and cell growth inhibition. A total of 7 preclinical and 6 clinical studies and one abstract were included. Encouraging results were found in preclinical studies. Concerning clinical studies, the response rate to mifepristone in terms of radiological regression and symptomatic improvement/stability in patients with inoperable meningioma was low. In meningiomatosis, favorable preliminary results were recorded. The safety profile was good. Limitations were as follows. The tumoral expression of progesterone receptors was not analyzed systematically in every study considered. No clear evidence exists to recommend mifepristone in inoperable meningiomas. Preliminary encouraging results were found in diffuse meningiomatosis. Mifepristone is a well-tolerated treatment. Patients' selection and hormonal profile analysis in meningiomas are fundamental for a better understanding of its benefit. Multicenter placebo-controlled trials are required.

  14. Anaplastic transformation of an atypical intraventricular meningioma with metastases to the liver: case report.

    PubMed

    Garcia-Conde, M; Roldan-Delgado, H; Martel-Barth-Hansen, D; Manzano-Sanz, C

    2009-12-01

    Malignant intraventricular meningiomas are very rare. To the best of our knowledge, only eleven cases have been reported thus far. Seven of them developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metastases. We present herein the first case of a malignant intraventricular meningioma with extraneural metastases. We report a 44 year-old-man with a history of progressive headache and disorientation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 5-cm homogeneously-enhancing mass in the right trigone. The lesion was totally resected via a parietooccipital transcortical approach. Histological examination demonstrated an atypical meningioma. Thereafter, the tumor recurred twice. At first recurrence, the tumor was completely removed again and external radiotherapy was administered. At surgery at second recurrence, the tumor was more aggressive, invading the brain parenchyma. Histological examination showed anaplastic meningioma. The patient was readmitted to hospital with fever and pain in right hypochondrium. Abdominal ultrasound examination disclosed multiple hypoechoic liver lesions. Biopsy was consistent with liver metastases of a malignant meningioma. The patient died of acute liver failure seven months after initial diagnosis. Malignant intraventricular meningiomas are prone to recur and develop metastases, mainly through the CSF. Nevertheless, our case shows that extraneural metastases are also possible. Therefore, when systemic deterioration occurs in a patient with a malignant intraventricular meningioma, metastases to extraneural organs such as the liver must be ruled out.

  15. [High resolution 3T magnetic resonance neurography of the peroneal nerve].

    PubMed

    Pineda, D; Barroso, F; Cháves, H; Cejas, C

    2014-01-01

    Peroneal neuropathy is the most common mononeuropathy of the lower limbs. The causes of peroneal neuropathy include trauma, tumors of the nerve and nerve sheath, entrapment, and others like perineurioma, fibromatosis, lymphoma, and intraneural and externeural ganglia. The diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and electrophysiological studies. Nowadays, however, magnetic resonance (MR) neurography is a complementary diagnostic technique that can help determine the location and cause of peroneal neuropathy. In this article, we describe the MR anatomy of the peroneal nerve, its relations, and the muscles it innervates. We also discuss the clinical and electrophysiological manifestations of peroneal neuropathy, describe the technical parameters used at our institution, and illustrate the MR appearance of various diseases that involve the peroneal nerve. Copyright © 2013 SERAM. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  16. Engineering a multimodal nerve conduit for repair of injured peripheral nerve

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quigley, A. F.; Bulluss, K. J.; Kyratzis, I. L. B.; Gilmore, K.; Mysore, T.; Schirmer, K. S. U.; Kennedy, E. L.; O'Shea, M.; Truong, Y. B.; Edwards, S. L.; Peeters, G.; Herwig, P.; Razal, J. M.; Campbell, T. E.; Lowes, K. N.; Higgins, M. J.; Moulton, S. E.; Murphy, M. A.; Cook, M. J.; Clark, G. M.; Wallace, G. G.; Kapsa, R. M. I.

    2013-02-01

    Injury to nerve tissue in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) results in long-term impairment of limb function, dysaesthesia and pain, often with associated psychological effects. Whilst minor injuries can be left to regenerate without intervention and short gaps up to 2 cm can be sutured, larger or more severe injuries commonly require autogenous nerve grafts harvested from elsewhere in the body (usually sensory nerves). Functional recovery is often suboptimal and associated with loss of sensation from the tissue innervated by the harvested nerve. The challenges that persist with nerve repair have resulted in development of nerve guides or conduits from non-neural biological tissues and various polymers to improve the prognosis for the repair of damaged nerves in the PNS. This study describes the design and fabrication of a multimodal controlled pore size nerve regeneration conduit using polylactic acid (PLA) and (PLA):poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) fibers within a neurotrophin-enriched alginate hydrogel. The nerve repair conduit design consists of two types of PLGA fibers selected specifically for promotion of axonal outgrowth and Schwann cell growth (75:25 for axons; 85:15 for Schwann cells). These aligned fibers are contained within the lumen of a knitted PLA sheath coated with electrospun PLA nanofibers to control pore size. The PLGA guidance fibers within the nerve repair conduit lumen are supported within an alginate hydrogel impregnated with neurotrophic factors (NT-3 or BDNF with LIF, SMDF and MGF-1) to provide neuroprotection, stimulation of axonal growth and Schwann cell migration. The conduit was used to promote repair of transected sciatic nerve in rats over a period of 4 weeks. Over this period, it was observed that over-grooming and self-mutilation (autotomy) of the limb implanted with the conduit was significantly reduced in rats implanted with the full-configuration conduit compared to rats implanted with conduits containing only an alginate

  17. The historical origin of the term "meningioma" and the rise of nationalistic neurosurgery.

    PubMed

    Barthélemy, Ernest Joseph; Sarkiss, Christopher A; Lee, James; Shrivastava, Raj K

    2016-11-01

    The historical origin of the meningioma nomenclature unravels interesting social and political aspects about the development of neurosurgery in the late 19th century. The meningioma terminology itself was the subject of nationalistic pride and coincided with the advancement in the rise of medicine in Continental Europe as a professional social enterprise. Progress in naming and understanding these types of tumor was most evident in the nations that successively assumed global leadership in medicine and biomedical science throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, that is, France, Germany, and the United States. In this vignette, the authors delineate the uniqueness of the term "meningioma" as it developed within the historical framework of Continental European concepts of tumor genesis, disease states, and neurosurgery as an emerging discipline culminating in Cushing's Meningiomas text. During the intellectual apogee of the French Enlightenment, Antoine Louis published the first known scientific treatise on meningiomas. Like his father, Jean-Baptiste Louis, Antoine Louis was a renowned military surgeon whose accomplishments were honored with an admission to the Académie royale de chirurgie in 1749. His treatise, Sur les tumeurs fongueuses de la duremère, appeared in 1774. Following this era, growing economic depression affecting a frustrated bourgeoisie triggered a tumultuous revolutionary period that destroyed France's Ancien Régime and abolished its university and medical systems. The resulting anarchy was eventually quelled through legislation aiming to satisfy Napoleon's need for qualified military professionals, including physicians and surgeons. These laws laid the foundations for the subsequent flourishing of French medicine throughout the mid-19th century. Subsequent changes to the meningioma nomenclature were authored by intellectual giants of this postrevolutionary period, for example, by the Limogesborn pathologist Jean Cruveilhier known for the term

  18. The identification of factors affecting intracranial meningioma recurrence two years postoperatively

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iskandar, M. M.; Aman, R. A.; Tjahjadi, H.; Safri, A. Y.; Aninditha, T.

    2017-08-01

    The study objective was to determine the recurrence rate of intracranial meningioma and the risk factors that are contributory to an increase in the incidence of recurrence. A prospective design was used in this study on meningioma patients treated at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital between 2010 and mid-2015. Data on the subjects were collected from the Departments of Neurology, Neurology, and Pathology, at the Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. The subjects were adults who had been previously diagnosed with meningioma. Follow-up was performed to assess the patients in relation to their initial clinical presentation. Neuroimaging was carried out to determine recurrence. The histopathological findings, extent of tumor resection (using Simpson’s criteria), and Word Health Organization grade, were also determined. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The recurrence rate was then analyzed to determine any correlation with the aforementioned risk factors. The recurrence rate was found to be 13%. Ki67, VEGF, and PR expression was positive in 9%, 73%, and 50% of the subjects, respectively. A significant correlation was not found between the study variables (tumor location, the scope of resection based on Simpson’s criteria, histopathologic grade, mitotic index, i.e., Ki-67, and PR and VEGF expression in the meningioma tissue) and the recurrence of meningioma.

  19. Association of Genetic Predisposition With Solitary Schwannoma or Meningioma in Children and Young Adults.

    PubMed

    Pathmanaban, Omar N; Sadler, Katherine V; Kamaly-Asl, Ian D; King, Andrew T; Rutherford, Scott A; Hammerbeck-Ward, Charlotte; McCabe, Martin G; Kilday, John-Paul; Beetz, Christian; Poplawski, Nicola K; Evans, D Gareth; Smith, Miriam J

    2017-09-01

    Meningiomas and schwannomas are usually sporadic, isolated tumors occurring in adults older than 60 years and are rare in children and young adults. Multiple schwannomas and/or meningiomas are more frequently associated with a tumor suppressor syndrome and, accordingly, trigger genetic testing, whereas solitary tumors do not. Nevertheless, apparently sporadic tumors in young patients may herald a genetic syndrome. To determine the frequency of the known heritable meningioma- or schwannoma-predisposing mutations in children and young adults presenting with a solitary meningioma or schwannoma. Using the database of the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, this cohort study analyzed lymphocyte DNA from young individuals prospectively referred to the clinic for genetic testing between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2016, on presentation with a single meningioma (n = 42) or schwannoma (n = 135) before age 25 years. Sequencing data were also examined from an additional 39 patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 who were retrospectively identified as having a solitary tumor before age 25 years. Patients with schwannoma were screened for NF2, SMARCB1, and LZTR1 gene mutations, while patients with meningioma were screened for NF2, SMARCB1, SMARCE1, and SUFU. The type of underlying genetic mutation, or lack of a predisposing mutation, was associated with the presenting tumor type and subsequent development of additional tumors or other features of known schwannoma- and meningioma-predisposing syndromes. In 2 cohorts of patients who presented with an isolated meningioma (n = 42; median [range] age, 11 [1-24] years; 22 female) or schwannoma (n = 135; median [range] age, 18 [0.2-24] years; 60 female) before age 25 years, 16 of 42 patients (38%) had a predisposing mutation to meningioma and 27 of 135 patients (20%) to schwannoma, respectively. In the solitary meningioma cohort, 34 of 63 patients (54%) had a constitutional mutation in a known meningioma

  20. Does Histologic Subtype Influence the Post-Operative Outcome in Spinal Meningioma?

    PubMed Central

    Zham, Hanieh; Moradi, Afshin; Rakhshan, Azadeh; Zali, Alireza; Rahbari, Ali; Raee, Mohammadreza; Ashrafi, Farzad; Ahadi, Mahsa; Larijani, Leila; Baikpour, Masoud; Khayamzadeh, Maryam

    2016-01-01

    Background Postoperative outcome of spinal meningiomas is an important issue in surgery decision-making. There are limited and conflicting data in the literature about the prognostic factors influencing recovery, especially about the histopathologic subtypes. Objectives This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of some of these factors on postoperative outcome. Patients and Methods This study was performed on 39 patients operated for spinal meningioma between October 1998 and January 2012; their histopathologic subtype was determined according to WHO criteria. The follow up period ranged between 8 - 120 months. The influence of histopathologic subtype, grade, age, sex, surgical approach, local adhesion and anatomical location was assessed according to Frankel classification of neurologic deficit. Results From a total number of 39 spinal meningiomas, 34 cases were WHO grade I, from which 15 cases were psammomatous, 7 cases were meningothelial, 9 cases were transitional and 3 cases were fibroblastic. Five cases were grade II, 3 of which had clear cell appearance and the remaining 2 had chordoid appearance. The mean age was 51.6 (22 to 76) years; 25 cases were female and 14 cases were male. This study revealed that grade II meningioma cases had poor prognosis in all 5 cases and psammomatous subtype had poor postoperative outcome in 40% of cases while the other subtypes had good outcome in all cases (P = 0.026). Cervical location of the tumor was also related with poor outcome in 37.5% of the cases, while 22.5% had poor outcome in other locations (P = 0.029). Age below and above 45 years and sex had no significant influence on the outcome. Conclusions Spinal meningiomas of psammomatous type and grade II spinal meningiomas are associated with less favorable postoperative neurologic outcome. Cervical location has also a negative correlation with a good outcome. PMID:27482326

  1. Does Histologic Subtype Influence the Post-Operative Outcome in Spinal Meningioma?

    PubMed

    Zham, Hanieh; Moradi, Afshin; Rakhshan, Azadeh; Zali, Alireza; Rahbari, Ali; Raee, Mohammadreza; Ashrafi, Farzad; Ahadi, Mahsa; Larijani, Leila; Baikpour, Masoud; Khayamzadeh, Maryam

    2016-04-01

    Postoperative outcome of spinal meningiomas is an important issue in surgery decision-making. There are limited and conflicting data in the literature about the prognostic factors influencing recovery, especially about the histopathologic subtypes. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of some of these factors on postoperative outcome. This study was performed on 39 patients operated for spinal meningioma between October 1998 and January 2012; their histopathologic subtype was determined according to WHO criteria. The follow up period ranged between 8 - 120 months. The influence of histopathologic subtype, grade, age, sex, surgical approach, local adhesion and anatomical location was assessed according to Frankel classification of neurologic deficit. From a total number of 39 spinal meningiomas, 34 cases were WHO grade I, from which 15 cases were psammomatous, 7 cases were meningothelial, 9 cases were transitional and 3 cases were fibroblastic. Five cases were grade II, 3 of which had clear cell appearance and the remaining 2 had chordoid appearance. The mean age was 51.6 (22 to 76) years; 25 cases were female and 14 cases were male. This study revealed that grade II meningioma cases had poor prognosis in all 5 cases and psammomatous subtype had poor postoperative outcome in 40% of cases while the other subtypes had good outcome in all cases (P = 0.026). Cervical location of the tumor was also related with poor outcome in 37.5% of the cases, while 22.5% had poor outcome in other locations (P = 0.029). Age below and above 45 years and sex had no significant influence on the outcome. Spinal meningiomas of psammomatous type and grade II spinal meningiomas are associated with less favorable postoperative neurologic outcome. Cervical location has also a negative correlation with a good outcome.

  2. Frequent NF2 gene transcript mutations in sporadic meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Deprez, R.H.L.; Groen, N.A.; Zwarthoff, E.C.

    1994-06-01

    The gene for the hereditary disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), which predisposes for benign CNS tumors such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas, has been assigned to chromosome 22 and recently has been isolated. Mutations in the NF2 gene were found in both sporadic meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas. However, so far only 6 of the 16 exons of the gene have been analyzed. In order to extend the analysis of an involvement of the NF2 gene in the sporadic counterparts of these NF2-related tumors, the authors have used reverse transcriptase-PCR amplification followed by SSCP and DNA sequence analysis to screen formore » mutations in the coding region of the NF2 gene. Analysis of the NF2 gene transcript in 53 unrelated patients with meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas revealed mutations in 32% of the sporadic meningiomas (n = 44), in 50% of the sporadic vestibular schwannomas (n = 4), in 100% of the tumors found in NF2 patients (n = 2), and in one of three tumors from multiple-meningioma patients. Of the 18 tumors in which a mutation in the NF2 gene transcript was observed and the copy number of chromosome 22 could be established, 14 also showed loss of (parts of) chromosome 22. This suggests that in sporadic meningiomas and NF2-associated tumors the NF2 gene functions as a recessive tumor-suppressor gene. The mutations detected resulted mostly in frameshifts, predicting truncations starting within the N-terminal half of the putative protein. 23 refs., 2 figs. 3 tabs.« less

  3. Morbidity and Mortality Associated With Meningioma After Cranial Radiotherapy: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

    PubMed Central

    Moskowitz, Chaya S.; Chou, Joanne F.; Mazewski, Claire M.; Neglia, Joseph P.; Armstrong, Gregory T.; Leisenring, Wendy M.; Robison, Leslie L.; Oeffinger, Kevin C.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose Little is known about neurologic morbidity attributable to cranial radiotherapy (CRT) –associated meningiomas. Materials and Methods From 4,221 survivors exposed to CRT in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, a diagnosis of meningioma and onset of neurologic sequelae were ascertained. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs to evaluate the factors associated with neurologic sequelae after subsequent meningioma. Results One hundred ninety-nine meningiomas were identified among 169 participants. The median interval from primary cancer to meningioma diagnosis was 22 years (5 to 37 years). The cumulative incidence of a subsequent meningioma by age 40 years was 5.6% (95% CI, 4.7% to 6.7%). CRT doses of 20 to 29.9 Gy (HR, 1.6; 95% CI,1.0 to 2.6) and doses ≥ 30 Gy (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.6 to 4.2) were associated with an increased risk of meningioma compared with CRT doses of 1.5 to 19.9 Gy (P < .001). Within 6 months before or subsequent to a meningioma diagnosis, 20% (30 of 149) reported at least one new neurologic sequela, including seizures (8.3%), auditory-vestibular-visual deficits (6%), focal neurologic dysfunction (7.1%), and severe headaches (5.3%). Survivors reporting a meningioma had increased risks of neurologic sequelae > 5 years after primary cancer diagnosis, including seizures (HR, 10.0; 95% CI, 7.0 to 15.3); auditory-vestibular-visual sensory deficits (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.0); focal neurologic dysfunction (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 3.2 to 7.5); and severe headaches (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.9 to 5.4). With a median follow-up of 72 months after meningioma diagnosis (range, 3.8 to 395 months), 22 participants (13%) were deceased, including six deaths attributed to a meningioma. Conclusion Childhood cancer survivors exposed to CRT and subsequently diagnosed with a meningioma experience significant neurologic morbidity. PMID:28339329

  4. Quantitative evaluation of benign meningioma and hemangiopericytoma with peritumoral brain edema by 64-slice CT perfusion imaging.

    PubMed

    Ren, Guang; Chen, Shuang; Wang, Yin; Zhu, Rui-jiang; Geng, Dao-ying; Feng, Xiao-yuan

    2010-08-05

    Hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) have a relentless tendency for local recurrence and metastases, differentiating between benign meningiomas and HPCs before surgery is important for both treatment planning and the prognosis appraisal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlations between CT perfusion parameters and microvessel density (MVD) in extra-axial tumors and the possible role of CT perfusion imaging in preoperatively differentiating benign meningiomas and HPCs. Seventeen patients with benign meningiomas and peritumoral edema, 12 patients with HPCs and peritumoral edema underwent 64-slice CT perfusion imaging pre-operation. Perfusion was calculated using the Patlak method. The quantitative parameters, include cerebral blood volume (CBV), permeability surface (PS) of parenchyma, peritumoral edema among benign meningiomas and HPCs were compared respectively. CBV and PS in parenchyma, peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were also compared to that of the contrallateral normal white matter respectively. The correlations between CBV, PS of tumoral parenchyma and MVD were examined. The value of CBV and PS in parenchyma of HPCs were significantly higher than that of benign meningiomas (P < 0.05), while the values of CBV and PS in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were not significantly different (P > 0.05). MVD in parenchyma of HPCs were significantly higher than that of benign meningiomas (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between CBV and MVD (r = 0.648, P < 0.05), PS and MVD (r = 0.541, P < 0.05) respectively. Furthermore, the value of CBV and PS in parenchyma of benign meningiomas and HPCs were significantly higher than that of contrallateral normal white matter (P < 0.05), the value of CBV in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were significantly lower than that of contrallateral normal white matter (P < 0.05), while the value of PS in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were not significantly

  5. RF sheaths for arbitrary B field angles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    D'Ippolito, Daniel; Myra, James

    2014-10-01

    RF sheaths occur in tokamaks when ICRF waves encounter conducting boundaries and accelerate electrons out of the plasma. Sheath effects reduce the efficiency of ICRF heating, cause RF-specific impurity influxes from the edge plasma, and increase the plasma-facing component damage. The rf sheath potential is sensitive to the angle between the B field and the wall, the ion mobility and the ion magnetization. Here, we obtain a numerical solution of the non-neutral rf sheath and magnetic pre-sheath equations (for arbitrary values of these parameters) and attempt to infer the parametric dependences of the Child-Langmuir law. This extends previous work on the magnetized, immobile ion regime. An important question is how the rf sheath voltage distributes itself between sheath and pre-sheath for various B field angles. This will show how generally previous estimates of the rf sheath voltage and capacitance were reasonable, and to improve the RF sheath BC. Work supported by US DOE grants DE-FC02-05ER54823 and DE-FG02-97ER54392.

  6. Cellulose/soy protein composite-based nerve guidance conduits with designed microstructure for peripheral nerve regeneration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gan, Li; Zhao, Lei; Zhao, Yanteng; Li, Ke; Tong, Zan; Yi, Li; Wang, Xiong; Li, Yinping; Tian, Weiqun; He, Xiaohua; Zhao, Min; Li, Yan; Chen, Yun

    2016-10-01

    Objective. The objective of this work was to develop nerve guidance conduits from natural polymers, cellulose and soy protein isolate (SPI), by evaluating the effects of cellulose/SPI film-based conduit (CSFC) and cellulose/SPI sponge-based conduit (CSSC) on regeneration of nerve defects in rats. Approach. CSFC and CSSC with the same chemical components were fabricated from cellulose and SPI. Effects of CSSC and CSFC on regeneration of the defective nerve were comparatively investigated in rats with a 10 mm long gap in sciatic nerve. The outcomes of peripheral nerve repair were evaluated by a combination of electrophysiological assessment, Fluoro-Gold retrograde tracing, double NF200/S100 immunofluorescence analysis, toluidine blue staining, and electron microscopy. The probable molecular mechanism was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis. Main results. Compared with CSFC, CSSC had 2.69 times higher porosity and 5.07 times higher water absorption, thus ensuring much higher permeability. The nerve defects were successfully bridged and repaired by CSSC and CSFC. Three months after surgery, the CSSC group had a higher compound muscle action potential amplitude ratio, a higher percentage of positive NF200 and S100 staining, and a higher axon diameter and myelin sheath thickness than the CSFC group, showing the repair efficiency of CSSC was higher than that of CSFC. qPCR analysis indicated the mRNA levels of nerve growth factor, IL-10, IL-6, and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) were higher in the CSSC group. This also indicated that there was better nerve repair with CSSC due to the higher porosity and permeability of CSSC providing a more favourable microenvironment for nerve regeneration than CSFC. Significance. A promising nerve guidance conduit was developed from cellulose/SPI sponge that showed potential for application in the repair of nerve defect. This work also suggests that nerve guidance conduits with better repair efficiency

  7. Microcystic Variant of an Intraosseous Meningioma in the Frontal Area: A Case Report

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Meningiomas located inside the bone of the calvaria belong to the group of rare types of tumours. The microcystic variant is the least common in this area. Due to their similarity to other tumours in this area, the imaging test of those tumours may constitute the source of an improper preoperative diagnosis. According to the records of the Department of Neurosurgery in Bielsko-Biała, 133 patients diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma confirmed by a histopathological test were operated in the last 10 years (2004–2014). In the histopathological test, three patients were diagnosed with the microcystic variant, which constitutes 2.25% of the cases. Only one variant of microcystic meningioma was located inside the bone, which constitutes 0.75% of all the meningiomas operated. PMID:25031877

  8. Alternative Splicing of CHEK2 and Codeletion with NF2 Promote Chromosomal Instability in Meningioma1

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Hong Wei; Kim, Tae-Min; Song, Sydney S; Shrinath, Nihal; Park, Richard; Kalamarides, Michel; Park, Peter J; Black, Peter M; Carroll, Rona S; Johnson, Mark D

    2012-01-01

    Mutations of the NF2 gene on chromosome 22q are thought to initiate tumorigenesis in nearly 50% of meningiomas, and 22q deletion is the earliest and most frequent large-scale chromosomal abnormality observed in these tumors. In aggressive meningiomas, 22q deletions are generally accompanied by the presence of large-scale segmental abnormalities involving other chromosomes, but the reasons for this association are unknown. We find that large-scale chromosomal alterations accumulate during meningioma progression primarily in tumors harboring 22q deletions, suggesting 22q-associated chromosomal instability. Here we show frequent codeletion of the DNA repair and tumor suppressor gene, CHEK2, in combination with NF2 on chromosome 22q in a majority of aggressive meningiomas. In addition, tumor-specific splicing of CHEK2 in meningioma leads to decreased functional Chk2 protein expression. We show that enforced Chk2 knockdown in meningioma cells decreases DNA repair. Furthermore, Chk2 depletion increases centrosome amplification, thereby promoting chromosomal instability. Taken together, these data indicate that alternative splicing and frequent codeletion of CHEK2 and NF2 contribute to the genomic instability and associated development of aggressive biologic behavior in meningiomas. PMID:22355270

  9. Expanded Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to Skull Base Meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Prosser, J. Drew; Vender, John R.; Alleyne, Cargill H.; Solares, C. Arturo

    2012-01-01

    Anterior cranial base meningiomas have traditionally been addressed via frontal or frontolateral approaches. However, with the advances in endoscopic endonasal treatment of pituitary lesions, the transphenoidal approach is being expanded to address lesions of the petrous ridge, anterior clinoid, clivus, sella, parasellar region, tuberculum, planum, olfactory groove, and crista galli regions. The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA) has the advantage of limiting brain retraction and resultant brain edema, as well as minimizing manipulation of neural structures. Herein, we describe the techniques of transclival, transphenoidal, transplanum, and transcribiform resections of anterior skull base meningiomas. Selected cases are presented. PMID:23730542

  10. Roles of neural stem cells in the repair of peripheral nerve injury.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chong; Lu, Chang-Feng; Peng, Jiang; Hu, Cheng-Dong; Wang, Yu

    2017-12-01

    Currently, researchers are using neural stem cell transplantation to promote regeneration after peripheral nerve injury, as neural stem cells play an important role in peripheral nerve injury repair. This article reviews recent research progress of the role of neural stem cells in the repair of peripheral nerve injury. Neural stem cells can not only differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but can also differentiate into Schwann-like cells, which promote neurite outgrowth around the injury. Transplanted neural stem cells can differentiate into motor neurons that innervate muscles and promote the recovery of neurological function. To promote the repair of peripheral nerve injury, neural stem cells secrete various neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factor, nerve growth factor, insulin-like growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. In addition, neural stem cells also promote regeneration of the axonal myelin sheath, angiogenesis, and immune regulation. It can be concluded that neural stem cells promote the repair of peripheral nerve injury through a variety of ways.

  11. Tendon sheath fibroma in the thigh.

    PubMed

    Moretti, Vincent M; Ashana, Adedayo O; de la Cruz, Michael; Lackman, Richard D

    2012-04-01

    Tendon sheath fibromas are rare, benign soft tissue tumors that are predominantly found in the fingers, hands, and wrists of young adult men. This article describes a tendon sheath fibroma that developed in the thigh of a 70-year-old man, the only known tendon sheath fibroma to form in this location. Similar to tendon sheath fibromas that develop elsewhere, our patient's lesion presented as a painless, slow-growing soft tissue nodule. Physical examination revealed a firm, nontender mass with no other associated signs or symptoms. Although the imaging appearance of tendon sheath fibromas varies, our patient's lesion appeared dark on T1- and bright on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. It was well marginated and enhanced with contrast.Histologically, tendon sheath fibromas are composed of dense fibrocollagenous stromas with scattered spindle-shaped fibroblasts and narrow slit-like vascular spaces. Most tendon sheath fibromas can be successfully removed by marginal excision, although 24% of lesions recur. No lesions have metastasized. Our patient's tendon sheath fibroma was removed by marginal excision, and the patient remained disease free 35 months postoperatively. Despite its rarity, tendon sheath fibroma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a thigh mass on physical examination or imaging, especially if it is painless, nontender, benign appearing, and present in men. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

  12. Radiation-induced meningiomas: Experience at the Mount Sinai Hospital and review of the literature

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harrison, M.J.; Wolfe, D.E.; Lau, T.S.

    1991-10-01

    From the records of The Mount Sinai Hospital, seven cases which met established criteria for radiation-induced meningiomas were identified. This represents the largest series of radiogenic meningiomas documented in North America and includes both intracranial and intraspinal tumors. The records and pathological specimens were reviewed and these data analyzed with other cases retrieved from the world literature. This study reveals that radiation-induced meningiomas can be categorized into three groups based on the amount of radiation administered: (1) low dose; (2) moderate dose and miscellaneous; and (3) high dose. The overwhelming majority of cases had received low-dose irradiation (800 rad) tomore » the scalp for tinea capitis and the second largest group resulted from high-dose irradiation for primary brain tumors (greater than 2000 rad). The unique features distinguishing radiation-induced meningiomas from other meningiomas are reviewed. Although histologically atypical tumors were common in this series, overt malignancy was not encountered. The preoperative management of these lesions should include angiography to evaluate for large-vessel occlusive vasculopathy, a known association of meningiomas induced by high-dose irradiation. Given the propensity these tumors possess for recurrence, a wide bony and dural margin is recommended at surgical resection. 102 references.« less

  13. Cellular phones, cordless phones, and the risks of glioma and meningioma (Interphone Study Group, Germany).

    PubMed

    Schüz, Joachim; Böhler, Eva; Berg, Gabriele; Schlehofer, Brigitte; Hettinger, Iris; Schlaefer, Klaus; Wahrendorf, Jürgen; Kunna-Grass, Katharina; Blettner, Maria

    2006-03-15

    The widespread use of cellular telephones has generated concern about possible adverse health effects, particularly brain tumors. In this population-based case-control study carried out in three regions of Germany, all incident cases of glioma and meningioma among patients aged 30-69 years were ascertained during 2000-2003. Controls matched on age, gender, and region were randomly drawn from population registries. In total, 366 glioma cases, 381 meningioma cases, and 1,494 controls were interviewed. Overall use of a cellular phone was not associated with brain tumor risk; the respective odds ratios were 0.98 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74, 1.29) for glioma and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.13) for meningioma. Among persons who had used cellular phones for 10 or more years, increased risk was found for glioma (odds ratio = 2.20, 95% CI: 0.94, 5.11) but not for meningioma (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.35, 3.37). No excess of temporal glioma (p = 0.41) or meningioma (p = 0.43) was observed in cellular phone users as compared with nonusers. Cordless phone use was not related to either glioma risk or meningioma risk. In conclusion, no overall increased risk of glioma or meningioma was observed among these cellular phone users; however, for long-term cellular phone users, results need to be confirmed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

  14. Pseudoprogression in boron neutron capture therapy for malignant gliomas and meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Miyatake, Shin-Ichi; Kawabata, Shinji; Nonoguchi, Naosuke; Yokoyama, Kunio; Kuroiwa, Toshihiko; Matsui, Hideki; Ono, Koji

    2009-01-01

    Pseudoprogression has been recognized and widely accepted in the treatment of malignant gliomas, as transient increases in the volume of the enhanced area just after chemoradiotherapy, especially using temozolomide. We experienced a similar phenomenon in the treatment of malignant gliomas and meningiomas using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a cell-selective form of particle radiation. Here, we introduce representative cases and analyze the pathogenesis. Fifty-two cases of malignant glioma and 13 cases of malignant meningioma who were treated by BNCT were reviewed retrospectively mainly via MR images. Eleven of 52 malignant gliomas and 3 of 13 malignant meningiomas showed transient increases of enhanced volume in MR images within 3 months after BNCT. Among these cases, five patients with glioma underwent surgery because of suspicion of relapse. In histology, most of the specimens showed necrosis with small amounts of residual tumor cells. Ki-67 labeling showed decreased positivity compared with previous samples from the individuals. Fluoride-labeled boronophenylalanine PET was applied in four and two cases of malignant gliomas and meningiomas, respectively, at the time of transient increase of lesions. These PET scans showed decreased lesion:normal brain ratios in all cases compared with scans obtained prior to BNCT. With or without surgery, all lesions were decreased or stable in size during observation. Transient increases in enhanced volume in malignant gliomas and meningiomas immediately after BNCT seemed to be pseudoprogression. This pathogenesis was considered as treatment-related intratumoral necrosis in the subacute phase after BNCT. PMID:19289492

  15. Hitting a moving target: evolution of a treatment paradigm for atypical meningiomas amid changing diagnostic criteria.

    PubMed

    Pearson, Blake E; Markert, James M; Fisher, Winfield S; Guthrie, Barton L; Fiveash, John B; Palmer, Cheryl A; Riley, Kristen

    2008-01-01

    The World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified atypical meningiomas in 2000, creating a more clear and broadly accepted definition. In this paper, the authors evaluated the pathological and clinical transition period for atypical meningiomas according to the implementation of the new WHO grading system at their institution. A total of 471 meningiomas occurring in 440 patients between 1994 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed to determine changes in diagnostic rates, postoperative treatment trends, and early outcomes. Between 1994 and 2000, the incidence of the atypical meningiomas ranged from 0 to 3/year, or 4.4% of the meningiomas detected during the entire period. After 2002, the annual percentage of atypical meningiomas rose over a 2-year period, leveling off at between 32.7 and 35.5% between 2004 and 2006. The authors also found a recent trend toward increased use of adjuvant radiation therapy for incompletely resected atypical meningiomas. Prior to 2003, 18.7% were treated with this therapy; after 2003, 34.4% of lesions received this treatment. Incompletely resected tumors were treated with some form of radiation 76% of the time. In cases of complete resection, most patients were not given adjuvant therapy but were expectantly managed by close monitoring using serial imaging and by receiving immediate treatment for tumor recurrence. The overall recurrence rate for expectantly managed tumors was 9% over 28.2 months, and 75% of recurrences responded to delayed radiation therapy. The authors documented a significant change in the proportion of meningiomas designated as atypical during a transition period from 2002 to 2004, and propose a conservative strategy for the use of radiation therapy in atypical meningiomas.

  16. Long-term follow-up of surgical resection of microcystic meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Kalani, M Yashar S; Cavallo, Claudio; Coons, Stephen W; Lettieri, Salvatore C; Nakaji, Peter; Porter, Randall W; Spetzler, Robert F; Feiz-Erfan, Iman

    2015-04-01

    Microcystic meningioma is a rare tumor with myxoid and microcystic features. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of surgical resection of microcystic meningioma. Between December 1985 and October 2000 we treated 25 microcystic meningioma patients with surgical resection. We retrospectively analyzed the results including the long-term follow-up of this patient population. We identified 15 women and 10 men with a mean age of 53.8 years (24-76 years) who had microcystic meningiomas treated with surgery. Based on the Simpson grade, we found four Grade I (16%), 16 Grade II (64%), three Grade III (12%) and two Grade IV (8%) resections. The mean preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 80.3 (range 60-100). The mean postoperative KPS score was 90.4 (range 60-100). At a mean follow-up of 101.7 months (range 16-221) the KPS score improved to a mean of 93.8. The recurrence/progression free survival (RFS/PFS) rates at 3 and 5 years were 96% and 88%, respectively. The 3 and 5 year RFS/PFS rates based on the Simpson grade were evaluated. The 3 year RFS/PFS rates for Grade I, II, III and IV were 100%, 100%, 66.6% and 100%, respectively. The 5 year RFS/PFS rates were 66.6%, 90%, 66.6% and 100%, respectively. Microcystic meningioma is a rare tumor, which is characterized by extracellular microcystic spaces filled by edematous fluid and peritumoral edema. Following surgical resection these tumors have a positive prognosis with a benign course. The surgical outcomes seem to be associated with the risks related to the surgical procedure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Intracranial meningioma as primary presentation for an undiagnosed collision metastatic breast cancer: Case report and literature review

    PubMed Central

    Farrag, Ashraf; Ansari, Jawaher; Ali, Muhammad; Sunbuli, Ghanem; Kassem, Hassan; Al Hamad, Abdul-Aziz

    2018-01-01

    Intracranial metastasis from breast cancer is a relatively common finding, however, the appearance of breast cancer metastasis in a meningioma is very rare. Several cases of tumor-to-tumor metastasis and collision tumors have been reported previously, with meningioma being implicated as the most common benign intracranial neoplasm to harbour the metastasis. Occasionally, the discovery of a tumor-to-meningioma metastasis may herald the diagnosis of an occult primary malignancy. Careful histopathological assessment of the resected meningioma specimen is pivotal to the management of these patients, as this will alter the treatment plan and prognosis considerably. Intracranial meningioma with collision breast cancer as primary presentation of an undiagnosed metastatic breast cancer is extremely rare. The current study presents a case of intracranial meningioma with collision breast cancer as a primary presentation, and reviews the available evidence for this unusual disease entity. PMID:29725531

  18. Intracranial meningioma as primary presentation for an undiagnosed collision metastatic breast cancer: Case report and literature review.

    PubMed

    Farrag, Ashraf; Ansari, Jawaher; Ali, Muhammad; Sunbuli, Ghanem; Kassem, Hassan; Al Hamad, Abdul-Aziz

    2018-05-01

    Intracranial metastasis from breast cancer is a relatively common finding, however, the appearance of breast cancer metastasis in a meningioma is very rare. Several cases of tumor-to-tumor metastasis and collision tumors have been reported previously, with meningioma being implicated as the most common benign intracranial neoplasm to harbour the metastasis. Occasionally, the discovery of a tumor-to-meningioma metastasis may herald the diagnosis of an occult primary malignancy. Careful histopathological assessment of the resected meningioma specimen is pivotal to the management of these patients, as this will alter the treatment plan and prognosis considerably. Intracranial meningioma with collision breast cancer as primary presentation of an undiagnosed metastatic breast cancer is extremely rare. The current study presents a case of intracranial meningioma with collision breast cancer as a primary presentation, and reviews the available evidence for this unusual disease entity.

  19. [Constitutional syndrome as a presentation of a cerebellopontine meningioma].

    PubMed

    Ruiz-Serrato, A; Mata-Palma, A; Olmedo-Llanes, J; García-Ordóñez, M A

    2014-03-01

    Meningiomas are basically benign tumours arising in the meninges and account for 15-25% of intracranial tumours in adults. It is clinically signs are due to compression of the neighbouring structures, with the main symptoms being migraine, behavioural changes, and neurological deficits. We present a case where constitutional syndrome was the first and principal manifestation of an intracranial cerebellopontine meningioma. Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

  20. [Hydrocephalus Associated with Small Clinoidal Meningioma that Resolved after Tumor Removal:A Case Report].

    PubMed

    Fujiwara, Hidemoto; Aiba, Toyotaka; Watanabe, Toru; Hiraishi, Tetsuya; Fujii, Yukihiko

    2016-12-01

    Small meningiomas causing hydrocephalus without obstruction of the ventricular system are rare. Herein, we report a case of small clinoidal meningioma with communicating hydrocephalus, which resolved after tumor removal. A 70-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of memory disturbance followed by gait disturbance. MR images revealed a right clinoidal meningioma, 2 cm in diameter, and dilatation of the ventricles suggesting communicating hydrocephalus. The cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)pressure was 130 mmH2O, as determined via a lumbar puncture. High concentrations of protein(65mg/dL)were detected in the lumbar CSF. The tumor was completely removed via a frontotemporal craniotomy. Higher protein concentrations(94mg/dL)were detected in the CSF obtained intraoperatively from the sylvian cistern. The histopathological diagnosis was meningothelial meningioma. The patient's symptoms improved markedly after surgery. Postoperative MR images revealed resolution of the hydrocephalus. The lumbar CSF protein concentration returned to normal(43mg/dL). Neither tumor recurrence nor progression of hydrocephalus has been observed for 4 years. Communicating hydrocephalus, associated with a small meningioma at the supratentorial region, has not been described. Previous studies have shown that patients with meningioma may develop communicating hydrocephalus after tumor removal or stereotactic radiosurgery. Thus, it is interesting that the small supratentorial meningioma in our case developed communicating hydrocephalus without any therapeutic intervention. Considering the CSF protein concentration, we speculate that the hydrocephalus was the result of CSF malabsorption associated with high CSF protein concentration and CSF pathway obstruction at the suprasellar cistern caused by the tumor.

  1. Computed tomography of cystic nerve root sleeve dilatation.

    PubMed

    Neave, V C; Wycoff, R R

    1983-10-01

    A case of cystic nerve root sleeve dilatation in the lumbar area associated with a chronic back pain syndrome is presented. Prominent computed tomography (CT) findings include: (a) rounded masses in the region of the foramina isodense with cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space; (b) associated asymmetry of epidural fat distribution; (c) enlargement of the neural foramina in axial sections with scalloped erosion of the adjacent posteriolateral vertebral body, pedicle, and pedicular-laminar junction with preservation of cortex and without bony sclerosis or infiltrative appearance; (d) prominent or ectatic dural sac with lack of usual epidural landmarks between the sac and vertebral body; and (e) multilevel abnormalities throughout the entire lumbar region. Myelographic and CT correlations are demonstrated with a review of the literature. A discussion of the various cystic abnormalities involving nerve root sheaths is undertaken in an attempt to clarify the confusing nomenclature applied to nerve root sleeve pathology.

  2. Global epigenetic profiling identifies methylation subgroups associated with recurrence-free survival in meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Olar, Adriana; Wani, Khalida M; Wilson, Charmaine D; Zadeh, Gelareh; DeMonte, Franco; Jones, David TW; Pfister, Stefan M; Sulman, Erik P; Aldape, Kenneth D

    2017-01-01

    Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor and carries a substantial risk of local recurrence. Methylation profiles of meningioma and their clinical implications are not well understood. We hypothesized that aggressive meningiomas have unique DNA methylation patterns that could be used to better stratify patient management. Samples (n=140) were profiled using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Unsupervised modeling on a training set (n=89) identified 2 molecular methylation subgroups of meningioma (MM) with significantly different recurrence free survival (RFS) times between the groups: a prognostically unfavorable subgroup (MM-UNFAV) and a prognostically favorable subgroup (MM-FAV). This finding was validated in the remaining 51 samples and led to a baseline meningioma methylation classifier (bMMC) defined by 283 CpG loci (283-bMMC). To further optimize a recurrence predictor, probes subsumed within the baseline classifier were subject to additional modeling using a similar training/validation approach, leading to a 64-CpG loci meningioma methylation predictor (64-MMP). After adjustment for relevant clinical variables [WHO grade, mitotic index, Simpson grade, sex, location, and copy number aberrations (CNA)] multivariable analyses for RFS showed that the baseline methylation classifier was not significant (p=0.0793). The methylation predictor however was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (p<0.0001). CNA were extracted from the 450k intensity profiles. Tumor samples in the MM-UNFAV subgroup showed an overall higher proportion of CNAs compared to the MM-FAV subgroup tumors and the CNAs were complex in nature. CNAs in the MM-UNFAV subgroup included recurrent losses of 1p, 6q, 14q and 18q, and gain of 1q, all of which were previously identified as indicators of poor outcome. In conclusion, our analyses demonstrate robust DNA methylation signatures in meningioma that correlate with CNAs and stratify patients by recurrence risk. PMID:28130639

  3. Unususpected meningioma in a patient with pituitary gigantism. Case report with autopsy findings.

    PubMed

    Stock, J M; Ghatak, N R; Oppenheimer, J H

    1975-06-01

    A unique example of a clinically unsuspected large parasellar meningioma is described in a 36-yr-old pituitary giant who had been treated initially with conventional irradiation, subsequently by surgical excision of an acidophil adenoma, and ultimately with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) prior to his demise. The patient died of increased intracranial pressure resulting from a combined mass effect of the meningioma and recurrent tumor. The relationship between radiation and the development of the meningioma is discussed, as well as the fine ultrastructure of a highly functioning acidophil adenoma.

  4. Castleman's disease associated with a cerebellar chordoid meningioma and intestinal lymphangiectasia.

    PubMed

    Jeon, Chul Jin; Kim, Mi Jin; Lee, Jong Seung; Lee, Ji Hyuk; Kong, Doo-Sik; Shin, Hyung Jin; Suh, Yeon Lim; Kim, Kyoung Mee; Choe, Yon Ho

    2010-11-01

    Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare nonneoplastic lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by enlarged hyperplastic lymph nodes, usually presenting as a localized mass. Although an intracranial location is very uncommon, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a chordoid meningioma. We describe a pediatric case of CD with a cerebellar chordoid meningioma and intestinal lymphangiectasia.

  5. Chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis 1: a 10-year institutional review

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is the most common autosomal dominant disorder, with an incidence of 1 in 2,500-3,300 live births. NF1 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality because of complications, especially malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which mainly develop during adulthood. We evaluated our experience with management of NF1 with MPNSTs by standard chemotherapy with anthracycline and/or ifosfamide in terms of time to treatment failure and overall survival. Methods We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with NF1 and a diagnosis of MPNSTs between 1993 and 2003 in our referral center for NF1. Prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate analysis. Results We evaluated data for 21 patients with grade 1 (n=1), grade 2 (n=8) and grade 3 (n=12) MPNST; 16 presented localized disease and underwent surgery: margins for 6 were tumor-free (including 3 patients with amputation), 2 showed microscopic residual disease and 8 showed macroscopic residual disease. All patients received chemotherapy and 9 radiotherapy. Median time to treatment failure and overall survival were 7.8 and 17 months, respectively. Two patients were still alive at 138 and 167 months. We found no significant relationship between type of chemotherapy and time to treatment failure or overall survival. Conclusions MPNSTs are highly aggressive in NF1. Conventional chemotherapy does not seem to reduce mortality, and its role must be questioned. Recent advances in the molecular biology of MPNSTs may provide new prognostic factors and targeted therapies. PMID:23972085

  6. Development of patient-derived xenograft models from a spontaneously immortal low-grade meningioma cell line, KCI-MENG1.

    PubMed

    Michelhaugh, Sharon K; Guastella, Anthony R; Varadarajan, Kaushik; Klinger, Neil V; Parajuli, Prahlad; Ahmad, Aamir; Sethi, Seema; Aboukameel, Amro; Kiousis, Sam; Zitron, Ian M; Ebrahim, Salah A; Polin, Lisa A; Sarkar, Fazlul H; Bollig-Fischer, Aliccia; Mittal, Sandeep

    2015-07-15

    There is a paucity of effective therapies for recurrent/aggressive meningiomas. Establishment of improved in vitro and in vivo meningioma models will facilitate development and testing of novel therapeutic approaches. A primary meningioma cell line was generated from a patient with an olfactory groove meningioma. The cell line was extensively characterized by performing analysis of growth kinetics, immunocytochemistry, telomerase activity, karyotype, and comparative genomic hybridization. Xenograft models using immunocompromised SCID mice were also developed. Histopathology of the patient tumor was consistent with a WHO grade I typical meningioma composed of meningothelial cells, whorls, and occasional psammoma bodies. The original tumor and the early passage primary cells shared the standard immunohistochemical profile consistent with low-grade, good prognosis meningioma. Low passage KCI-MENG1 cells were composed of two cell types with spindle and round morphologies, showed linear growth curve, had very low telomerase activity, and were composed of two distinct unrelated clones on cytogenetic analysis. In contrast, high passage cells were homogeneously round, rapidly growing, had high telomerase activity, and were composed of a single clone with a near triploid karyotype containing 64-66 chromosomes with numerous aberrations. Following subcutaneous and orthotopic transplantation of low passage cells into SCID mice, firm tumors positive for vimentin and progesterone receptor (PR) formed, while subcutaneous implant of high passage cells yielded vimentin-positive, PR-negative tumors, concordant with a high-grade meningioma. Although derived from a benign meningioma specimen, the newly-established spontaneously immortal KCI-MENG1 meningioma cell line can be utilized to generate xenograft tumor models with either low- or high-grade features, dependent on the cell passage number (likely due to the relative abundance of the round, near-triploid cells). These human

  7. Selective intraarterial gene delivery into a canine meningioma.

    PubMed

    Chauvet, A E; Kesava, P P; Goh, C S; Badie, B

    1998-05-01

    The goal of this study was to evaluate gene delivery to a benign brain tumor. A recombinant adenovirus vector bearing the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase reporter gene was selectively injected into the vascular supply of a spontaneously occurring canine olfactory groove meningioma. The tumor and a small amount of peritumoral brain tissue were removed 5 days after viral injection and stained with X-Gal to assess gene delivery. The authors noted significant beta-galactosidase gene expression by the tumor, but not by surrounding brain tissue. No obvious viral-related cytotoxicity was noted. The authors found that meningiomas can be successfully transduced by adenovirus vectors by using endovascular techniques.

  8. [Primary culture of human malignant meningioma cells and its intracranial orthotopic transplantation in nude mice].

    PubMed

    Hu, Mei-Xin; Liu, Jia-le; Chen, Xuan-Bo; Xu, An-Qi; Shu, Song-Ren; Wang, Chao-Hu; Liu, Yi

    2018-03-20

    To obtain stable primary cultures of human malignant meningioma cells and establish an intracranial in-situ tumor model in nude mice. Ten surgical specimens of highly suspected malignant meningioma were obtained with postoperative pathological confirmation. Primary malignant meningioma cells were cultured from the tissues using a modified method and passaged. After identification with cell immunofluorescence, the cultured cells were inoculated into the right parietal lobe of 6 nude mice using stereotaxic apparatus and also transplanted subcutaneously in another 6 nude mice. The nude mice were executed after 6 weeks, and HE staining and immunohistochmistry were used to detect tumor growth and the invasion of the adjacent brain tissues. The primary malignant meningioma cells were cultured successfully, and postoperative pathology reported anaplastic malignant meningioma. Cell immunofluorescence revealed positivity for vimentin and EMA in the cells, which showed a S-shaped growth curve in culture. Flow cytometry revealed a cell percentage in the Q3 area of (95.99∓2.58)%. Six weeks after transplantation, tumor nodules occurred in the subcutaneous tumor group, and the nude mice bearing the in situ tumor showed obvious body weight loss. The xenografts in both groups contained a mean of (36∓5.35)% cells expressing Ki-67, and the intracranial in situ tumor showed obvious invasion of the adjacent peripheral brain tissues. We obtained stable primary cultures of malignant meningioma cells and successfully established a nude mouse model bearing in situ human malignant meningioma.

  9. Balloon-assisted embolization of skull base meningioma with liquid embolic agent.

    PubMed

    Abdel Kerim, Amr; Bonneville, Fabrice; Jean, Betty; Cornu, Philippe; LeJean, Lise; Chiras, Jacques

    2010-01-01

    The authors report a novel technique of balloon-assisted embolization of a skull base meningioma supplied by a branch of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery using liquid embolic agent. A temporarily inflated balloon distal to the meningioma's feeding vessel may improve the access to this small branch and may reduce the chances of unintended reflux during delivery of the liquid embolic agent.

  10. Short beveled sharp cutting needle is superior to facet tip needle for ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block in children with umbilical hernia: a case series.

    PubMed

    Alsaeed, A; Thallaj, A; Alzahrani, T; Khalil, N; Aljazaeri, A

    2014-10-01

    The most common peripheral nerve blocks used in umbilical hernia repair are rectus sheath block and regional block (caudal block). Ultrasound guidance of peripheral nerve blocks has reduced the number of complications and improved the quality of blocks. The aim of this study is to assess the post rectus sheath block pain relief in pediatric patients coming for umbilical surgery, and to evaluate the easiness of soft tissue puncture and ultrasonic appearance of two different needle types. Twenty two (22) pediatric patients (age range: 1.5-8 years) scheduled for umbilical hernia repair were included in the study. Following the induction of general anesthesia, the ultrasonographic anatomy of the umbilical region was studied with a 5-16 MHz linear probe. An ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block in the lateral edge of both rectus abdominis muscles (RMs) was performed (total of 44 punctures). A 22 gauge short beveled sharp cutting needle 1.1 x 30 mm needle A (BD Insyte--W, Vialon material. Spain) was used in one side, and a Stimuplex A insulated Needle 22G 50mm (needle B) was used on the other side. Surgical conditions, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, and postoperative analgesia were evaluated. Ultrasonograghic visualization of the posterior sheath was possible in all patients. Needle A scored 72.7% of excellent needle tip and shaft view (16 out of 22) compared to 63.63% for needle B (14 out of 22). None of the needles scored poor view. The ultrasound guided rectus sheath blockade provided sufficient analgesia in all children with no need for additional analgesia except for one child who postoperatively requested morphine 0.1 mg/kg intravenously in recovery room. There were no complications. Ultrasound guidance enables performances of an effective rectus sheath block for umbilical hernia in the lateral edge of the rectus muscle. Use of the sharp short beveled needle of 22 gauge intravenous (IV) cannula stylet provides easy, less traumatic skin and rectus muscle

  11. Body mass index, physical activity, and risk of adult meningioma and glioma: A meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Niedermaier, Tobias; Behrens, Gundula; Schmid, Daniela; Schlecht, Inga; Fischer, Beate; Leitzmann, Michael F

    2015-10-13

    Whether adiposity and lack of physical activity affect the risk for developing meningioma and glioma is poorly understood. Our objective was to characterize these associations in detail. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of adiposity and physical activity in relation to meningioma and glioma using cohort and case-control studies published through February 2015. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 12 eligible studies of body mass index (BMI) and 6 studies of physical activity, comprising up to 2,982 meningioma cases and 3,057 glioma cases. Using normal weight as the reference group, overweight (summary relative risk [RR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.43) and obesity (RR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.32-1.79) were associated with increased risk of meningioma. In contrast, overweight (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.94-1.20) and obesity (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.98-1.27) were unrelated to glioma. Similarly, dose-response meta-analyses revealed a statistically significant positive association of BMI with meningioma, but not glioma. High vs low physical activity levels showed a modest inverse relation to meningioma (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.61-0.88) and a weak inverse association with glioma (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76-0.97). Relations persisted when the data were restricted to prospective studies, except for the association between physical activity and glioma, which was rendered statistically nonsignificant (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.77-1.07). Adiposity is related to enhanced risk for meningioma but is unassociated with risk for glioma. Based on a limited body of evidence, physical activity is related to decreased risk of meningioma but shows little association with risk of glioma. © 2015 American Academy of Neurology.

  12. Neurofibromatosis.

    PubMed

    Korf, Bruce R

    2013-01-01

    The "neurofibromatoses" are a set of distinct genetic disorders that have in common the occurrence of tumors of the nerve sheath. They include NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. All are dominantly inherited with a high rate of new mutation and variable expression. NF1 includes effects on multiple systems of the body. The major NF1-associated tumor is the neurofibroma. In addition, clinical manifestations include bone dysplasia, learning disabilities, and an increased risk of malignancy. NF2 includes schwannomas of multiple cranial and spinal nerves, especially the vestibular nerve, as well as other tumors such as meningiomas and ependymomas. The schwannomatosis phenotype is limited to multiple schwannomas, and usually presents with pain. The genes that underlie each of the disorders are known: NF1 for neurofibromatosis type 1, NF2 for neurofibromatosis type 2, and INI1/SMARCB1 for schwannomatosis. Genetic testing is possible to identify mutations. Insights into pathogenesis are beginning to suggest new treatment strategies, and therapeutic trials with several new forms of treatment are underway. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Is Psychiatric Depression a Presenting Neurologic Sign of Meningioma? A Critical Review of the Literature with Causative Etiology.

    PubMed

    Kessler, Remi A; Loewenstern, Joshua; Kohli, Karan; Shrivastava, Raj K

    2018-04-01

    Benign meningiomas constitute 80%-90% of all meningiomas and represent the most common type of central nervous system tumor in adults. The vast majority of meningiomas are minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic early in their onset and thereby can often result in delayed diagnosis. Early diagnosis of meningioma is critical, as it can maximize treatment options and improve outcomes and survival. Although seizures and focal neurologic deficits are considered to be the most prevalent symptoms, depression also may be an important and significant sign. A subtle neurologic depression may be an even early presenting sign of meningioma and may precede more traditional presenting symptoms. We performed a comprehensive literature review that analyzes the results of prospective studies and case reports on this topic. Our findings show evidence to suggest that depression may be correlated with meningioma presentation. Its prevalence is possibly increased with an anterior location of the tumor. For patients who exhibit nuances of depression without a history of psychiatric illness, an index of suspicion for meningioma may be warranted. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Gold ink coating of thermocouple sheaths

    DOEpatents

    Ruhl, H. Kenneth

    1992-01-01

    A method is provided for applying a gold ink coating to a thermocouple sheath which includes the steps of electropolishing and oxidizing the surface of the thermocouple sheath, then dipping the sheath into liquid gold ink, and finally heat curing the coating. The gold coating applied in this manner is highly reflective and does not degrade when used for an extended period of time in an environment having a temperature over 1000.degree. F. Depending on the application, a portion of the gold coating covering the tip of the thermocouple sheath is removed by abrasion.

  15. Clear-Cell Meningioma: CT and MR Imaging Findings in Two Cases Involving the Spinal Canal and Cerebellopontine Angle

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Ki Bong; Kim, Hyung Jin; Suh, Chang Hae; Park, Hyung Chun; Kim, Eun Young; Han, Hye Seung

    2002-01-01

    Clear-cell meningioma is a rare subtype of meningioma which occurs at a younger age and has a higher recurrence rate than other subtypes. We report two cases of clear-cell meningioma, one in the thoracolumbar spinal canal and the other in the cerebellopontine angle. Though the CT and MR imaging findings were not different from those of ordinary meningioma, after surgical removal the condition recurred repeatedly in the patient with spinal canal involvement. PMID:12087202

  16. Cochleovestibular nerve development is integrated with migratory neural crest cells

    PubMed Central

    Sandell, Lisa L.; Butler Tjaden, Naomi E.; Barlow, Amanda J.; Trainor, Paul A.

    2015-01-01

    The cochleovestibular (CV) nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain, is the nerve that enables the senses of hearing and balance. The aim of this study was to document the morphological development of the mouse CV nerve with respect to the two embryonic cells types that produce it, specifically, the otic vesicle-derived progenitors that give rise to neurons, and the neural crest cell (NCC) progenitors that give rise to glia. Otic tissues of mouse embryos carrying NCC lineage reporter transgenes were whole mount immunostained to identify neurons and NCC. Serial optical sections were collected by confocal microscopy and were compiled to render the three dimensional (3D) structure of the developing CV nerve. Spatial organization of the NCC and developing neurons suggest that neuronal and glial populations of the CV nerve develop in tandem from early stages of nerve formation. NCC form a sheath surrounding the CV ganglia and central axons. NCC are also closely associated with neurites projecting peripherally during formation of the vestibular and cochlear nerves. Physical ablation of NCC in chick embryos demonstrates that survival or regeneration of even a few individual NCC from ectopic positions in the hindbrain results in central projection of axons precisely following ectopic pathways made by regenerating NCC. PMID:24252775

  17. Long-term chemotherapy with lomustine of intracranial meningioma occurring in a miniature schnauzer.

    PubMed

    Jung, Dong-In; Kim, Ha-Jung; Park, Chul; Kim, Ju-Won; Kang, Byeong-Teck; Lim, Chae-Young; Park, Eun-Hee; Sur, Jung-Hyang; Seo, Min-Ho; Hahm, Dae-Hyun; Park, Hee-Myung

    2006-04-01

    A 14-year-old male miniature schnauzer was referred to us because it was circling to the right. A mass in the diencephalon was noted on brain magnetic resonance images. The dura was thickened with marked linear enhancement after contrast administration. Based on diagnostic image analysis, this lesion strongly suggested meningioma. The patient's symptoms were well controlled by a combination therapy of prednisolone and lomustine (CCNU), and survived for thirteen months after diagnosis. This case was diagnosed as a meningioma based on histopathological findings. This report describes the clinical findings, imaging characteristics, and pathologic features of a diencephalic and mesencephalic meningioma and long-term survival after lomustine and prednisolone therapy.

  18. Are Human Peripheral Nerves Sensitive to X-Ray Imaging?

    PubMed Central

    Scopel, Jonas Francisco; de Souza Queiroz, Luciano; O’Dowd, Francis Pierce; Júnior, Marcondes Cavalcante França; Nucci, Anamarli; Hönnicke, Marcelo Gonçalves

    2015-01-01

    Diagnostic imaging techniques play an important role in assessing the exact location, cause, and extent of a nerve lesion, thus allowing clinicians to diagnose and manage more effectively a variety of pathological conditions, such as entrapment syndromes, traumatic injuries, and space-occupying lesions. Ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging are becoming useful methods for this purpose, but they still lack spatial resolution. In this regard, recent phase contrast x-ray imaging experiments of peripheral nerve allowed the visualization of each nerve fiber surrounded by its myelin sheath as clearly as optical microscopy. In the present study, we attempted to produce high-resolution x-ray phase contrast images of a human sciatic nerve by using synchrotron radiation propagation-based imaging. The images showed high contrast and high spatial resolution, allowing clear identification of each fascicle structure and surrounding connective tissue. The outstanding result is the detection of such structures by phase contrast x-ray tomography of a thick human sciatic nerve section. This may further enable the identification of diverse pathological patterns, such as Wallerian degeneration, hypertrophic neuropathy, inflammatory infiltration, leprosy neuropathy and amyloid deposits. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful phase contrast x-ray imaging experiment of a human peripheral nerve sample. Our long-term goal is to develop peripheral nerve imaging methods that could supersede biopsy procedures. PMID:25757086

  19. Effect of acute high-intensity resistance exercise on optic nerve sheath diameter and ophthalmic artery blood flow pulsatility.

    PubMed

    Lefferts, W K; Hughes, W E; Heffernan, K S

    2015-12-01

    Exertional hypertension associated with acute high-intensity resistance exercise (RE) increases both intravascular and intracranial pressure (ICP), maintaining cerebrovascular transmural pressure. Carotid intravascular pressure pulsatility remains elevated after RE. Whether ICP also remains elevated after acute RE in an attempt to maintain the vessel wall transmural pressure is unknown. Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), a valid proxy of ICP, was measured in 20 participants (6 female; 24 ± 4 yr, 24.2 ± 3.9 kg m(-)(2)) at rest (baseline), following a time-control condition, and following RE (5 sets, 5 repetition maximum bench press, 5 sets 10 repetition maximum biceps curls) using ultrasound. Additionally, intracranial hemodynamic pulsatility index (PI) was assessed in the ophthalmic artery (OA) by using Doppler. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was obtained from synthesized aortic pressure waveforms obtained via a brachial oscillometric cuff and carotid pulse pressure was measured by using applanation tonometry. Aortic PWV (5.2 ± 0.5-6.0 ± 0.7 m s(-1), P < 0.05) and carotid pulse pressure (45 ± 17-59 ± 19 mm Hg, P < 0.05) were significantly elevated post RE compared with baseline. There were no significant changes in ONSD (5.09 ± 0.7-5.09 ± 0.7 mm, P > 0.05) or OA flow PI (1.35 ± 0.2-1.38 ± 0.3, P > 0.05) following acute RE. In conclusion, during recovery from acute high-intensity RE, there are increases in aortic stiffness and extracranial pressure pulsatility in the absence of changes in ICP and flow pulsatility. These findings may have implications for alterations in cerebral transmural pressure and cerebral aneurysmal wall stress following RE.

  20. Plasma-Sheath-Surface Dynamics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-09-01

    Particle Simulations of Cross-Field Plasma Sheaths," Phys. Fluids B, pp 1069- 1082 , May 1990. IJ. Morey and C.K. Birdsall, "Traveling Wave-Tube Simulation...Theilhaber, "Analytic Solutions and Particle Simulations of Cross-Field Plasma Sheaths," Phys. Fluids B, pp 1069- 1082 , May 1990. S.E. Parker, and C.K

  1. Ossified Intracranial Meningiomas: Description of the First Series of Cases and Review of the Literature.

    PubMed

    Caffo, Maria; Caruso, Gerardo; Barresi, Valeria; Tomasello, Francesco

    2016-10-01

    Metaplastic meningiomas are characterized by mesenchymal differentiation with formation of bone, cartilage, fat, or xanthomatous elements. However the presence of extensive areas of ossification is rare in meningiomas. In addition, intracranial location of ossified meningiomas is uncommon. Surgical management represents the optimal treatment for ossified meningiomas, but ossification may interfere with surgery and condition outcome. By reviewing patient records and contacting patients, families, and referring physicians, the following information was gathered: age, sex, tumor location, clinical presentation, preoperative and postoperative functional status, and surgical data. Each surgical specimen had been formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and cut into parallel 4-μm-thick sections for histological evaluation. Our literature search identified 8 cases, all of whom had undergone surgical treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of disorganized bone spicules with solitary oval osteocytic nuclei and lined by osteoblasts, with clear evidence of bone tissue in at least 50% of tumor tissue. Here we present the largest series, to our knowledge, of surgically treated intracranial ossified meningiomas reported to date. The mechanism of ossification in these meningiomas remains unclear, and various hypotheses have been formulated. Complete lesion removal, or subtotal debulking in those cases characterized by tenacious adherences to vascular structures and/or critical areas, may represent the optimal treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Correlation of diffusion and perfusion MRI with Ki-67 in high-grade meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Ginat, Daniel T; Mangla, Rajiv; Yeaney, Gabrielle; Wang, Henry Z

    2010-12-01

    Atypical and anaplastic meningiomas have a greater likelihood of recurrence than benign meningiomas. The risk for recurrence is often estimated using the Ki-67 labeling index. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between Ki-67 and regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and between Ki-67 and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. A retrospective review of the advanced imaging and immunohistochemical characteristics of atypical and anaplastic meningiomas was performed. The relative minimum ADC, relative maximum rCBV, and specimen Ki-67 index were measured. Pearson's correlation was used to compare these parameters. There were 23 cases with available ADC maps and 20 cases with available rCBV maps. The average Ki-67 among the cases with ADC maps and rCBV maps was 17.6% (range, 5-38%) and 16.7% (range, 3-38%), respectively. The mean minimum ADC ratio was 0.91 (SD, 0.26) and the mean maximum rCBV ratio was 22.5 (SD, 7.9). There was a significant positive correlation between maximum rCBV and Ki-67 (Pearson's correlation, 0.69; p = 0.00038). However, there was no significant correlation between minimum ADC and Ki-67 (Pearson's correlation, -0.051; p = 0.70). Maximum rCBV correlated significantly with Ki-67 in high-grade meningiomas.

  3. Sudden post-traumatic sciatica caused by a thoracic spinal meningioma.

    PubMed

    Mariniello, Giuseppe; Malacario, Francesca; Dones, Flavia; Severino, Rocco; Ugga, Lorenzo; Russo, Camilla; Elefante, Andrea; Maiuri, Francesco

    2016-10-01

    Spinal meningiomas usually present with slowly progressive symptoms of cord and root compression, while a sudden clinical onset is very rare. A 35-year-old previously symptom-free woman presented sudden right sciatica and weakness of her right leg following a fall with impact to her left foot. A neurological examination showed paresis of the right quadriceps, tibial and sural muscles, increased bilateral knee and ankle reflexes and positive Babinski sign. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the presence of a spinal T11 meningioma in the left postero-lateral compartment of the spinal canal; at this level, the spinal cord was displaced to the contralateral side with the conus in the normal position. At surgery, a meningioma with dural attachment of the left postero-lateral dural surface was removed. The intervention resulted in rapid remission of both pain and neurological deficits. Spinal meningiomas may exceptionally present with sudden pain and neurological deficits as result of tumour bleeding or post-traumatic injury of the already compressed nervous structures, both in normal patients and in those with conus displacement or tethered cord. In this case, the traumatic impact of the left foot was transmitted to the spine, resulting in stretching of the already compressed cord and of the contralateral lombosacral roots. This case suggests that low thoracic cord compression should be suspected in patients with post-traumatic radicular leg pain with normal lumbar spine MRI. © The Author(s) 2016.

  4. Reticular Appearance on Gadolinium-enhanced T1- and Diffusion-weighted MRI, and Low Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Microcystic Meningioma Cysts.

    PubMed

    Terada, Yukinori; Toda, Hiroki; Okumura, Ryosuke; Ikeda, Naokado; Yuba, Yoshiaki; Katayama, Toshiro; Iwasaki, Koichi

    2018-03-01

    Microcystic meningioma, a rare meningioma subtype, can present diagnostic difficulty. We aimed to investigate the historadiological properties of microcystic meningioma using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) analysis. We retrospectively analyzed conventional MRI and DWI results of six microcystic meningioma cases by examining their appearance and determining their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The ADC values of the intratumoral components were normalized with ADC values of the cerebrospinal fluid in the lateral ventricle (ADC ratios). As cystic formations are frequently associated with microcystic meningiomas, their MRI characteristics were compared with the imaging data from 11 cystic meningiomas of non-microcystic subtypes. We found that cysts in microcystic meningioma tended to have a reticular appearance on DWI, as they did on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. Additionally, these reticular cysts had significantly lower ADC ratios than microcystic non-reticular and non-microcystic cysts. These DWI characteristics likely reflect the histological properties of microcystic meningioma. A reticular appearance on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI and DWI, and cyst formation with relatively low ADC values can be diagnostic markers of microcystic meningiomas.

  5. Serum TIMP1 and TIMP2 concentration in patients with different grades of meningioma.

    PubMed

    Mashayekhi, Farhad; Saberi, Alia; Mashayekhi, Sohail

    2018-07-01

    Meningiomas are common primary brain tumors that constitute about 13% of all intracranial tumors. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is able to degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane leading to cancer cell invasion and metastasis. MMPs are specifically inhibited by a family of small extracellular proteins known as the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The objective of this project was to evaluate serum concentration of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in patients with different grades of meningioma. Ninety samples from different stages of patients with meningitis (42 cases of grade I, 28 grade II, 20 grade III) and 51 samples from normal healthy were included in this study. Total protein concentration (TPC) and the level TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 serum were determined by Bio-Rad protein assay based on the Bradford dye procedure and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. No significant change in the TPC was seen in the serum of patients with meningioma when compared with normal controls. Results obtained demonstrated that all serum samples presented TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression, whereas, starting from grade I to III meningiomas, a significant decrease of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression was observed as compared to controls. The results of this study show that a low expression of TIMP1 and TIMP2 is correlated with advanced stages of meningioma. It is also concluded that the detection of serum TIMP1 and TIMP2 may be useful in classifying different grades of meningioma. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Meningiomas: Objective assessment of proliferative indices by immunohistochemistry and automated counting method.

    PubMed

    Chavali, Pooja; Uppin, Megha S; Uppin, Shantveer G; Challa, Sundaram

    2017-01-01

    The most reliable histological correlate of recurrence risk in meningiomas is increased mitotic activity. Proliferative index with Ki-67 immunostaining is a helpful adjunct to manual counting. However, both show considerable inter-observer variability. A new immunohistochemical method for counting mitotic figures, using antibody against the phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) protein was introduced. Similarly, a computer based automated counting for Ki-67 labelling index (LI) is available. To study the use of these new techniques in the objective assessment of proliferation indices in meningiomas. This was a retrospective study of intracranial meningiomas diagnosed during the year 2013.The hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) sections and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with Ki-67 were reviewed by two pathologists. Photomicrographs of the representative areas were subjected to Ki-67 analysis by Immunoratio (IR) software. Mean Ki-67 LI, both manual and by IR were calculated. IHC with PHH3 was performed. PHH3 positive nuclei were counted and mean values calculated. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. A total of 64 intracranial meningiomas were diagnosed. Evaluation on H and E, PHH3, Ki-67 LI (both manual and IR) were done in 32 cases (22 grade I and 10 grade II meningiomas). Statistically significant correlation was seen between the mitotic count in each grade and PHH3 values and also between the grade of the tumor and values of Ki-67 and PHH3. Both the techniques used in the study had advantage over, as well as, correlated well with the existing techniques and hence, can be applied to routine use.

  7. Preformed titanium cranioplasty after resection of skull base meningiomas - a technical note.

    PubMed

    Schebesch, Karl-Michael; Höhne, Julius; Gassner, Holger G; Brawanski, Alexander

    2013-12-01

    Meningiomas of the fronto-basal skull are difficult to manage as the treatment usually includes extensive resection of the lesion, consecutive reconstruction of the meninges and of the skull. Especially after removal of spheno-orbital and sphenoid-wing meningiomas, the cosmetic result is of utmost importance. In this technical note, we present our institutional approach in the treatment of skull base meningiomas, focussing on the reconstruction of the neurocranium with individually preformed titanium cranioplasty (CRANIOTOP(®), CL Instruments, Germany). Two female patients (40 years, 64 years) are presented. Both patients presented with skull base lesions suggestive of meningiomas. The preoperative thin-sliced CT scan was processed to generate a 3D-model of the skull. On it, the resection was mapped and following a simulated resection, the cranioplasty was manufactured. Intra-operatively, the titanium plate served as a template for the skull resection and was implanted after microsurgical tumour removal, consecutively. The cosmetic result was excellent. Immediate postoperative CT scan revealed accurate fitting and complete tumour removal. Control Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) within 12 weeks was possible without any artifacts. The comprehensive approach described indicates only one surgical procedure for tumour removal and for reconstruction of the skull. The titanium plate served as an exact template for complete resection of the osseous parts of the tumour. Cosmetic outcome was excellent and control MRI was possible post operatively. CRANIOTOP(®) cranioplasty is a safe and practical tool for reconstruction of the skull after meningioma surgery. Copyright © 2013 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Radio frequency sheaths in an oblique magnetic field

    DOE PAGES

    Myra, James R.; D'Ippolito, Daniel A.

    2015-06-01

    The physics of radio-frequency (rf) sheaths near a conducting surface is studied for plasmas immersed in a magnetic field that makes an oblique angle θ with the surface. A set of one-dimensional equations is developed that describe the dynamics of the time-dependent magnetic presheath and non-neutral Debye sheath. The model employs Maxwell-Boltzmann electrons, and the magnetization and mobility of the ions is determined by the magnetic field strength, and wave frequency, respectively. The angle, θ assumed to be large enough to insure an electron-poor sheath, is otherwise arbitrary. Concentrating on the ion-cyclotron range of frequencies, the equations are solved numericallymore » to obtain the rectified (dc) voltage, the rf voltage across the sheath and the rf current flowing through the sheath. As an application of this model, the sheath voltage-current relation is used to obtain the rf sheath impedance, which in turn gives an rf sheath boundary condition for the electric field at the sheath-plasma interface that can be used in rf wave codes. In general the impedance has both resistive and capacitive contributions, and generalizes previous sheath boundary condition models. The resistive part contributes to parasitic power dissipation at the wall.« less

  9. Inversion-mediated gene fusions involving NAB2-STAT6 in an unusual malignant meningioma.

    PubMed

    Gao, F; Ling, C; Shi, L; Commins, D; Zada, G; Mack, W J; Wang, K

    2013-08-20

    Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumours, with ∼3% meeting current histopathologic criteria for malignancy. In this study, we explored the transcriptome of meningiomas using RNA-Seq. Inversion-mediated fusions between two adjacent genes, NAB2 and STAT6, were detected in one malignant tumour, creating two novel in-frame transcripts that were validated by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Gene fusions of NAB2-STAT6 were recently implicated in the pathogenesis of solitary fibrous tumours; our study suggested that similar fusions may also have a role in a malignant meningioma with unusual histopathologic features.

  10. [A case of petrous ridge meningioma manifested as pneumocephalus followed by Eustachian tube insufflation].

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Shinya; Gi, Hidefuku; Uno, Jyunji; Ikai, Yoshiaki; Inoha, Satoshi; Nagaoka, Shintarou; Nishio, Shunji

    2009-05-01

    A 50-year-old female, who had a headache after Eustachian tube insufflation for her ear congestion, came to our hospital. CT and MRI revealed pneumocephalus and petrous ridge meningioma which destroyed petrous bone and air cells. Eustachian tube insufflation was considered to make the air coming into the middle ear, mastoid air cell and then into the intracranial space destroying the tumor. At surgery, there was subdural hematoma around the tumor. Total removal of the tumor and the hematoma membrane was performed. Histologically, the tumor was transitional meningioma and the cluster of meningioma cells were noted in the subdural hematoma membrane.

  11. Epicardial phrenic nerve displacement during catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias: procedural experience and outcomes.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Saurabh; Barbhaiya, Chirag R; Baldinger, Samuel H; Koplan, Bruce A; Maytin, Melanie; Epstein, Laurence M; John, Roy M; Michaud, Gregory F; Tedrow, Usha B; Stevenson, William G

    2015-08-01

    Arrhythmia origin in close proximity to the phrenic nerve (PN) can hinder successful catheter ablation. We describe our approach with epicardial PN displacement in such instances. PN displacement via percutaneous pericardial access was attempted in 13 patients (age 49±16 years, 9 females) with either atrial tachycardia (6 patients) or atrial fibrillation triggered from a superior vena cava focus (1 patient) adjacent to the right PN or epicardial ventricular tachycardia origin adjacent to the left PN (6 patients). An epicardially placed steerable sheath/4 mm-catheter combination (5 patients) or a vascular or an esophageal balloon (8 patients) was ultimately successful. Balloon placement was often difficult requiring manipulation via a steerable sheath. In 2 ventricular tachycardia cases, absence of PN capture was achieved only once the balloon was directly over the ablation catheter. In 3 atrial tachycardia patients, PN displacement was not possible with a balloon; however, a steerable sheath/catheter combination was ultimately successful. PN displacement allowed acute abolishment of all targeted arrhythmias. No PN injury occurred acutely or in follow up. Two patients developed acute complications (pleuro-pericardial fistula 1 and pericardial bleeding 1). Survival free of target arrhythmia was achieved in all atrial tachycardia patients; however, a nontargeted ventricular tachycardia recurred in 1 patient at a median of 13 months' follow up. Arrhythmias originating in close proximity to the PN can be targeted successfully with PN displacement with an epicardially placed steerable sheath/catheter combination, or balloon, but this strategy can be difficult to implement. Better tools for phrenic nerve protection are desirable. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

  12. Detailed anatomy knowledge: first step to approach petroclival meningiomas through the petrous apex. Anatomy lab experience and surgical series.

    PubMed

    Altieri, Roberto; Sameshima, Tetsuro; Pacca, Paolo; Crobeddu, Emanuela; Garbossa, Diego; Ducati, Alessandro; Zenga, Francesco

    2017-04-01

    Petroclival meningiomas are a challenge for neurosurgeons due to the complex anatomy of the region that is rich of vessels and nerves. A perfect and detailed knowledge of the anatomy is very demanding in neurosurgery, especially in skull base surgery. The authors describe the microsurgical anatomy to perform an anterior petrosectomy based on their anatomical and surgical experience and perform a literature review. The temporal bone is the most complex and fascinating bone of skull base. The apex is located in the angle between the greater wing of the sphenoid and the occipital bone. Removing the petrous apex exposes the clivus. The approach directed through the temporal bone in this anatomical area is referred to as an anterior petrosectomy. The area that must be drilled is the rhomboid fossa that is defined by the Kawase, premeatal, and postmeatal triangles. In Division of Neurosurgery - University of Turin, 130 patients, from August 2013 to September 2015, underwent surgical resection of intracranial meningiomas. In this group, we have operated 7 PCMs and 5 of these were approached performing an anterior petrosectomy with good results. In our conclusions, we feel that this surgery require an advanced knowledge of human anatomy and a specialized training in interpretation of radiological and microsurgical anatomy both in the dissection lab and in the operating room.

  13. Influence of myelinated retinal nerve fibers on retinal vessel density measurement with AngioVue OCT angiography.

    PubMed

    Holló, Gábor

    2016-12-01

    Myelinated retinal nerve fibers (MRNF) represent an asymptomatic developmental anomaly in which myelin sheaths extend to a group of retinal nerve fibers along their intraocular portion. The additional volume of the myelin sheaths causes displacement of the axons toward the vitreous body. We investigated the effect of localized MRNF on peripapillary vessel density measurement results using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. Peripapillary angioflow density measurements (PAFD, % of the analyzed retinal area) were made with the AngioVue OCT (Optovue Inc., Fremont, USA). In both cases, the predominant position of MRNF was inferonasal to the disk. Vessel density was clearly greater in the area of the MRNF than in the surrounding retina in the optic nerve head (ONH) level, but it was lower than in the surrounding retina in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) level. In the ONH level, PAFD was higher in the MRNF area than in the spatially corresponding superonasal area (Case 1: 64.6 vs. 57.6 %; Case 2: 65.8 vs. 56.3 %). In contrast, in the RNFL level, PAFD was lower in the MRNF area than in the corresponding superonasal area (Case 1: 60.1 vs. 65.4 %; Case 2: 46.5 vs. 58.5 %). Our cases show that the effect of MRNF on OCT angiography vessel density is different in the different measurement layers. Clinicians may separate decreased vessel density caused by anterior RNFL displacement in MRNF areas from that caused by nerve fiber damage in optic neuropathies by evaluating PAFD in both the ONH and RNFL levels.

  14. Favorable Outcomes of Pediatric Patients Treated With Radiotherapy to the Central Nervous System Who Develop Radiation-Induced Meningiomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Galloway, Thomas J.; Indelicato, Daniel J., E-mail: dindelicato@floridaproton.or; University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL

    Purpose: To report the outcome of patients treated at the University of Florida who developed meningiomas after radiation to the central nervous system (CNS) for childhood cancer. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively identified 10 patients aged {<=}19 years who received radiotherapy to sites in the craniospinal axis and subsequently developed a meningioma. We report the histology of the radiation-induced meningioma, treatment received, and ultimate outcome among this cohort of patients. Results: Meningioma was diagnosed at a median of 23.5 years after completion of the primary radiation. Fifty percent of second meningiomas were World Health Organization Grade 2 (atypical) or higher.more » All cases were managed with a single modality: resection alone (n = 7), fractionated radiotherapy (n = 2), and stereotactic radiosurgery (n = 1). The actuarial event-free survival and overall survival rate at 5 years after treatment for a radiation-induced meningioma was 89%. Three patients who underwent resection for retreatment experienced a Grade 3 toxicity. Conclusions: Radiation-induced meningiomas after treatment of pediatric CNS tumors are effectively managed with single-modality therapy. Such late-effect data inform the overall therapeutic ratio and support the continued role of selective irradiation in managing pediatric CNS malignancies.« less

  15. Visual Outcome in Meningiomas Around Anterior Visual Pathways Treated With Linear Accelerator Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stiebel-Kalish, Hadas, E-mail: kalishhadas@gmail.com; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv; Reich, Ehud

    Purpose: Meningiomas threatening the anterior visual pathways (AVPs) and not amenable for surgery are currently treated with multisession stereotactic radiotherapy. Stereotactic radiotherapy is available with a number of devices. The most ubiquitous include the gamma knife, CyberKnife, tomotherapy, and isocentric linear accelerator systems. The purpose of our study was to describe a case series of AVP meningiomas treated with linear accelerator fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) using the multiple, noncoplanar, dynamic conformal rotation paradigm and to compare the success and complication rates with those reported for other techniques. Patients and Methods: We included all patients with AVP meningiomas followed up atmore » our neuro-ophthalmology unit for a minimum of 12 months after FSRT. We compared the details of the neuro-ophthalmologic examinations and tumor size before and after FSRT and at the end of follow-up. Results: Of 87 patients with AVP meningiomas, 17 had been referred for FSRT. Of the 17 patients, 16 completed >12 months of follow-up (mean 39). Of the 16 patients, 11 had undergone surgery before FSRT and 5 had undergone FSRT as first-line management. Tumor control was achieved in 14 of the 16 patients, with three meningiomas shrinking in size after RT. Two meningiomas progressed, one in an area that was outside the radiation field. The visual function had improved in 6 or stabilized in 8 of the 16 patients (88%) and worsened in 2 (12%). Conclusions: Linear accelerator fractionated RT using the multiple noncoplanar dynamic rotation conformal paradigm can be offered to patients with meningiomas that threaten the anterior visual pathways as an adjunct to surgery or as first-line treatment, with results comparable to those reported for other stereotactic RT techniques.« less

  16. Phase II study of monthly pasireotide LAR (SOM230C) for recurrent or progressive meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Norden, Andrew D.; Ligon, Keith L.; Hammond, Samantha N.; Muzikansky, Alona; Reardon, David A.; Kaley, Thomas J.; Batchelor, Tracy T.; Plotkin, Scott R.; Raizer, Jeffrey J.; Wong, Eric T.; Drappatz, Jan; Lesser, Glenn J.; Haidar, Sam; Beroukhim, Rameen; Lee, Eudocia Q.; Doherty, Lisa; Lafrankie, Debra; Gaffey, Sarah C.; Gerard, Mary; Smith, Katrina H.; McCluskey, Christine; Phuphanich, Surasak

    2015-01-01

    Objective: A subset of meningiomas recur after surgery and radiation therapy, but no medical therapy for recurrent meningioma has proven effective. Methods: Pasireotide LAR is a long-acting somatostatin analog that may inhibit meningioma growth. This was a phase II trial in patients with histologically confirmed recurrent or progressive meningioma designed to evaluate whether pasireotide LAR prolongs progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Patients were stratified by histology (atypical [World Health Organization grade 2] and malignant [grade 3] meningiomas in cohort A and benign [grade 3] in cohort B). Results: Eighteen patients were accrued in cohort A and 16 in cohort B. Cohort A had median age 59 years, median Karnofsky performance status 80, 17 (94%) had previous radiation therapy, and 11 (61%) showed high octreotide uptake. Cohort B had median age 52 years, median Karnofsky performance status 90, 11 (69%) had previous radiation therapy, and 12 (75%) showed high octreotide uptake. There were no radiographic responses to pasireotide LAR therapy in either cohort. Twelve patients (67%) in cohort A and 13 (81%) in cohort B achieved stable disease. In cohort A, PFS6 was 17% and median PFS 15 weeks (95% confidence interval: 8–20). In cohort B, PFS6 was 50% and median PFS 26 weeks (12–43). Treatment was well tolerated. Octreotide uptake and insulin-like growth factor–1 levels did not predict outcome. Expression of somatostatin receptor 3 predicted favorable PFS and overall survival. Conclusions: Pasireotide LAR has limited activity in recurrent meningiomas. The finding that somatostatin receptor 3 is associated with favorable outcomes warrants further investigation. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that in patients with recurrent or progressive meningioma, pasireotide LAR does not significantly increase the proportion of patients with PFS at 6 months. PMID:25527270

  17. Cytological and cytogenetical studies on brain tumors. VI. No evidence for a translocation in 22-monosomic meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Zankl, H; Weiss, A F; Zang, K D

    1975-12-23

    The recently detected reciprocal translocations in chronic myeloic leucemia (CML) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) made it necessary to clarify if meningiomas really show the described monosomy 22 or also a translocation. In 10 out of 12 meningiomas a total or partial translocation of the missing chromosome 22 to another chromosome could be ruled out by fluorescence banding analysis. Two meningiomas showed marker chromosomes of such a complex composition that it was impossible to decide if a 22 translocation was present or not. From these results it was concluded that meningioma cells, in contrast to CML and BL, show almost regularly a loss of a definitive part of their genome.

  18. Endoscopic endonasal approaches for the management of skull base meningiomas. Selection criteria and clinical outcomes.

    PubMed

    Todeschini, Alexandre B; Otto, Bradley A; Carrau, Ricardo L; Prevedello, Daniel M

    2018-05-28

    Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor, arising from different locations, including the skull base. Despite advances in adjuvant treatments, surgical resection remains the main and best treatment for meningiomas. New surgical strategies, such as the endoscopic endonasal approach, have greatly contributed in achieving maximum and total safe resection, preserving the patient's neurological function. Based on the senior authors large experience and a review of the current literature, we have compiled this chapter. We review the surgical technique used at our institution and the most relevant aspects of patient selection when considering resecting a skull base meningioma using the the EEA. Further consideration is given to some skull base meningiomas arising from specific locations with some case examples. The EEA is not an ideal approach for every skull base meningioma. Careful evaluation of the surrounding neurovascular structures surrounding the tumor is imperative to select the appropriate surgical corridor for a safe resection. Nevertheless, for appropriately selected cases, the endoscopic technique is a very valuable tool with some evidences of being superior to the microscopic transcranial approach. A dual-trained surgeon, in both endoscopic and transcranial approaches, is the best alternative to achieve the best patient outcome.

  19. Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI relative cerebral blood volume and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Ginat, Daniel T; Mangla, Rajiv; Yeaney, Gabrielle; Schaefer, Pamela W; Wang, Henry

    2012-08-01

    To determine whether there is a correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and cerebral blood flow (CBV) measurements in dynamic contrast-enhanced susceptibility perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the perfusion characteristics in high- versus low-grade meningiomas. A total of 48 (24 high-grade and 24 low-grade) meningiomas with available dynamic susceptibility-weighted MRI were retrospectively reviewed for maximum CBV and semiquantitative VEGF immunoreactivity. Correlation between normalized CBV and VEGF was made using the Spearman rank test and comparison between CBV in high- versus low-grade meningiomas was made using the Wilcoxon test. There was a significant (P = .01) correlation between normalized maximum CBV and VEGF scores with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.37. In addition, there was a significant (P < .01) difference in normalized maximum CBV ratios between high-grade meningiomas (mean 12.6; standard deviation 5.2) and low-grade meningiomas (mean 8.2; standard deviation 5.2). The data suggest that CBV accurately reflects VEGF expression and tumor grade in meningiomas. Perfusion-weighted MRI can potentially serve as a useful biomarker for meningiomas, pending prospective studies. Copyright © 2012 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Posterior fossa meningiomas: surgical experience in 161 cases.

    PubMed

    Roberti, F; Sekhar, L N; Kalavakonda, C; Wright, D C

    2001-07-01

    We report the clinical, radiological, and surgical findings of patients with posterior fossa meningiomas surgically treated at our institution over the last 6 years. We reviewed 161 consecutive cases of posterior fossa meningiomas operated on between April 1993 and April 1999 at The George Washington University Medical Center. There were 128 female and 33 male patients (mean age 47 years, range of 10-81 years). Meningiomas were classified as petroclival (110 cases), foramen magnum (21 cases), cerebellar hemispheric, lateral tentorial (14 cases), cerebellopontine angle (9 cases), and jugular foramen (7 cases). Mean tumor equivalent diameter (TED) = (D1xD2xDE)(1/3) was 3.1 cm (range of 0.53-8.95). Head pain (50% of cases) and disturbance of gait (44%) were the most common presenting symptoms, and cranial neuropathies the most common neurological signs on admission. Mean preoperative performance status (Karnofsky scale) was 80.2 (range 40-100). Surgical approaches to these tumors included partial labyrinthectomy petrous apicectomy, fronto-temporal/fronto-temporal orbitozygomatic osteotomy, retrosigmoidal, extreme lateral, transpetrosal, and combined. In 38 cases a staged procedure was performed. Gross-total resection was achieved in 57% of patients, and subtotal/partial in 43%. Surgical mortality was 2.5% and complications were encountered in 41% of patients. Postoperative CSF leak occurred in 22 cases (13.6%). The mean follow-up was 19 months, ranging from 0.2 to 63.6, and the mean performance status of patients with a follow-up of at least 12 months was 77 (range of 40-100). Recurrence or progression of disease was found in 13.7% of cases (follow-up 2 years or more). Our experience suggests that although posterior fossa meningiomas represent a continuing challenge for contemporary neurosurgeons, such tumors may be completely or subtotally removed with low rate of mortality and acceptable morbidity, allowing most of these patients to achieve a good outcome in a long

  1. Isolated Extracranial Intraosseous Metastasis of an Intracranial Meningioma following Bevacizumab Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

    PubMed Central

    Mukherjee, Debraj; Hu, Jethro L.; Chu, Ray M.

    2018-01-01

    Meningiomas account for a significant proportion of all primary intracranial tumors; distant metastasis is quite rare. We report a patient with resected, atypical meningioma. The patient's clinical course over 5 years included two craniotomies, a course of radiation, and a shortened course of bevacizumab. Only 5 months after starting bevacizumab, the patient developed an isolated left clavicular pathological fracture attributable to metastatic anaplastic meningioma. This constitutes the first report of meningioma with isolated extracranial intraosseous metastasis in the modern English literature and highlights concerns associated with the use of anti-angiogenic agents in promoting more invasive tumor phenotypes upon disease recurrence. PMID:29492134

  2. Transient sheath overvoltages in armored power cables

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gustavsen, B.; Sletbak, J.

    1996-07-01

    This paper is concerned with methods of limiting the build-up of transient voltages between sheath and armor in long armored power cables. Calculations by a frequency dependent cable model demonstrate that this voltage can be efficiently limited to an acceptable level by introducing sheath-armor bondings at regular intervals, or by using a semiconductive sheath-armor interlayer. The paper investigates the required minimum length between bondings, as well as the required conductivity of the sheath-armor interlayer if the use of bondings is to be avoided.

  3. Theory of the electron sheath and presheath

    DOE PAGES

    Scheiner, Brett; Baalrud, Scott D.; Yee, Benjamin T.; ...

    2015-12-30

    Here, electron sheaths are commonly found near Langmuir probes collecting the electron saturation current. The common assumption is that the probe collects the random flux of electrons incident on the sheath, which tacitly implies that there is no electron presheath and that the flux collected is due to a velocity space truncation of the electron velocity distribution function (EVDF). This work provides a dedicated theory of electron sheaths, which suggests that they are not so simple. Motivated by EVDFs observed in particle-in-cell(PIC) simulations, a 1D model for the electron sheath and presheath is developed. In the model, under low temperaturemore » plasma conditions (T e >> T i), an electron pressure gradient accelerates electrons in the presheath to a flow velocity that exceeds the electron thermal speed at the sheath edge. This pressure gradient generates large flow velocities compared to what would be generated by ballistic motion in response to the electric field. It is found that in many situations, under common plasma conditions, the electron presheath extends much further into the plasma than an analogous ion presheath. PIC simulations reveal that the ion density in the electron presheath is determined by a flow around the electron sheath and that this flow is due to 2D aspects of the sheath geometry. Simulations also indicate the presence of ion acoustic instabilities excited by the differential flow between electrons and ions in the presheath, which result in sheath edge fluctuations. The 1D model and time averaged PIC simulations are compared and it is shown that the model provides a good description of the electron sheath and presheath.« less

  4. An intraventricular clear cell meningioma revealed by an inflammatory syndrome in a male adult: a case report.

    PubMed

    Cassereau, J; Lavigne, C; Michalak-Provost, S; Ghali, A; Dubas, F; Fournier, H D

    2008-07-01

    Intraventricular meningiomas are infrequent intracranial tumors. Clinical symptoms are mainly due to an increased intracranial pressure or a direct pressure on the surrounding brain structures. Inflammatory syndrome was described in some patients with chordoid meningiomas. Here we report a case of right intraventricular clear cell meningioma in a 50-year-old man who presented with fever, headache, and inflammatory syndrome. Clinical and biological normalization was rapidly obtained after tumor removal. Immunohistochemical examination showed tumor cells and lymphocytes positivity for the pyrogenic cytokine interleukin-6, with a same intensity. To our knowledge, this is the first case described in the literature concerning an adult man with an intraventricular clear cell meningioma associated with a systemic inflammatory syndrome.

  5. Doxycycline potentiates antitumor effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor cells

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Ming-Jen; Hung, Shih-Hsuan; Huang, Mu-Ching; Tsai, Tsuimin

    2017-01-01

    Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common neurocutaneous disorders. Some NF1 patients develop benign large plexiform neurofibroma(s) at birth, which can then transform into a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). There is no curative treatment for this rapidly progressive and easily metastatic neurofibrosarcoma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as an anti-cancer treatment, and 5-aminolevulinic (ALA) mediated PDT (ALA-PDT) has been used to treat cutaneous skin and oral neoplasms. Doxycycline, a tetracycline derivative, can substantially reduce the tumor burden in human and animal models, in addition to its antimicrobial effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and to investigate the mechanism of action of combined doxycycline and ALA-PDT treatment of MPNST cells. An 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the combination of ALA-PDT and doxycycline significantly reduce MPNST survival rate, compared to cells treated with each therapy alone. Isobologram analysis showed that the combined treatment had a synergistic effect. The increased cytotoxic activity could be seen by an increase in cellular protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation. Furthermore, we found that the higher retention of PpIX was mainly due to increasing ALA uptake, rather than activity changes of the enzymes porphobilinogen deaminase and ferrochelatase. The combined treatment inhibited tumor growth in different tumor cell lines, but not in normal human Schwann cells or fibroblasts. Similarly, a synergistic interaction was also found in cells treated with ALA-PDT combined with minocycline, but not tetracycline. In summary, doxycycline can potentiate the effect of ALA-PDT to kill tumor cells. This increased potency allows for a dose reduction of doxycycline and photodynamic radiation, reducing the occurrence of toxic side effects in vivo. PMID:28558025

  6. Doxycycline potentiates antitumor effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor cells.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ming-Jen; Hung, Shih-Hsuan; Huang, Mu-Ching; Tsai, Tsuimin; Chen, Chin-Tin

    2017-01-01

    Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common neurocutaneous disorders. Some NF1 patients develop benign large plexiform neurofibroma(s) at birth, which can then transform into a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). There is no curative treatment for this rapidly progressive and easily metastatic neurofibrosarcoma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as an anti-cancer treatment, and 5-aminolevulinic (ALA) mediated PDT (ALA-PDT) has been used to treat cutaneous skin and oral neoplasms. Doxycycline, a tetracycline derivative, can substantially reduce the tumor burden in human and animal models, in addition to its antimicrobial effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and to investigate the mechanism of action of combined doxycycline and ALA-PDT treatment of MPNST cells. An 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the combination of ALA-PDT and doxycycline significantly reduce MPNST survival rate, compared to cells treated with each therapy alone. Isobologram analysis showed that the combined treatment had a synergistic effect. The increased cytotoxic activity could be seen by an increase in cellular protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation. Furthermore, we found that the higher retention of PpIX was mainly due to increasing ALA uptake, rather than activity changes of the enzymes porphobilinogen deaminase and ferrochelatase. The combined treatment inhibited tumor growth in different tumor cell lines, but not in normal human Schwann cells or fibroblasts. Similarly, a synergistic interaction was also found in cells treated with ALA-PDT combined with minocycline, but not tetracycline. In summary, doxycycline can potentiate the effect of ALA-PDT to kill tumor cells. This increased potency allows for a dose reduction of doxycycline and photodynamic radiation, reducing the occurrence of toxic side effects in vivo.

  7. Rectus sheath block: successful use in the chronic pain management of pediatric abdominal wall pain.

    PubMed

    Skinner, Adam V; Lauder, Gillian R

    2007-12-01

    Seven pediatric patients (aged 11-16 years) with chronic abdominal wall pain are presented who gained significant relief from a rectus sheath block (RSB). We describe the case histories and review the relevant literature for this technique. The etiology of the abdominal wall pain was considered to be abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment, iatrogenic peripheral nerve injury, myofascial pain syndrome or was unknown. All patients showed significant initial improvement in pain and quality of life. Three patients required only the RSB to enable them to be pain-free and return to normal schooling and physical activities. Two children received complete relief for more than 1 year. In the majority of cases, the procedure was carried out under general anesthesia as a daycase procedure. Local anesthetic and steroids were used. This is the first report of the successful use of this technique in the chronic pain management setting in children.

  8. Laminated magnet field coil sheath

    DOEpatents

    Skaritka, J.R.

    1987-05-15

    A method for manufacturing a magnetic cable trim coil in a sheath assembly for use in a cryogenic particle accelerator. A precisely positioned pattern of trim coil turns is bonded to a flexible substrate sheath that is capable of withstanding cryogenic operating conditions. In the method of the invention the flexible substrate sheath, with the trim coil pattern precisely location relative to a bore tube assembly of an accelerator and is then bonded to the bore tube with a tape suitable for cryogenic application. The resultant assembly can be readily handled and installed within an iron magnet yoke assembly of a suitable cryogenic particle accelerator. 1 fig.

  9. Maternally expressed gene 3, an imprinted noncoding RNA gene, is associated with meningioma pathogenesis and progression.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xun; Gejman, Roger; Mahta, Ali; Zhong, Ying; Rice, Kimberley A; Zhou, Yunli; Cheunsuchon, Pornsuk; Louis, David N; Klibanski, Anne

    2010-03-15

    Meningiomas are common tumors, representing 15% to 25% of all central nervous system tumors. NF2 gene inactivation on chromosome 22 has been shown as an early event in tumorigenesis; however, few factors underlying tumor growth and progression have been identified. The chromosomal abnormalities of 14q32 are often associated with meningioma pathogenesis and progression; therefore, it has been proposed that an as yet unidentified tumor suppressor is present at this locus. Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is an imprinted gene located at 14q32 which encodes a noncoding RNA with an antiproliferative function. We found that MEG3 mRNA is highly expressed in normal arachnoidal cells. However, MEG3 is not expressed in the majority of human meningiomas or the human meningioma cell lines IOMM-Lee and CH157-MN. There is a strong association between loss of MEG3 expression and tumor grade. Allelic loss at the MEG3 locus is also observed in meningiomas, with increasing prevalence in higher grade tumors. In addition, there is an increase in CpG methylation within the promoter and the imprinting control region of MEG3 gene in meningiomas. Functionally, MEG3 suppresses DNA synthesis in both IOMM-Lee and CH157-MN cells by approximately 60% in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Colony-forming efficiency assays show that MEG3 inhibits colony formation in CH157-MN cells by approximately 80%. Furthermore, MEG3 stimulates p53-mediated transactivation in these cell lines. Therefore, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that MEG3, which encodes a noncoding RNA, may be a tumor suppressor gene at chromosome 14q32 involved in meningioma progression via a novel mechanism.

  10. Volumetric response of intracranial meningioma after photon or particle irradiation.

    PubMed

    Mozes, Petra; Dittmar, Jan Oliver; Habermehl, Daniel; Tonndorf-Martini, Eric; Hideghety, Katalin; Dittmar, Anne; Debus, Jürgen; Combs, Stephanie E

    2017-03-01

    Meningiomas are usually slow growing, well circumscribed intracranial tumors. In symptom-free cases observation with close follow-up imaging could be performed. Symptomatic meningiomas could be surgically removed and/or treated with radiotherapy. The study aimed to evaluate the volumetric response of intracranial meningiomas at different time points after photon, proton, and a mixed photon and carbon ion boost irradiation. In Group A 38 patients received proton therapy (median dose: 56 GyE in 1.8-2 GyE daily fractions) or a mixed photon/carbon ion therapy (50 Gy in 2 Gy daily fractions with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and 18 GyE in 3 GyE daily dose carbon ion boost). Thirty-nine patients (Group B) were treated by photon therapy with IMRT or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy technique (median dose: 56 Gy in 1.8-2 Gy daily fractions). The delineation of the tumor volume was based on the initial, one- and two-year follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and these volumes were compared to evaluate the volumetric tumor response. Significant tumor volume shrinkage was detected at one- and at two-year follow-up both after irradiation by particles and by photons. No significant difference in tumor volume change was observed between photon, proton or combined photon plus carbon ion boost treated patients. WHO grade and gender appear to be determining factors for tumor volume shrinkage. Significant volumetric shrinkage of meningiomas could be observed independently of the applied radiation modality. Long-term follow-up is recommended to evaluate further dynamic of size reduction and its correlation with outcome data.

  11. Combined Proton and Photon Conformal Radiotherapy for Intracranial Atypical and Malignant Meningioma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Boskos, Christos; 251 General Hospital of Airforce, Athens; Feuvret, Loic

    2009-10-01

    Purpose: To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of conformal fractionated radiotherapy combining proton and photon beams after primary surgery for treatment of atypical and malignant meningiomas. Patients and Methods: Between September 1999 and October 2006, 24 patients (12 male, 12 female) with histopathologically proven meningioma (atypical 19, malignant 5) received postoperative combined radiotherapy with a 201-MeV proton beam at the Centre Protontherapie d'Orsay and a high-energy photon beam. Six patients underwent gross total resection and 18 a subtotal resection. Median gross tumor volume and clinical target volume were 44.7 cm{sup 3} and 153.3 cm{sup 3}, respectively. Mean total irradiation dose wasmore » 65.01 CGE (cobalt gray equivalent), with a mean proton total dose of 34.05 CGE and a mean photon total dose 30.96 CGE. Results: The median (range) follow-up interval was 32.2 (1-72) months. The overall mean local relapse-free interval was 27.2 (10-50) months, 28.3 (10-50) months for atypical meningioma and 23 (13-33) months for malignant meningioma. Ten tumors recurred locally. One-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 8- year local control rates for the entire group of patients were 82.9% {+-} 7.8%, 82.9% {+-} 7.8%, 61.3% {+-} 11%, 61.3% {+-} 11%, 46.7% {+-} 12.3%, and 46.7% {+-} 12.3%, respectively. One-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 8- year overall survival rates were 100%, 95.5% {+-} 4.4%, 80.4% {+-} 8.8%, 65.3% {+-} 10.6%, 53.2% {+-} 11.6%, and 42.6% {+-} 13%, respectively. Survival was significantly associated with total dose. There was no acute morbidity of radiotherapy. One patient developed radiation necrosis 16 months after treatment. Conclusions: Postoperative combination of conformal radiotherapy with protons and photons for atypical and malignant meningiomas is a well-tolerated treatment producing long-term tumor stabilization.« less

  12. Co-electrospinning fabrication and photocatalytic performance of TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} core/sheath nanofibers with tunable sheath thickness

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cao, Houbao, E-mail: caohoubao66@163.com; Du, Pingfan; Song, Lixin

    2013-11-15

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The core–sheath TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} nanofibers were fabricated by co-electrospinning technique. • The catalytic property of nanofibers with different sheath thickness was studied. • The potential methods of improving catalytic efficiency are suggested. - Abstract: In this paper, core/sheath TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} nanofibers with tunable sheath thickness were directly fabricated via a facile co-electrospinning technique with subsequent calcination at 500 °C. The morphologies and structures of core/sheath TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} nanofibers were characterized by TGA, FESEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS and BET. It was found that the 1D core/sheath nanofibers are made up of anatase–rutile TiO{submore » 2} core and amorphous SiO{sub 2} sheath. The influences of SiO{sub 2} sheath and its thickness on the photoreactivity were evaluated by observing photo-degradation of methylene blue aqueous solution under the irradiation of UV light. Compared with pure TiO{sub 2} nanofibers, the core/sheath TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} nanofibers performed a better catalytic performance. That was attributed to not only efficient separation of hole–electron pairs resulting from the formation of heterojunction but also larger surface area and surface silanol group which will be useful to provide higher capacity for oxygen adsorption to generate more hydroxyl radicals. And the optimized core/sheath TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} nanofibers with a sheath thickness of 37 nm exhibited the best photocatalytic performance.« less

  13. Analytical model for the radio-frequency sheath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Czarnetzki, Uwe

    2013-12-01

    A simple analytical model for the planar radio-frequency (rf) sheath in capacitive discharges is developed that is based on the assumptions of a step profile for the electron front, charge exchange collisions with constant cross sections, negligible ionization within the sheath, and negligible ion dynamics. The continuity, momentum conservation, and Poisson equations are combined in a single integro-differential equation for the square of the ion drift velocity, the so called sheath equation. Starting from the kinetic Boltzmann equation, special attention is paid to the derivation and the validity of the approximate fluid equation for momentum balance. The integrals in the sheath equation appear in the screening function which considers the relative contribution of the temporal mean of the electron density to the space charge in the sheath. It is shown that the screening function is quite insensitive to variations of the effective sheath parameters. The two parameters defining the solution are the ratios of the maximum sheath extension to the ion mean free path and the Debye length, respectively. A simple general analytic expression for the screening function is introduced. By means of this expression approximate analytical solutions are obtained for the collisionless as well as the highly collisional case that compare well with the exact numerical solution. A simple transition formula allows application to all degrees of collisionality. In addition, the solutions are used to calculate all static and dynamic quantities of the sheath, e.g., the ion density, fields, and currents. Further, the rf Child-Langmuir laws for the collisionless as well as the collisional case are derived. An essential part of the model is the a priori knowledge of the wave form of the sheath voltage. This wave form is derived on the basis of a cubic charge-voltage relation for individual sheaths, considering both sheaths and the self-consistent self-bias in a discharge with arbitrary

  14. Analytical model for the radio-frequency sheath.

    PubMed

    Czarnetzki, Uwe

    2013-12-01

    A simple analytical model for the planar radio-frequency (rf) sheath in capacitive discharges is developed that is based on the assumptions of a step profile for the electron front, charge exchange collisions with constant cross sections, negligible ionization within the sheath, and negligible ion dynamics. The continuity, momentum conservation, and Poisson equations are combined in a single integro-differential equation for the square of the ion drift velocity, the so called sheath equation. Starting from the kinetic Boltzmann equation, special attention is paid to the derivation and the validity of the approximate fluid equation for momentum balance. The integrals in the sheath equation appear in the screening function which considers the relative contribution of the temporal mean of the electron density to the space charge in the sheath. It is shown that the screening function is quite insensitive to variations of the effective sheath parameters. The two parameters defining the solution are the ratios of the maximum sheath extension to the ion mean free path and the Debye length, respectively. A simple general analytic expression for the screening function is introduced. By means of this expression approximate analytical solutions are obtained for the collisionless as well as the highly collisional case that compare well with the exact numerical solution. A simple transition formula allows application to all degrees of collisionality. In addition, the solutions are used to calculate all static and dynamic quantities of the sheath, e.g., the ion density, fields, and currents. Further, the rf Child-Langmuir laws for the collisionless as well as the collisional case are derived. An essential part of the model is the a priori knowledge of the wave form of the sheath voltage. This wave form is derived on the basis of a cubic charge-voltage relation for individual sheaths, considering both sheaths and the self-consistent self-bias in a discharge with arbitrary

  15. Quantitative relations between the eyeball, the optic nerve, and the optic canal important for intracranial pressure monitoring

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Objective To find correlations between diameters of the optic nerve sheath (ONSD), the eyeball, and the optic canal that might be important for intracranial pressure monitoring. Methods In a prospective cohort study, the CT data of consecutive 400 adults (18+) with healthy eyes and optic nerves and absence of neurological diseases were collected and analyzed. When the CT scans were obtained, the diameters of the optic nerve sheath, the eyeball, and the optic canal were measured and statistically analyzed. The data obtained from the left and from the right eyeballs and optic nerves were compared. The correlation analysis was performed within these variables, with the gender, and the age. Results In healthy persons, the ONSD varies from 3.65 mm to 5.17 mm in different locations within the intraorbital space with no significant difference between sexes and age groups. There is a strong correlation between the eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) and ONSD that can be presented as ONSD/ETD index. In healthy subjects, the ONSD/ETD index equals 0.19. Conclusion The calculation of an index when ONSD is divided by the ETD of the eyeball presents precise normative database for ONSD intracranial pressure measurement technique. When the ONSD is measured for intracranial pressure monitoring, the most stable results can be obtained if the diameter is measured 10 mm from the globe. These data might serve as a normative database at emergency departments and in general neurological practice. PMID:25130267

  16. Quantitative relations between the eyeball, the optic nerve, and the optic canal important for intracranial pressure monitoring.

    PubMed

    Vaiman, Michael; Gottlieb, Paul; Bekerman, Inessa

    2014-08-17

    To find correlations between diameters of the optic nerve sheath (ONSD), the eyeball, and the optic canal that might be important for intracranial pressure monitoring. In a prospective cohort study, the CT data of consecutive 400 adults (18+) with healthy eyes and optic nerves and absence of neurological diseases were collected and analyzed. When the CT scans were obtained, the diameters of the optic nerve sheath, the eyeball, and the optic canal were measured and statistically analyzed. The data obtained from the left and from the right eyeballs and optic nerves were compared. The correlation analysis was performed within these variables, with the gender, and the age. In healthy persons, the ONSD varies from 3.65 mm to 5.17 mm in different locations within the intraorbital space with no significant difference between sexes and age groups. There is a strong correlation between the eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) and ONSD that can be presented as ONSD/ETD index. In healthy subjects, the ONSD/ETD index equals 0.19. The calculation of an index when ONSD is divided by the ETD of the eyeball presents precise normative database for ONSD intracranial pressure measurement technique. When the ONSD is measured for intracranial pressure monitoring, the most stable results can be obtained if the diameter is measured 10 mm from the globe. These data might serve as a normative database at emergency departments and in general neurological practice.

  17. Measurement of plasma sheath overlap above a trench

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sheridan, T. E.; Steinberger, Thomas E.

    2017-06-01

    The plasma sheath above a rectangular trench has been experimentally characterized as the trench width is varied in a radio frequency (rf) plasma discharge for two different rf powers giving two different sets of plasma parameters. Measurements were made using the positions and all six normal mode frequencies of two dust particles floating just inside the sheath edge above the center of the trench. We find that sheath overlap occurs when the trench width ≲ 3 s 0 for a trench depth ≈0.7s0, where s0 is the planar sheath width. The electric field gradient inside the sheath edge increases with rf power.

  18. Effects of sex on the incidence and prognosis of spinal meningiomas: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results study.

    PubMed

    Westwick, Harrison J; Shamji, Mohammed F

    2015-09-01

    Most spinal meningiomas are intradural lesions in the thoracic spine that present with both local pain and myelopathy. By using the large prospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, the authors studied the incidence of spinal meningiomas and examined demographic and treatment factors predictive of death. Using SEER*Stat software, the authors queried the SEER database for cases of spinal meningioma between 2000 and 2010. From the results, tumor incidence and demographic statistics were computed; incidence was analyzed as a function of tumor location, pathology, age, sex, and malignancy code. Survival was analyzed by using a Cox proportional hazards ratio in SPSS for age, sex, marital status, primary site, size quartile, treatment modality, and malignancy code. In this analysis, significance was set at a p value of 0.05. The 1709 spinal meningiomas reported in the SEER database represented 30.7% of all primary intradural spinal tumors and 7.9% of all meningiomas. These meningiomas occurred at an age-adjusted incidence of 0.193 (95% CI 0.183-0.202) per 100,000 population and were closely related to sex (337 [19.7%] male patients and 1372 [80.3%] female patients). The Cox hazard function for mortality in males was higher (2.4 [95% CI1.7-3.5]) and statistically significant, despite the lower lesion incidence in males. All-cause survival was lowest in patients older than 80 years. Primary site and treatment modality were not significant predictors of mortality. Spinal meningiomas represent a significant fraction of all primary intradural spinal tumors and of all meningiomas. The results of this study establish the association of lesion incidence and survival with sex, with a less frequent incidence in but greater mortality among males.

  19. Comprehensive Study of Plasma-Wall Sheath Transport Phenomena

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-10

    environment, a Langmuir probe and a Retarding Potential Analyzer (RPA). The Langmuir probe could be considered the seminal plasma diagnostic, and a large...plasma-sheath interface. Electric field is normalized by Te/LD (LD is the Debye length) and velocity is normalized by the Bohm speed. Figure 14...studying the interaction of the near-wall plasma sheath with a magnetic field , and modeled the plasma sheath of the GT thick-sheath (~10mm) plasma

  20. Side-welded fast response sheathed thermocouple

    DOEpatents

    Carr, Kenneth R.

    1981-01-01

    A method of fabricating the measuring junction of a grounded-junction sheathed thermocouple to obtain fast time response and good thermal cycling performance is provided. Slots are tooled or machined into the sheath wall at the measuring junction, the thermocouple wires are laser-welded into the slots. A thin metal closure cap is then laser-welded over the end of the sheath. Compared to a conventional grounded-junction thermocouple, the response time is 4-5 times faster and the thermal shock and cycling capabilities are substantially improved.

  1. Evaluation of (18)F-FDG PET and MRI in differentiating benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

    PubMed

    Broski, Stephen M; Johnson, Geoffrey B; Howe, Benjamin M; Nathan, Mark A; Wenger, Doris E; Spinner, Robert J; Amrami, Kimberly K

    2016-08-01

    To compare 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI for differentiating benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNSTs and MPNSTs) and correlate imaging characteristics with histopathology. Patients with pathologically proven PNSTs undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed. PET/CTs and, if available, MRIs were analyzed, noting multiple imaging characteristics and likely pathology (benign or malignant). Thirty-eight patients with 23 BPNSTs and 20 MPNSTs were analyzed. MPNSTs had higher SUVmax (10.1 ± 1.0, 4.2 ± 0.4, p < 0.0001), metabolic tumor volume (146.5 ± 39.4, 21.7 ± 6.6 cm(3), p = 0.01), total lesion glycolysis (640.7 ± 177.5, 89.9 ± 23.2 cm(3)*g/ml, p = 0.01), and SUVmax/LiverSUVmean (5.3 ± 0.5, 2.0 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001). All lesions with SUVmax < 4.3 were benign. All lesions with SUVmax > 8.1 were malignant. SUVmax cutoff of 6.1 yielded 90.0 % sensitivity and 78.3 % specificity for MPNSTs. SUVmax/LiverSUVmean cutoff of 3.0 yielded 90.0 % sensitivity and 82.6 % specificity. MPNSTs more commonly had heterogeneous FDG activity (p < 0.0001), perilesional edema (p = 0.004), cystic degeneration/necrosis (p = 0.015), and irregular margins (p = 0.004). There was no difference in lesion size, MRI signal characteristics, or enhancement. Expertly interpreted MRI had 62.5-81.3 % sensitivity and 94.1-100.0 % specificity while PET had 90.0-100.0 % sensitivity and 52.2-82.6 % specificity for diagnosing MPNSTs. FDG PET and MRI play a complementary role in PNST evaluation. Multiple metabolic parameters and MRI imaging characteristics are useful in differentiating BPNSTs from MPNSTs. This underscores the potential critical role of PET/MRI in these patients.

  2. Laminated magnet field coil sheath

    DOEpatents

    Skaritka, John R.

    1987-12-01

    a method for manufacturing a magnet cable trim coil in a sheath assembly for use in a cryogenic particle accelerator. A precisely positioned pattern of trim coil turns is bonded to a flexible substrate sheath that is capable of withstanding cryogenic operating conditions. In the method of the invention the flexible sheath, with the trim coil pattern precisely positioned thereon, is accurately positioned at a precise location relative to a bore tube assembly of an accelerator and is then bonded to the bore tube with a tape suitable for cryogenic application. The resultant assembly can be readily handled and installed within an iron magnet yoke assembly of a suitable cryogenic particle accelerator.

  3. Impact of 1p/19q codeletion on the diagnosis and prognosis of different grades of meningioma.

    PubMed

    Basaran, Recep; Uslu, Serap; Gucluer, Berrin; Onoz, Mustafa; Isik, Nejat; Tiryaki, Mehmet; Yakicier, Cengiz; Sav, Aydin; Elmaci, Ilhan

    2016-10-01

    Meningiomas are one of the most common tumours to affect the central nervous system. Genetic mutations are important in meningeal tumourigenesis, progression and prognosis. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of 1p/19q deletion on the diagnosis and prognosis of meningioma subtypes using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method. Twenty-four patients with meningioma were retrospectively studied. Tumour samples were obtained from 10 typical, 11 atypical and three anaplastic malignant meningiomas. The most representative tumour sections were screened for 1p/19q deletion using the FISH method. Of the 24 patients, eight were women (33.3%) and 16 (66.7%) were men. The mean age was 56.6 years. The higher-grade meningioma was usually seen in males and had a higher rate of deletion on 1p (p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the grades and the rate of deletion on 19q (p = 0.042) and between the grades and the rates of polysomy, monosomy and amplification on 19q (p = 0.002; p = 0.001; p = 0.002, respectively). There was no statistical difference between 1p/19q codeletion and the grades of meningioma (p > 0.05). We detected higher level of Ki-67 in the condition of codeletion but did not find a statistical difference (p = 0.0553). Deletion on 1p, as well as deletion, polysomy, monosomy and amplification on 19q, are detected more frequently in high grade meningiomas. This amplification is most likely due to the amplification of oncogenes.

  4. A novel rat model of brachial plexus injury with nerve root stumps.

    PubMed

    Fang, Jintao; Yang, Jiantao; Yang, Yi; Li, Liang; Qin, Bengang; He, Wenting; Yan, Liwei; Chen, Gang; Tu, Zhehui; Liu, Xiaolin; Gu, Liqiang

    2018-02-01

    The C5-C6 nerve roots are usually spared from avulsion after brachial plexus injury (BPI) and thus can be used as donors for nerve grafting. To date, there are no appropriate animal models to evaluate spared nerve root stumps. Hence, the aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a rat model with spared nerve root stumps in BPI. In rupture group, the proximal parts of C5-T1 nerve roots were held with the surrounding muscles and the distal parts were pulled by a sudden force after the brachial plexus was fully exposed, and the results were compared with those of sham group. To validate the model, the lengths of C5-T1 spared nerve root stumps were measured and the histologies of the shortest one and the corresponding spinal cord were evaluated. C5 nerve root stump was found to be the shortest. Histology findings demonstrated that the nerve fibers became more irregular and the continuity decreased; numbers and diameters of myelinated axons and thickness of myelin sheaths significantly decreased over time. The survival of motoneurons was reduced, and the death of motoneurons may be related to the apoptotic process. Our model could successfully create BPI model with nerve root stumps by traction, which could simulate injury mechanisms. While other models involve root avulsion or rupturing by distal nerve transection. This model would be suitable for evaluating nerve root stumps and testing new therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection through nerve root stumps in the future. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  5. [Lipomatosis of nerve: a clinicopathologic analysis of 15 cases].

    PubMed

    MAO, Rong-jun; YANG, Ke-fei; WANG, Jian

    2011-03-01

    To study the clinicopathologic features of lipomatosis of nerve (NLS). The clinical, radiologic and pathologic features were analyzed in 15 cases of NLS. There were a total of 10 males and 5 females. The age of patients ranged from 4 to 42 years (mean age = 22.4 years). Eleven cases were located in the upper limbs and 4 cases in the lower limbs. The median nerve was the most common involved nerve. The patients typically presented before 30 years of age (often at birth or in early childhood) with a soft and slowly enlarging mass in the limb, with or without accompanying motor and sensory deficits. Some cases also had macrodactyly and carpal tunnel syndrome. MRI showed the presence of fatty tissue between nerve fascicles, resembling coaxial cable in axial plane and assuming a spaghetti-like appearance in coronal plane. On gross examination, the affected nerve was markedly increased in length and diameter. It consisted of a diffusely enlarged greyish-yellow lobulated fusiform beaded mass within the epineural sheath. Histologically, the epineurium was infiltrated by fibrofatty tissue which separated, surrounded and compressed the usually normal-appearing nerve fascicles, resulting in perineural septation of nerve fascicles and microfascicle formation. The infiltration sometimes resulted in concentric arrangement of perineural cells and pseudo-onion bulb-like hypertrophic changes. The perineurial cells might proliferate, with thickening of collagen fibers, degeneration and atrophic changes of nerve bundles. Immunohistochemical study showed that the nerve fibers expressed S-100 protein, neurofilament and CD56 (weak). The endothelial cells and dendritic fibers were highlighted by CD34. The intravascular smooth muscle cells were positive for muscle-specific actin. NLS is a rare benign soft tissue tumor of peripheral nerve. The MRI findings are characteristic. A definitive diagnosis can be made with histologic examination of tissue biopsy.

  6. Análisis comparativo de meningiomas cerebrales Grado I vs Grado II en una serie retrospectiva de 63 pacientes operados

    PubMed Central

    Coppola, Federico; Campbell, Juan Iaconis; Herrero, Juan Manuel; Volpe, Emilio; Cersosimo, Tito

    2017-01-01

    Resumen Introducción: Los meningiomas Grado II tienen un comportamiento biológico más agresivo que los Grado I. A partir del año 2007, con los nuevos criterios de clasificación, la incidencia de meningiomas atípicos reportada aumentó hasta un 35%. Objetivo: Establecer diferencias entre los Meningiomas Grado I y II de la clasificación de la OMS, en lo que respecta a: grados de resección de Simpson, localización tumoral, necesidad de reintervención, tratamiento adyuvante, evolución y mortalidad. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 63 pacientes operados entre el periodo 2009-2015. Variables analizadas: sexo, edad, grado histológico, localización, grado de resección quirúrgica, radioterapia adyuvante, mortalidad y evolución. Resultados: Se analizaron 63 pacientes: 51 Grado I y 12 Grado II de la clasificación de la OMS. La distribución por sexo no mostró diferencias entre meningiomas benignos y atípicos. Tampoco el grupo etario de presentación; mediana de 57 años. Un 55% de los meningiomas benignos se localizaron fuera de la base del cráneo versus el 91,6% de los meningiomas atípicos (P = 0.02). En el 74,5% de los meningiomas benignos se logró una resección total (Simpson I-II-III) versus el 58.3% para los atípicos (P = 0.3). Se reintervinieron el 33,3% de meningiomas atípicos en comparación con el 9.8% de los benignos (P = 0.03). Tuvieron una buena evolución el 86,2% de los benignos vs el 53,8% de los GII (P = 0.01). Realizaron radioterapia adyuvante el 33,3% de los meningiomas Grado II vs el 1,9% de los Grado I. Conclusiones: Los meningiomas atípicos cerebrales tienen peor pronóstico evolutivo que los Grado I de la OMS. Presentan una mayor tasa de reintervención y se localizan más frecuentemente fuera de la base del cráneo. La localización pareciera ser un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de meningiomas atípicos. PMID:29142779

  7. Glioneuronal Heterotopia Presenting As a Cerebellopontine angle Tumor of the cranial Nerve VIII, Case Report.

    PubMed

    Peris-Celda, M; Giannini, C; Diehn, F E; Eckel, L J; Neff, B A; Van Gompel, J J

    2018-04-03

    Vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas account for the great majority of lesions arising in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). In this report, we present a case of glioneuronal heterotopia, also known as glioneuronal hamartoma, arising from the VIII cranial nerve, which is an extremely uncommon lesion. Important radiologic and surgical aspects are reviewed, which may help in early recognition and intraoperative decision making when these lesions are encountered. A healthy 29-year-old female presented with intermittent right facial numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an incidental minimally enhancing cerebellopontine angle lesion on the right VII-VIII cranial nerve complex. The patient declined serial observation and opted for operative intervention for resection. Intraoperatively, the lesion resembled neural tissue and was continuous with the VIII cranial nerve. Pathological analysis demonstrated mature glioneuronal tissue consistent with hamartomatous brain tissue. The patient maintained normal hearing and facial nerve function after surgery. Radiologic, surgical and pathological characteristics are described. Ectopic glioneuronal tissue of the VIII cranial nerve is a rare non-neoplastic lesion, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unusual appearing intracanalicular and cerebellopontine angle lesions. The congenital and benign nature of this entity makes observation a valid option for these cases, although they are so infrequent that they are often presumptively managed as vestibular schwannomas. Attempts to radically resect these lesions may result in higher rates of hearing loss or facial palsy due to their continuity with the cranial nerves. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. The characteristics of RF modulated plasma boundary sheaths: An analysis of the standard sheath model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Naggary, Schabnam; Brinkmann, Ralf Peter

    2015-09-01

    The characteristics of radio frequency (RF) modulated plasma boundary sheaths are studied on the basis of the so-called ``standard sheath model.'' This model assumes that the applied radio frequency ωRF is larger than the plasma frequency of the ions but smaller than that of the electrons. It comprises a phase-averaged ion model - consisting of an equation of continuity (with ionization neglected) and an equation of motion (with collisional ion-neutral interaction taken into account) - a phase-resolved electron model - consisting of an equation of continuity and the assumption of Boltzmann equilibrium -, and Poisson's equation for the electrical field. Previous investigations have studied the standard sheath model under additional approximations, most notably the assumption of a step-like electron front. This contribution presents an investigation and parameter study of the standard sheath model which avoids any further assumptions. The resulting density profiles and overall charge-voltage characteristics are compared with those of the step-model based theories. The authors gratefully acknowledge Efe Kemaneci for helpful comments and fruitful discussions.

  9. Theory of ion-matrix-sheath dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kos, L.; Tskhakaya, D. D.

    2018-01-01

    The time evolution of a one-dimensional, uni-polar ion sheath (an "ion matrix sheath") is investigated. The analytical solutions for the ion-fluid and Poisson's equations are found for an arbitrary time dependence of the wall-applied negative potential. In the case that the wall potential is large and remains constant after its ramp-up application, the explicit time dependencies of the sheath's parameters during the initial stage of the process are given. The characteristic rate of approaching the stationary state, satisfying the Child-Langmuir law, is determined.

  10. Side-welded fast response sheathed thermocouple

    DOEpatents

    Carr, K.R.

    A method of fabricating the measuring junction of a grounded-junction sheathed thermocouple to obtain fast time response and good thermal cycling performance is provided. Slots are tooled or machined into the sheath wall at the measuring junction, the thermocouple wires are laser-welded into the slots. A thin metal closure cap is then laser-welded over the end of the sheath. Compared to a conventional grounded-junction thermocouple, the response time is 4 to 5 times faster and the thermal shock and cycling capabilities are substantially improved.

  11. Morphometric analysis of the diameter and g-ratio of the myelinated nerve fibers of the human sciatic nerve during the aging process.

    PubMed

    Ugrenović, Sladjana; Jovanović, Ivan; Vasović, Ljiljana; Kundalić, Braca; Čukuranović, Rade; Stefanović, Vladisav

    2016-06-01

    Myelinated nerve fibers suffer from different degrees of atrophy with age. The success of subsequent regeneration varies. The aim of this research was to analyze myelinated fibers of the human sciatic nerve during the aging process. Morphometric analysis was performed on 17 cases with an age range from 9 to 93 years. The outer and inner diameter of 100 randomly selected nerve fibers was measured in each of the cases evaluated, and the g-ratio (axonal diameter/outer diameter of the whole nerve fiber) of each was calculated. Scatter plots of the diameters and g-ratios of the analyzed fibers were then analyzed. Nerve fibers of each case were classified into three groups according to the g-ratio values: group I (g-ratio lower than 0.6), group II (g-ratio from 0.6 to 0.7) and group III (g-ratio higher than 0.7). Afterwards, nerve fibers of group II were further classified into small and large subgroups. The percentages of each group of nerve fibers were computed for each case and these values were used for correlational and bivariate linear regression analysis. The percentage of myelinated nerve fibers with large diameter and optimal g-ratio of the sciatic nerve declines significantly with age. This is accompanied by a simultaneous significant increase in the percentage of small myelinated fibers with g-ratio values close to 1 that occupy the upper left quadrant of the scatter plot. It can be concluded that aging of the sciatic nerve is associated with significant atrophy of large myelinated fibers. Additionally, a significant increase in regenerated nerve fibers with thinner myelin sheath is observed with age, which, together with the large myelinated fiber atrophy, might be the cause of the age-related decline in conduction velocity. A better understanding of the changes in aging peripheral nerves might improve interpretation of their pathological changes, as well as comprehension of their regeneration in individuals of different age.

  12. Ion Dynamics Model for Collisionless Radio Frequency Sheaths

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bose, Deepak; Govindan, T.R.; Meyyappan, M.

    2000-01-01

    Full scale reactor model based on fluid equations is widely used to analyze high density plasma reactors. It is well known that the submillimeter scale sheath in front of a biased electrode supporting the wafer is difficult to resolve in numerical simulations, and the common practice is to use results for electric field from some form of analytical sheath model as boundary conditions for full scale reactor simulation. There are several sheath models in the literature ranging from Child's law to a recent unified sheath model [P. A. Miller and M. E. Riley, J. Appl. Phys. 82, 3689 (1997)l. In the present work, the cold ion fluid equations in the radio frequency sheath are solved numerically to show that the spatiotemporal variation of ion flux inside the sheath, commonly ignored in analytical models, is important in determining the electric field and ion energy at the electrode. Consequently, a semianalytical model that includes the spatiotemporal variation of ion flux is developed for use as boundary condition in reactor simulations. This semianalytical model is shown to yield results for sheath properties in close agreement with numerical solutions.

  13. [Microsurgical removal of olfactory groove meningiomas].

    PubMed

    Liang, Ri-Sheng; Zhou, Liang-Fu; Mao, Ying; Zhang, Rong; Yang, Wei-Zhong

    2011-01-01

    To explore an effective method for further improving the surgical results of treatment of olfactory groove meningiomas. Sixty seven cases of olfactory groove meningiomas were treated by microneurosurgery, among which fifty seven were de novo cases, eight were recurrent tumors and the other two re-recurrent cases. Modified Derome approach was used in 12 cases, bilateral subfrontal approach in 28 cases, modified pterional approach in 21 cases and unilateral subfrontal approach in six cases. Tumors were resected microsurgically with radical removal of invaded dura, bone, and paranasal sinus mucosa. Reconstruction was performed in patients with skull base defect. Simpson grade I removal was accomplished in 59 cases, grade II in seven cases and grade IV in one case. Among 57 patients with de novo tumor, Simpson I resection was accomplished in 54 cases. Postoperative rhinorrhea and intracranial infection occurred in one case and was cured after temporal lumbar CSF drainage and antibiotic therapy. Two patients (2.9%) died within one month after operation, i.e.one aged patient of heart failure and the other of severe hypothalamus complication. Forty seven patients (72.3%) were followed up from one to ten years with an average of five years and four months. With the exception of two cases died, among the alive 45 patients, there were only three patients with tumor recurrence, which had undergone Simpson II or IV tumor resection. No recurrence was found in cases with Simpson I tumor removal. Previous blurred vision was not improved in three patients, hemiparalysis in two patients, and the other patients recovered well, resuming previous jobs or being able to take care themselves. Total tumor removal (Simpson I) should be the surgical goal for treatment of olfactory groove meningiomas, especially for de novo cases. An appropriate approach is fundamental in the effort to remove an OGM totally. Appropriate anterior skull base reconstruction with vascularized material is

  14. Boron neutron capture therapy for recurrent high-grade meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Kawabata, Shinji; Hiramatsu, Ryo; Kuroiwa, Toshihiko; Ono, Koji; Miyatake, Shin-Ichi

    2013-10-01

    Similar to glioblastomas, high-grade meningiomas are difficult pathologies to control. In this study, the authors used boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a tumor-selective intensive particle radiation modality, to treat high-grade meningioma. From June 2005 to September 2011, BNCT was applied 28 times in 20 cases of recurrent high-grade meningioma. All patients had previously undergone intensive treatments such as repetitive surgeries and multiple sessions of radiation therapy. Fluorine-18-labeled boronophenylalanine ((18)F-BPA) PET was performed before BNCT in 19 of the 20 cases; BPA is itself a therapeutic compound. Compound uptake, tumor shrinkage, long-term control rate including survival time, and failure pattern of the treated patients were all evaluated. Eighteen of 19 cases studied using (18)F-BPA PET showed good BPA uptake, with ratios of tumor to normal brain greater than 2.7. These ratios indicated the likely effects of BNCT prior to neutron irradiation. The original tumor sizes were between 4.3 cm(3) and 109 cm(3). A mean tumor volume reduction of 64.5% was obtained after BNCT within just 2 months. The median follow-up duration was 13 months. Six patients are still alive; at present, the median survival times after BNCT and diagnosis are 14.1 months (95% CI 8.6-40.4 months) and 45.7 months (95% CI 32.4-70.7 months), respectively. Clinical symptoms before BNCT, such as hemiparesis and facial pain, were improved after BNCT in symptomatic cases. Systemic metastasis, intracranial distant recurrence outside the radiation field, CSF dissemination, and local tumor progression were observed in 6, 7, 3, and 3 cases, respectively, during the clinical course. Apparent pseudoprogression was observed in at least 3 cases. Symptomatic radiation injuries occurred in 6 cases, and were controllable in all but 1 case. Boron neutron capture therapy may be especially effective in cases of high-grade meningioma.

  15. Immunohistochemical localization of cell adhesion molecule epithelial cadherin in human arachnoid villi and meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Tohma, Y; Yamashima, T; Yamashita, J

    1992-04-01

    Cadherins are a family of intercellular glycoproteins responsible for calcium-dependent cell adhesion and are currently divided into four types: epithelial (E), neuronal (N), placental (P), and vascular (V). Since cadherins are known to be indispensable for not only morphogenesis in the embryo but also maintenance of tumor cell nest, we examined the expression of E-cadherin in 31 meningiomas (11 syncytial, 12 transitional, 8 fibroblastic) and 3 arachnoid villi by immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses. In the immunoblot analysis, E-cadherin was detected at the main band of Mr 124,000 in all of the arachnoid villi, as well as syncytial and transitional types of meningiomas, but not in the fibroblastic type. The immunohistochemical examination showed that E-cadherin was expressed at the cell borders of syncytial and transitional types, but the expression was absent in the fibroblastic type. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that E-cadherin was localized at the intermediate junctions in arachnoid villi, while it was detected diffusely at the cell surface in meningiomas. It is suggested from these data that the expression of E-cadherin might be closely related to the differentiation and organogenesis of meningioma cells.

  16. Miniature sheathed thermocouples for turbine blade temperature measurement

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holanda, R.; Glawe, G. E.; Krause, L. N.

    1974-01-01

    An investigation was made of sheathed thermocouples for turbine blade temperature measurements. Tests were performed on the Chromel-Alumel sheathed thermocouples with both two-wire and single-wire configurations. Sheath diameters ranged from 0.25 to 0.76 mm, and temperatures ranged from 1080 to 1250 K. Both steady-state and thermal cycling tests were performed for times up to 450 hr. Special-order and commercial-grade thermocouples were tested. The tests showed that special-order single-wire sheathed thermocouples can be obtained that are reliable and accurate with diameters as small as 0.25 mm. However, all samples of 0.25-mm-diameter sheathed commercial-grade two-wire and single-wire thermocouples that were tested showed unacceptable drift rates for long-duration engine testing programs. The drift rates were about 1 percent in 10 hr. A thermocouple drift test is recommended in addition to the normal acceptance tests in order to select reliable miniature sheathed thermocouples for turbine blade applications.

  17. Benchmarking sheath subgrid boundary conditions for macroscopic-scale simulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jenkins, T. G.; Smithe, D. N.

    2015-02-01

    The formation of sheaths near metallic or dielectric-coated wall materials in contact with a plasma is ubiquitous, often giving rise to physical phenomena (sputtering, secondary electron emission, etc) which influence plasma properties and dynamics both near and far from the material interface. In this paper, we use first-principles PIC simulations of such interfaces to formulate a subgrid sheath boundary condition which encapsulates fundamental aspects of the sheath behavior at the interface. Such a boundary condition, based on the capacitive behavior of the sheath, is shown to be useful in fluid simulations wherein sheath scale lengths are substantially smaller than scale lengths for other relevant physical processes (e.g. radiofrequency wavelengths), in that it enables kinetic processes associated with the presence of the sheath to be numerically modeled without explicit resolution of spatial and temporal sheath scales such as electron Debye length or plasma frequency.

  18. Fractionated Proton Radiotherapy for Benign Cavernous Sinus Meningiomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Slater, Jerry D., E-mail: jdslater@dominion.llumc.edu; Loredo, Lilia N.; Chung, Arthur

    2012-08-01

    Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of fractionated proton radiotherapy for a population of patients with benign cavernous sinus meningiomas. Methods and Materials: Between 1991 and 2002, 72 patients were treated at Loma Linda University Medical Center with proton therapy for cavernous sinus meningiomas. Fifty-one patients had biopsy or subtotal resection; 47 had World Health Organization grade 1 pathology. Twenty-one patients had no histologic verification. Twenty-two patients received primary proton therapy; 30 had 1 previous surgery; 20 had more than 1 surgery. The mean gross tumor volume was 27.6 cm{sup 3}; mean clinical target volume was 52.9 cm{sup 3}. Median totalmore » doses for patients with and without histologic verification were 59 and 57 Gy, respectively. Mean and median follow-up periods were 74 months. Results: The overall 5-year actuarial control rate was 96%; the control rate was 99% in patients with grade 1 or absent histologic findings and 50% for those with atypical histology. All 21 patients who did not have histologic verification and 46 of 47 patients with histologic confirmation of grade 1 tumor demonstrated disease control at 5 years. Control rates for patients without previous surgery, 1 surgery, and 2 or more surgeries were 95%, 96%, and 95%, respectively. Conclusions: Fractionated proton radiotherapy for grade 1 cavernous sinus meningiomas achieves excellent control rates with minimal toxicities, regardless of surgical intervention or use of histologic diagnosis. Disease control for large lesions can be achieved by primary fractionated proton therapy.« less

  19. Sensitivity and usefulness of anti-phosphohistone-H3 antibody immunostaining for counting mitotic figures in meningioma cases.

    PubMed

    Fukushima, Shintaro; Terasaki, Mizuhiko; Sakata, Kiyohiko; Miyagi, Naohisa; Kato, Seiya; Sugita, Yasuo; Shigemori, Minoru

    2009-01-01

    According to current World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, counting mitotic figures (MF), which is equal to the mitotic index (MI), on paraffin sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) is one of the recognized classification methods for meningiomas. However, it is not always easy to find the area of highest mitotic activity, and there are different perspectives among pathologists with regard to differentiating MF from non-MF, i.e., which are apoptotic figures and which are crushed or distorted cells. Moreover, there is an issue of overgrading in meningiomas with preoperative feeder embolization. Recently, anti-phosphohistone-H3 (PHH3) antibody has been reported as a mitosis-specific marker for meningioma grading. In this study, we attempted PHH3 immunostaining for our meningioma cases and verified not only the sensitivity of PHH3 immunostaining but also that of its usefulness in grading meningiomas. Forty-five initial histologically confirmed meningiomas (37 benign, 7 atypical, and 1 anaplastic) were reviewed according to current WHO criteria based on counting MF on HE-stained slides. PHH3-immunostained MF were counted in the same way, and the MIB-1 labeling index (LI) was calculated for each sample. PHH3-labeled MF were easily identified and permitted rapid recognition of the areas of highest mitotic activity. As a result, significant increase of PHH3 mitotic index (PHH3-MI) in comparison with HE mitotic index (HE-MI) and strong correlations with HE-MI to PHH3-MI as well as PHH3-MI to MIB-1 LI were demonstrated. Furthermore, no significant differences of PHH3-MI between cases with and without feeder embolization were demonstrated. As such, PHH3 may be a sensitive and useful marker for meningioma grading as based on the MF.

  20. Maternally Expressed Gene 3, an imprinted non-coding RNA gene, is associated with meningioma pathogenesis and progression

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Xun; Gejman, Roger; Mahta, Ali; Zhong, Ying; Rice, Kimberley A.; Zhou, Yunli; Cheunsuchon, Pornsuk; Louis, David N.; Klibanski, Anne

    2010-01-01

    Meningiomas are common tumors, representing 15-25% of all central nervous system tumors. NF2 gene inactivation on chromosome 22 has been shown as an early event in tumorigenesis; however, few factors underlying tumor growth and progression have been identified. Chromosomal abnormalities of 14q32 are often associated with meningioma pathogenesis and progression; therefore it has been proposed that an as yet unidentified tumor suppressor is present at this locus. MEG3 is an imprinted gene located at 14q32 that encodes a non-coding RNA with an anti-proliferative function. We found that MEG3 mRNA is highly expressed in normal arachnoidal cells. However, MEG3 is not expressed in the majority of human meningiomas or the human meningioma cell lines IOMM-Lee and CH157-MN. There is a strong association between loss of MEG3 expression and tumor grade. Allelic loss at the MEG3 locus is also observed in meningiomas, with increasing prevalence in higher grade tumors. In addition, there is an increase in CpG methylation within the promoter and the imprinting control region of MEG3 gene in meningiomas. Functionally, MEG3 suppresses DNA synthesis in both IOMM-Lee and CH157-MN cells by approximately 60% in BrdU incorporation assays. Colony-forming efficiency assays show that MEG3 inhibits colony formation in CH157-MN cells by approximately 80%. Furthermore, MEG3 stimulates p53-mediated transactivation in these cell lines. Therefore, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that MEG3, which encodes a non-coding RNA, may be a tumor suppressor gene at chromosome 14q32 involved in meningioma progression via a novel mechanism. PMID:20179190

  1. Expression of the tumor suppressor genes NF2, 4.1B, and TSLC1 in canine meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Dickinson, P J; Surace, E I; Cambell, M; Higgins, R J; Leutenegger, C M; Bollen, A W; LeCouteur, R A; Gutmann, D H

    2009-09-01

    Meningiomas are common primary brain tumors in dogs; however, little is known about the molecular genetic mechanisms involved in their tumorigenesis. Several tumor suppressor genes have been implicated in meningioma pathogenesis in humans, including the neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), protein 4.1B (4.1 B), and tumor suppressor in lung cancer-1 (TSLC1) genes. We investigated the expression of these tumor suppressor genes in a series of spontaneous canine meningiomas using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (NF2; n = 25) and western blotting (NF2/merlin, 4.1B, TSLC1; n = 30). Decreased expression of 4.1B and TSLC1 expression on western blotting was seen in 6/30 (20%) and in 15/30 (50%) tumors, respectively, with 18/30 (60%) of meningiomas having decreased or absent expression of one or both proteins. NF2 gene expression assessed by western blotting and RT-PCR varied considerably between individual tumors. Complete loss of NF2 protein on western blotting was not seen, unlike 4.1B and TSLC1. Incidence of TSLC1 abnormalities was similar to that seen in human meningiomas, while perturbation of NF2 and 4.1B appeared to be less common than reported for human tumors. No association was observed between tumor grade, subtype, or location and tumor suppressor gene expression based on western blot or RT-PCR. These results suggest that loss of these tumor suppressor genes is a frequent occurrence in canine meningiomas and may be an early event in tumorigenesis in some cases. In addition, it is likely that other, as yet unidentified, genes play an important role in canine meningioma formation and growth.

  2. Rectus sheath hematoma: three case reports

    PubMed Central

    Kapan, Selin; Turhan, Ahmet N; Alis, Halil; Kalayci, Mustafa U; Hatipoglu, Sinan; Yigitbas, Hakan; Aygun, Ersan

    2008-01-01

    Introduction Rectus sheath hematoma is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain. It is an accumulation of blood in the sheath of the rectus abdominis, secondary to rupture of an epigastric vessel or muscle tear. It could occur spontaneously or after trauma. They are usually located infraumblically and often misdiagnosed as acute abdomen, inflammatory diseases or tumours of the abdomen. Case presentation We reported three cases of rectus sheath hematoma presenting with a mass in the abdomen and diagnosed by computerized tomography. The patients recovered uneventfully after bed rest, intravenous fluid replacement, blood transfusion and analgesic treatment. Conclusion Rectus sheath hematoma is a rarely seen pathology often misdiagnosed as acute abdomen that may lead to unnecessary laparotomies. Computerized tomography must be chosen for definitive diagnosis since ultrasonography is subject to error due to misinterpretation of the images. Main therapy is conservative management. PMID:18221529

  3. Mouse Models of Neurofibromatosis 1 and 21

    PubMed Central

    Gutmann, David H; Giovannini, Marco

    2002-01-01

    Abstract The neurofibromatoses represent two of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes affecting the nervous system. Individuals with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) are prone to the development of astrocytomas and peripheral nerve sheath tumors whereas those affected with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) develop schwannomas and meningiomas. The development of traditional homozygous knockout mice has provided insights into the roles of the NF1 and NF2 genes during development and in differentiation, but has been less instructive regarding the contribution of NF1 and NF2 dysfunction to the pathogenesis of specific benign and malignant tumors. Recent progress employing novel mouse targeting strategies has begun to illuminate the roles of the NF1 and NF2 gene products in the molecular pathogenesis of NF-associated tumors. PMID:12082543

  4. A retrospective study of skull base neoplasia in 42 dogs.

    PubMed

    Rissi, Daniel R

    2015-11-01

    This study describes the prevalence and distribution of 42 cases of skull base neoplasia in dogs between 2000 and 2014. The average age of affected individuals was 9.5 years, and there was no sex or breed predisposition. The most common skull base neoplasms were meningioma (25 cases) and pituitary adenoma (9 cases). Less common tumors included craniopharyngioma (2 cases), nerve sheath tumor (2 cases), and 1 case each of pituitary carcinoma, meningeal oligodendrogliomatosis, presumed nasal or sinonasal carcinoma, and multilobular tumor of bone. All neoplasms caused some degree of compression of adjacent structures. The distribution of the tumors was greatest in the sellar region (n = 18), followed by the paranasal region (n = 12), caudal cranial fossa (n = 10), central cranial fossa (n = 1), and rostral cranial fossa (n = 1). © 2015 The Author(s).

  5. Fusion of magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance imaging for surgical planning for meningioma--technical note.

    PubMed

    Kashimura, Hiroshi; Ogasawara, Kuniaki; Arai, Hiroshi; Beppu, Takaaki; Inoue, Takashi; Takahashi, Tsutomu; Matsuda, Koichi; Takahashi, Yujiro; Fujiwara, Shunrou; Ogawa, Akira

    2008-09-01

    A fusion technique for magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and MR imaging was developed to help assess the peritumoral angioarchitecture during surgical planning for meningioma. Three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF) and 3D-spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) datasets were obtained from 10 patients with intracranial meningioma, and fused using newly developed volume registration and visualization software. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images from 3D-TOF MR angiography and axial SPGR MR imaging were displayed at the same time on the monitor. Selecting a vessel on the real-time MIP image indicated the corresponding points on the axial image automatically. Fusion images showed displacement of the anterior cerebral or middle cerebral artery in 7 patients and encasement of the anterior cerebral arteries in 1 patient, with no relationship between the main arterial trunk and tumor in 2 patients. Fusion of MR angiography and MR imaging can clarify relationships between the intracranial vasculature and meningioma, and may be helpful for surgical planning for meningioma.

  6. Protective sheath for a continuous measurement thermocouple

    DOEpatents

    Phillippi, R.M.

    1991-12-03

    Disclosed is a protective thermocouple sheath of a magnesia graphite refractory material for use in continuous temperature measurements of molten metal in a metallurgical ladle and having a basic slag layer thereon. The sheath includes an elongated torpedo-shaped sheath body formed of a refractory composition and having an interior borehole extending axially therethrough and adapted to receive a thermocouple. The sheath body includes a lower end which is closed about the borehole and forms a narrow, tapered tip. The sheath body also includes a first body portion integral with the tapered tip and having a relatively constant cross section and providing a thin wall around the borehole. The sheath body also includes a second body portion having a relatively constant cross section larger than the cross section of the first body portion and providing a thicker wall around the borehole. The borehole terminates in an open end at the second body portion. The tapered tip is adapted to penetrate the slag layer and the thicker second body portion and its magnesia constituent material are adapted to withstand chemical attack thereon from the slag layer. The graphite constituent improves thermal conductivity of the refractory material and, thus, enhances the thermal responsiveness of the device. 4 figures.

  7. Protective sheath for a continuous measurement thermocouple

    DOEpatents

    Phillippi, R. Michael

    1991-01-01

    Disclosed is a protective thermocouple sheath of a magnesia graphite refractory material for use in continuous temperature measurements of molten metal in a metallurgical ladle and having a basic slag layer thereon. The sheath includes an elongated torpedo-shaped sheath body formed of a refractory composition and having an interior borehole extending axially therethrough and adapted to receive a thermocouple. The sheath body includes a lower end which is closed about the borehole and forms a narrow, tapered tip. The sheath body also includes a first body portion integral with the tapered tip and having a relatively constant cross section and providing a thin wall around the borehole. The sheath body also includes a second body portion having a relatively constant cross section larger than the cross section of the first body portion and providing a thicker wall around the borehole. The borehole terminates in an open end at the second body portion. The tapered tip is adapted to penetrate the slag layer and the thicker second body portion and its magnesia constituent material are adapted to withstand chemical attack thereon from the slag layer. The graphite constituent improves thermal conductivity of the refractory material and, thus, enhances the thermal responsiveness of the device.

  8. Genomic status of MET potentiates sensitivity to MET and MEK inhibition in NF1-related malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

    PubMed

    Peacock, Jacqueline D; Pridgeon, Matthew G; Tovar, Elizabeth A; Essenburg, Curt J; Bowman, Megan J; Madaj, Zachary B; Koeman, Julie; Boguslawski, Elissa A; Grit, Jamie; Dodd, Rebecca D; Khachaturov, Vadim; Cardona, Diana M; Chen, Mark; Kirsch, David G; Maina, Flavio; Dono, Rosanna; Winn, Mary E; Graveel, Carrie R; Steensma, Matthew R

    2018-05-02

    Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) are highly resistant sarcomas that occur in up to 13% of individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Genomic analysis of longitudinally collected tumor samples in a case of MPNST disease progression revealed early hemizygous microdeletions in NF1 and TP53, with progressive amplifications of MET, HGF, and EGFR. To examine the role of MET in MPNST progression, we developed mice with enhanced MET expression and Nf1 ablation (Nf1fl/KO;lox-stop-loxMETtg/+;Plp-creERTtg/+; referred to as NF1 MET). NF1-MET mice express a robust MPNST phenotype in the absence of additional mutations. A comparison of NF1-MET MPNSTs with MPNSTs derived from Nf1KO/+;p53R172H;Plp-creERTtg/+ (NF1-P53) and Nf1KO/+;Plp-creERTtg/+ (NF1) mice revealed unique Met, Ras, and PI3K signaling patterns. NF1-MET MPNSTs were uniformly sensitive to the highly selective MET inhibitor, capmatinib, whereas a heterogeneous response to MET inhibition was observed in NF1-P53 and NF1 MPNSTs. Combination therapy of capmatinib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib resulted in reduced response variability, enhanced suppression of tumor growth, and suppressed RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling. These results highlight the influence of concurrent genomic alterations on RAS effector signaling and therapy response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Moreover, these findings expand our current understanding of the role of MET signaling in MPNST progression and identify a potential therapeutic niche for NF1-related MPNSTs. Copyright ©2018, American Association for Cancer Research.

  9. Genetic changes of MLH1 and MSH2 genes could explain constant findings on microsatellite instability in intracranial meningioma.

    PubMed

    Pećina-Šlaus, Nives; Kafka, Anja; Bukovac, Anja; Vladušić, Tomislav; Tomas, Davor; Hrašćan, Reno

    2017-07-01

    Postreplicative mismatch repair safeguards the stability of our genome. The defects in its functioning will give rise to microsatellite instability. In this study, 50 meningiomas were investigated for microsatellite instability. Two major mismatch repair genes, MLH1 and MSH2, were analyzed using microsatellite markers D1S1611 and BAT26 amplified by polymerase chain reaction and visualized by gel electrophoresis on high-resolution gels. Furthermore, genes DVL3 (D3S1262), AXIN1 (D16S3399), and CDH1 (D16S752) were also investigated for microsatellite instability. Our study revealed constant presence of microsatellite instability in meningioma patients when compared to their autologous blood DNA. Altogether 38% of meningiomas showed microsatellite instability at one microsatellite locus, 16% on two, and 13.3% on three loci. The percent of detected microsatellite instability for MSH2 gene was 14%, and for MLH1, it was 26%, for DVL3 22.9%, for AXIN1 17.8%, and for CDH1 8.3%. Since markers also allowed for the detection of loss of heterozygosity, gross deletions of MLH1 gene were found in 24% of meningiomas. Genetic changes between MLH1 and MSH2 were significantly positively correlated (p = 0.032). We also noted a positive correlation between genetic changes of MSH2 and DVL3 genes (p = 0.034). No significant associations were observed when MLH1 or MSH2 was tested against specific histopathological meningioma subtype or World Health Organization grade. However, genetic changes in DVL3 were strongly associated with anaplastic histology of meningioma (χ 2  = 9.14; p = 0.01). Our study contributes to better understanding of the genetic profile of human intracranial meningiomas and suggests that meningiomas harbor defective cellular DNA mismatch repair mechanisms.

  10. Tolerance of cranial nerves of the cavernous sinus to radiosurgery

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tishler, R.B.; Loeffler, J.S.; Alexander, E. III

    1993-09-20

    Stereotactic radiosurgery is becoming a more accepted treatment option for benign, deep seated intracranial lesions. However, little is known about the effects of large single fractions of radiation on cranial nerves. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of radiosurgery on the cranial nerves of the cavernous sinus. The authors examined the tolerance of cranial nerves (II-VI) following radiosurgery for 62 patients (42/62 with meningiomas) treated for lesions within or near the cavernous sinus. Twenty-nine patients were treated with a modified 6 MV linear accelerator (Joint Center for Radiation Therapy) and 33 were treated with the Gamma Knife (Universitymore » of Pittsburgh). Three-dimensional treatment plans were retrospectively reviewed and maximum doses were calculated for the cavernous sinus and the optic nerve and chiasm. Median follow-up was 19 months (range 3-49). New cranial neuropathies developed in 12 patients from 3-41 months following radiosurgery. Four of these complications involved injury to the optic system and 8 (3/8 transient) were the result of injury to the sensory or motor nerves of the cavernous sinus. There was no clear relationship between the maximum dose to the cavernous sinus and the development of complications for cranial nerves III-VI over the dose range used (1000-4000 cGy). For the optic apparatus, there was a significantly increased incidence of complications with dose. Four of 17 patients (24%) receiving greater than 800 cGy to any part of the optic apparatus developed visual complications compared with 0/35 who received less than 800 cGy (p = 0.009). Radiosurgery using tumor-controlling doses of up to 4000 cGy appears to be a relatively safe technique in treating lesions within or near the sensory and motor nerves (III-VI) of the cavernous sinus. The dose to the optic apparatus should be limited to under 800 cGy. 21 refs., 4 tabs.« less

  11. Gamma Knife radiosurgery for posterior fossa meningiomas: a multicenter study.

    PubMed

    Sheehan, Jason P; Starke, Robert M; Kano, Hideyuki; Barnett, Gene H; Mathieu, David; Chiang, Veronica; Yu, James B; Hess, Judith; McBride, Heyoung L; Honea, Norissa; Nakaji, Peter; Lee, John Y K; Rahmathulla, Gazanfar; Evanoff, Wendi A; Alonso-Basanta, Michelle; Lunsford, L Dade

    2015-06-01

    Posterior fossa meningiomas represent a common yet challenging clinical entity. They are often associated with neurovascular structures and adjacent to the brainstem. Resection can be undertaken for posterior fossa meningiomas, but residual or recurrent tumor is frequent. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used to treat meningiomas, and this study evaluates the outcome of this approach for those located in the posterior fossa. At 7 medical centers participating in the North American Gamma Knife Consortium, 675 patients undergoing SRS for a posterior fossa meningioma were identified, and clinical and radiological data were obtained for these cases. Females outnumbered males at a ratio of 3.8 to 1, and the median patient age was 57.6 years (range 12-89 years). Prior resection was performed in 43.3% of the patient sample. The mean tumor volume was 6.5 cm(3), and a median margin dose of 13.6 Gy (range 8-40 Gy) was delivered to the tumor. At a mean follow-up of 60.1 months, tumor control was achieved in 91.2% of cases. Actuarial tumor control was 95%, 92%, and 81% at 3, 5, and 10 years after radiosurgery. Factors predictive of tumor progression included age greater than 65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.36, 95% CI 1.30-4.29, p = 0.005), prior history of radiotherapy (HR 5.19, 95% CI 1.69-15.94, p = 0.004), and increasing tumor volume (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.005). Clinical stability or improvement was achieved in 92.3% of patients. Increasing tumor volume (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10, p = 0.009) and clival, petrous, or cerebellopontine angle location as compared with petroclival, tentorial, and foramen magnum location (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.05-3.65, p = 0.036) were predictive of neurological decline after radiosurgery. After radiosurgery, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, resection, and radiation therapy were performed in 1.6%, 3.6%, and 1.5%, respectively. Stereotactic radiosurgery affords a high rate of tumor control and neurological preservation

  12. Gamma Knife radiosurgery of olfactory groove meningiomas provides a method to preserve subjective olfactory function.

    PubMed

    Gande, Abhiram; Kano, Hideyuki; Bowden, Gregory; Mousavi, Seyed H; Niranjan, Ajay; Flickinger, John C; Lunsford, L Dade

    2014-02-01

    Anosmia is a common outcome after resection of olfactory groove meningioma(s) (OGM) and for some patients represents a significant disability. To evaluate long term tumor control rates and preservation of subjective olfaction after Gamma Knife (GK) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of OGM. We performed a retrospective chart review and telephone assessments of 41 patients who underwent GK SRS between 1987 and 2008. Clinical outcomes were stratified by full, partial or no subjective olfaction, whereas tumor control was assessed by changes in volume greater or lesser than 25%. The median clinical and imaging follow-up were 76 and 65 months, respectively. Prior to SRS, 19 (46%) patients had surgical resections and two (5%) had received fractionated radiation therapy. Twenty four patients (59%) reported a normal sense of smell, 12 (29%) reported a reduced sense of smell and five (12%) had complete anosmia. The median tumor volume was 8.5 cm(3) (range 0.6-56.1), the mean radiation dose at the tumor margin was 13 Gy (range 10-20) and the median estimated dose to the olfactory nerve was 5.1 Gy (range 1.1-18.1). At follow-up, 27 patients (66%) reported intact olfaction (three (7%) described return to a normal sense of smell), nine (22%) described partial anosmia, and five (12%) had complete anosmia. No patient reported deterioration in olfaction after SRS. Thirteen patients (32%) showed significant tumor regression, 26 (63%) had no further growth and two (5%) had progressed. The progression free tumor control rates were 97% at 1 year and 95% at 2, 10 and 20 years. Symptomatic adverse radiation effects occurred in three (7%) patients. Stereotactic radiosurgery provided both long term tumor control and preservation of olfaction.

  13. Composition of the sheath produced by the green alga Chlorella sorokiniana.

    PubMed

    Watanabe, K; Imase, M; Sasaki, K; Ohmura, N; Saiki, H; Tanaka, H

    2006-05-01

    To investigate the chemical characterization of the mucilage sheath produced by Chlorella sorokiniana. Algal mucilage sheath was hydrolysed with NaOH, containing EDTA. The purity of the hydrolysed sheath was determined by an ATP assay. The composition of polysaccharide in the sheath was investigated by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Sucrose, galacturonic acid, xylitol, inositol, ribose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and fructose were detected in the sheath as sugar components. Magnesium was detected in the sheath as a divalent cation using inductively coupled argon plasma. The sheath matrix also contained protein. It appears that the sheath is composed of sugars and metals. Mucilage sheath contains many kinds of saccharides that are produced as photosynthetic metabolites and divalent cations that are contained in the culture medium. This is the first report on chemical characterization of the sheath matrix produced by C. sorokiniana.

  14. Meningioma presenting as temporal region swelling: Diagnosis by cytopathology and immunohistochemical confirmation on cell block preparation

    PubMed Central

    Nair, Anila Kunjulekshmi Amma Raveendran; Nayak, Nileena; Kattoor, Jayasree

    2015-01-01

    Meningiomas are common intracranial neoplasms. Meningomas are rarely subjected to fine-needle aspiration (FNA) studies. However, intraoperative squash preparations are commonly done. FNA of meningiomas are usually performed incidentally for cases with a clinical suspicion of some other disease such as metastatic carcinoma. We are reporting two cases, which were referred to our center with a diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma on FNA from swelling of the temporal region. We are discussing the characteristic cytomorphological features, which help in diagnosing meningiomas, the common cytological differentials, and the utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) on cell block preparations in confirming the diagnosis, especially when there is a clinical differential diagnosis. PMID:26729986

  15. The Quantitative Analysis of bFGF and VEGF by ELISA in Human Meningiomas

    PubMed Central

    Denizot, Yves; De Armas, Rafael; Caire, François; Moreau, Jean Jacques; Pommepuy, Isabelle; Truffinet, Véronique; Labrousse, François

    2006-01-01

    The quantitative analysis of VEGF using ELISA in various subtypes of grade I meningiomas reported higher VEGF contents in meningothelial (2.38 ± 0.62 pg/μg protein, n = 7), transitional (1.08 ± 0.21 pg/μg protein, n = 13), and microcystic meningiomas (1.98 ± 0.87 pg/μg protein, n = 5) as compared with fibrous ones (0.36 ± 0.09 pg/μg protein, n = 5). In contrast to VEGF, no difference in the concentrations of bFGF was detected. VEGF levels did not correlate with meningioma grade (1.47 ± 0.23 pg/μg versus 2.29 ± 0.58 pg/μg for 32 and 16 grade I and II, resp), vascularisation (1.53 ± 0.41 pg/μg versus 1.96 ± 0.28 pg/μg for 24 low and 24 high vascularisated tumours, resp), and brain invasion (2.32 ± 0.59 pg/μg versus 1.46 ± 0.27 pg/μg for 7 and 41 patients with and without invasion, resp). The ELISA procedure is, thus, an interesting tool to ensure VEGF and bFGF levels in meningiomas and to test putative correlations with clinical parameters. It is, thus, tempting to speculate that ELISA would also be valuable for the quantitative analysis of other angiogenic growth factors and cytokines in intracranial tumours. PMID:17392584

  16. Computerized morphometry as an aid in distinguishing recurrent versus nonrecurrent meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Noy, Shawna; Vlodavsky, Euvgeni; Klorin, Geula; Drumea, Karen; Ben Izhak, Ofer; Shor, Eli; Sabo, Edmond

    2011-06-01

    To use novel digital and morphometric methods to identify variables able to better predict the recurrence of intracranial meningiomas. Histologic images from 30 previously diagnosed meningioma tumors that recurred over 10 years of follow-up were consecutively selected from the Rambam Pathology Archives. Images were captured and morphometrically analyzed. Novel algorithms of digital pattern recognition using Fourier transformation and fractal and nuclear texture analyses were applied to evaluate the overall growth pattern complexity of the tumors, as well as the chromatin texture of individual tumor nuclei. The extracted parameters were then correlated with patient prognosis. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed statistically significant associations between tumor morphometric parameters and recurrence times. Tumors with less nuclear orientation, more nuclear density, higher fractal dimension, and less regular chromatin textures tended to recur faster than those with a higher degree of nuclear order, less pattern complexity, lower density, and more homogeneous chromatin nuclear textures (p < 0.01). To our knowledge, these digital morphometric methods were used for the first time to accurately predict tumor recurrence in patients with intracranial meningiomas. The use of these methods may bring additional valuable information to the clinician regarding the optimal management of these patients.

  17. The Effect of Rectus Sheath Block as a Supplement of General Anesthesia on Postoperative Analgesia in Adult Patient Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair.

    PubMed

    Kartalov, Andrijan; Jankulovski, Nikola; Kuzmanovska, Biljana; Zdravkovska, Milka; Shosholcheva, Mirjana; Tolevska, Marija; Naumovski, Filip; Srceva, Marija; Petrusheva, Aleksandra Panovska; Selmani, Rexhep; Sivevski, Atanas

    2017-12-01

    Ultrasound guided rectus sheath block can block the ventral rami of the 7th to 12th thoracolumbar nerves by injection of local anesthetic into the space between the rectus muscle and posterior rectus sheath. The aim of this randomized double-blind study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of the bilateral ultrasound guided rectus sheath block as supplement of general anesthesia on patents undergoing elective umbilical hernia repair. After the hospital ethics committee approval, 60 (ASA I-II) adult patients scheduled for umbilical hernia repair were included in this study. The group I (n=30) patents received only general anesthesia. In the group II (n = 30) patents after induction of general anesthesia received a bilateral ultrasound guided rectus sheath block with 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. In this study we assessed demographic and clinical characteristics, pain score - VAS at rest at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after operation and total analgesic consumption of morphine dose over 24-hours. There were statistically significant differences in VAS scores between the groups I and II at all postoperative time points - 2hr, 4 hr, 6 hr, 12 hr and 24 hr. (P < 0.00001). The cumulative 24 hours morphine consumption after the operation was significantly lower in the group II (mean = 3.73 ± 1. 41) than the group I (mean = 8.76 ± 2.41). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.00076). The ultrasound guided rectus sheath block used for umbilical hernia repair could reduce postoperative pain scores and the amount of morphine consumption in 24 hours postoperative period.

  18. Deoxycholic Acid and the Marginal Mandibular Nerve: A Cadaver Study.

    PubMed

    Blandford, Alexander D; Ansari, Waseem; Young, Jason M; Maley, Bruce; Plesec, Thomas P; Hwang, Catherine J; Perry, Julian D

    2018-06-04

    One of the rare but serious complications observed with deoxycholic acid administration is damage to the marginal mandibular nerve. In this study, we evaluated if deoxycholic acid directly induces histologic damage to fresh cadaveric marginal mandibular nerve. A segment of marginal mandibular nerve was harvested from 12 hemifaces of 6 fresh cadavers. The nerve specimen was exposed to either 0.9% sterile saline for 24 h, deoxycholic acid (10 mg/ml) for 20 min, or deoxycholic acid (10 mg/ml) for 24 h. The nerve specimens were then fixed in glutaraldehyde for a minimum of 24 h. Toluidine blue stained sections were evaluated for stain intensity using light microscopy and color deconvolution image analysis. Supraplatysmal fat was harvested as a positive control and exposed to the same treatments as the marginal mandibular nerve specimens, then evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Toluidine blue staining was less in the marginal mandibular nerve exposed to deoxycholic acid when compared to saline. The specimen exposed to deoxycholic acid for 24 h showed less toluidine blue staining than that of the nerve exposed to deoxycholic acid for 20 min. Transmission electron microscopy of submental fat exposed to deoxycholic acid revealed disruption of adipocyte cell membrane integrity and loss of cellular organelles when compared to specimens only exposed to saline. Deoxycholic acid (10 mg/ml) damages the marginal mandibular nerve myelin sheath in fresh human cadaver specimens. Direct deoxycholic acid neurotoxicity may cause marginal mandibular nerve injury clinically. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

  19. The fibrous flexor sheaths of the fingers.

    PubMed Central

    Jones, M M; Amis, A A

    1988-01-01

    The structure of the digital fibrous flexor sheath was examined by dissection and histology. The presence of a specific system of named fibrous tissue bands, forming annular and cruciate pulleys, was noted confirming details which are well established in the surgical literature although not detailed by the anatomical texts. These pulleys were linked by thin parts of the sheath. When the inner aspect of the sheath was examined, it was found that it was not a continuous smooth surface, as depicted in both anatomical and surgical texts. The thin parts of the sheath often overlapped the free edges of the pulleys before attaching to their superficial aspects, so that the pulleys possessed free edges within the sheath. Forty eight cadaveric fingers were examined in order to determine the frequency of occurrence and sizes of these overlaps. The largest and most frequent overlap was found at the distal end of the A2 pulley (which attaches to the proximal phalanx). Images Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 7 (cont.) Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 PMID:3417546

  20. BCR expression is decreased in meningiomas showing loss of heterozygosity of 22q within a new minimal deletion region.

    PubMed

    Wozniak, K; Piaskowski, S; Gresner, S M; Golanska, E; Bieniek, E; Bigoszewska, K; Sikorska, B; Szybka, M; Kulczycka-Wojdala, D; Zakrzewska, M; Zawlik, I; Papierz, W; Stawski, R; Jaskolski, D J; Och, W; Sieruta, M; Liberski, P P; Rieske, P

    2008-05-01

    Neurofibromin 2 (NF2), located on chromosome arm 22q, has been established as a tumor suppressor gene involved in meningioma pathogenesis. In our study, we investigated 149 meningiomas to determine whether there are additional tumor suppressor genes localized on chromosome 22q, apart from NF2, that might be involved in meningioma pathogenesis. The LOH analysis on chromosome 22q identified two regions of deletion: the first one, which is limited to the NF2 gene locus, and the second one, which is outside this location. The new minimal deletion region (MDR) included the following genes: BCR (breakpoint cluster region), RAB36 (a member of RAS oncogene family), GNAZ [guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein), alpha-z polypeptide], and RTDR1 (rhabdoid tumor deletion region gene 1). The expression levels of all these genes, including NF2, were subsequently analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We observed a significantly lowered expression level of NF2 in meningiomas with 22q loss of heterozygosity (LOH) within NF2 region compared to the one in meningiomas with 22q retention of heterozygosity (ROH, P<0.05). Similarly, BCR showed a significantly lowered expression in meningiomas with 22q LOH within the new MDR compared to cases with 22q ROH (P<0.05). Our data, together with the already published information considering BCR function suggest that BCR can be considered as a candidate tumor suppressor gene localized on chromosome 22q which may be involved in meningioma pathogenesis.

  1. Calvarial Plasmacytoma Mimicking Meningioma as the Initial Presentation of Multiple Myeloma

    PubMed Central

    Pisapia, David; Ramakrishna, Rohan

    2017-01-01

    Plasmacytoma of the calvarium is a well-described feature of multiple myeloma and in some cases has been reported as a solitary lesion. However, when associated with multiple myeloma these are typically identified after the initial diagnosis is made. This case is unusual in that the diagnosis of plasmacytoma was first suspected in a patient thought to have a meningioma on the day of surgery, when a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated spontaneous involution of the mass. Recognition of evolving changes in a calvarial or dural-based lesion should prompt the practitioner to consider alternative diagnoses other than meningioma prior to proceeding with surgical resection. PMID:28465873

  2. Histopathology and prognosis in human meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Backer-Grøndahl, Thomas; Moen, Bjørnar H; Sundstrøm, Stein H; Torp, Sverre H

    2014-09-01

    Histopathological grading of human meningiomas is based on criteria adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, interpretation of the defined histopathological criteria is often subjective. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and histopathological features in these tumours associated with patient survival. This enables evaluation of current grading guidelines and practice. In this study, 196 primary, intracranial, and consecutively treated patients from one institution were included. All histological sections were reviewed. Survival data were controlled with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Falcine location, sheet-like growth, frequent mitoses, subtotal resection grade, and absence of psammoma bodies were strong prognostic factors. Of these factors, the latter two were statistically significantly associated with decreased time to recurrence in multivariate analyses. The WHO 2000 and 2007 classifications were associated with decreased time to recurrence. However, the grading criteria suggested by Ho et al. (2002) and in this study achieved stronger prognostic values. Easily recognizable histopathological criteria are essential in tumour grading. We suggest that any two of the following three variables can be used to recognize atypical (grade II) meningiomas: absence of psammoma bodies, presence of necrosis, and/or ≥4 mitoses per 10 high power fields. © 2014 APMIS. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. Allergic conditions and risk of glioma and meningioma in the CERENAT case-control study.

    PubMed

    Pouchieu, Camille; Raherison, Chantal; Piel, Clément; Migault, Lucile; Carles, Camille; Fabbro-Perray, Pascale; Loiseau, Hugues; Guillamo, Jean-Sébastien; Lebailly, Pierre; Baldi, Isabelle

    2018-06-01

    Inverse association between allergic conditions and glioma risk has been consistently reported in epidemiological studies with little attention paid to potential environmental confounders; the association with meningioma risk is less consistent. We examined the association between allergy history and risk of glioma and meningioma in adults using data from the CERENAT (CEREbral tumors: a NATional study) multicenter case-control study carried out in 4 areas in France in 2004-2010. Participants' histories of doctor-diagnosed allergic asthma, eczema, rhinitis/hay fever and other allergic conditions were collected at onset through a detailed questionnaire delivered in a face-to-face interview. Conditional logistic regression for matched sets was adjusted for participants' educational level and mobile phone use. A total of 273 glioma cases, 218 meningioma cases and 982 matched controls selected from the local electoral rolls were analyzed. A significant inverse association was found between glioma and a history of any allergy (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.75), with a dose-effect relationship with the number of allergic conditions reported (p-trend = 0.001) and a particularly strong association with hay fever/allergic rhinitis (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30-0.72). Interestingly, associations with glioma risk were more pronounced in women. For meningioma, no association was observed with overall or specific allergic conditions. Our findings confirmed the inverse association between allergic conditions and glioma risk but questioned the role of allergy in meningioma risk. Future research is needed to clarify the biological mechanism of overall allergy and allergic rhinitis on glioma and to confirm the different effect by gender.

  4. Genetic predisposition to peripheral nerve neoplasia: Diagnostic criteria and pathogenesis of neurofibromatoses, Carney complex, and related syndromes

    PubMed Central

    Rodriguez, Fausto J.; Stratakis, Constantine A.; Evans, D Gareth

    2013-01-01

    Neoplasms of the peripheral nerve sheath represent essential clinical manifestations of the syndromes known as the neurofibromatoses. Although involvement of multiple organ systems, including skin, central nervous system and skeleton, may also be conspicuous, peripheral nerve neoplasia is often the most important and frequent cause of morbidity in these patients. Clinical characteristics of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) have been extensively described and studied during the last century, and the identification of mutations in the NF1 and NF2 genes by contemporary molecular techniques have created a separate multidisciplinary field in genetic medicine. In schwannomatosis, the most recent addition to the neurofibromatosis group, peripheral nervous system involvement is the exclusive (or almost exclusive) clinical manifestation. Although the majority of cases of schwannomatosis are sporadic, approximately a third occur in families and a subset of these has recently been associated with germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene SMARCB1/INI1. Other curious syndromes that involve the peripheral nervous system are associated with predominant endocrine manifestations, and include Carney Complex and MEN2b, secondary to inactivating mutations in the PRKAR1A gene in a subset, and activating mutations in RET respectively. In this review, we provide a concise update on the diagnostic criteria, pathology and molecular pathogenesis of these enigmatic syndromes in relation to peripheral nerve sheath neoplasia. PMID:22210082

  5. Genetic predisposition to peripheral nerve neoplasia: diagnostic criteria and pathogenesis of neurofibromatoses, Carney complex, and related syndromes.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez, Fausto J; Stratakis, Constantine A; Evans, D Gareth

    2012-03-01

    Neoplasms of the peripheral nerve sheath represent essential clinical manifestations of the syndromes known as the neurofibromatoses. Although involvement of multiple organ systems, including skin, central nervous system, and skeleton, may also be conspicuous, peripheral nerve neoplasia is often the most important and frequent cause of morbidity in these patients. Clinical characteristics of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) have been extensively described and studied during the last century, and the identification of mutations in the NF1 and NF2 genes by contemporary molecular techniques have created a separate multidisciplinary field in genetic medicine. In schwannomatosis, the most recent addition to the neurofibromatosis group, peripheral nervous system involvement is the exclusive (or almost exclusive) clinical manifestation. Although the majority of cases of schwannomatosis are sporadic, approximately one-third occur in families and a subset of these has recently been associated with germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene SMARCB1/INI1. Other curious syndromes that involve the peripheral nervous system are associated with predominant endocrine manifestations, and include Carney complex and MEN2b, secondary to inactivating mutations in the PRKAR1A gene in a subset, and activating mutations in RET, respectively. In this review, we provide a concise update on the diagnostic criteria, pathology and molecular pathogenesis of these enigmatic syndromes in relation to peripheral nerve sheath neoplasia.

  6. Attic construction with sheathing-applied insulation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rose, W.B.

    1995-12-31

    Two years of study at a building research laboratory have been applied to cathedralized residential attic construction. Cathedralized attics are rafter-framed or truss-framed attics with flat ceilings in which the insulation is placed against the underside of the roof sheathing rather than on top of the ceiling drywall. The potential benefits of sheathing-applied insulation are considerable and are due to the fact that the attic space becomes part of the conditioned volume. Concern is often expressed that moisture damage may occur in the sheathing. The intent of the current study was to address those concerns. This study allowed an assessmentmore » of the performance of cathedralized ceilings, given the following construction variables: (1) ventilation vs. no ventilation, (2) continuous air chute construction vs. stuffed insulation construction, and (3) opens joints in exposed kraft facing vs. taped joints. The results were compared to a concurrent study of the performance of cathedral ceilings with sloped ceiling drywall. The results show that having an air chute that ensures an air gap between the sheathing and the top of the insulation is the critical factor. Ventilation and the taping of joints were minor determinants of the moisture performance of the sheathing. These results are consistent with the results of normal cathedral ceiling construction performance.« less

  7. Porous protective solid phase micro-extractor sheath

    DOEpatents

    Andresen, Brian D.; Randich, Erik

    2005-03-29

    A porous protective sheath for active extraction media used in solid phase microextraction (SPME). The sheath permits exposure of the media to the environment without the necessity of extending a fragile coated fiber from a protective tube or needle. Subsequently, the sheath can pierce and seal with GC-MS septums, allowing direct injection of samples into inlet ports of analytical equipment. Use of the porous protective sheath, within which the active extraction media is contained, mitigates the problems of: 1) fiber breakage while the fiber is extended during sampling, 2) active media coating loss caused by physical contact of the bare fiber with the sampling environment; and 3) coating slough-off during fiber extension and retraction operations caused by rubbing action between the fiber and protective needle or tube.

  8. Genetic and epigenetic alteration of the NF2 gene in sporadic meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Lomas, Jesus; Bello, M Josefa; Arjona, Dolores; Alonso, M Eva; Martinez-Glez, Victor; Lopez-Marin, Isabel; Amiñoso, Cinthia; de Campos, Jose M; Isla, Alberto; Vaquero, Jesus; Rey, Juan A

    2005-03-01

    The role of the NF2 gene in the development of meningiomas has recently been documented; inactivating mutations plus allelic loss at 22q, the site of this gene (at 22q12), have been identified in both sporadic and neurofibromatosis type 2-associated tumors. Although epigenetic inactivation through aberrant CpG island methylation of the NF2 5' flanking region has been documented in schwannoma (another NF2-associated neoplasm), data on participation of this epigenetic modification in meningiomas are not yet widely available. Using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) plus sequencing, we assessed the presence of aberrant promoter NF2 methylation in a series of 88 meningiomas (61 grade I, 24 grade II, and 3 grade III), in which the allelic constitution at 22q and the NF2 mutational status also were determined by RFLP/microsatellite and PCR-SSCP analyses. Chromosome 22 allelic loss, NF2 gene mutation, and aberrant NF2 promoter methylation were detected in 49%, 24%, and 26% of cases, respectively. Aberrant NF2 methylation with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 22q was found in five cases, and aberrant methylation with NF2 mutation in another; LOH 22q and the mutation were found in 16 samples. The aberrant methylation of the NF2 gene also was the sole alteration in 15 samples, most of which were from grade I tumors. These results indicate that aberrant NF2 hypermethylation may participate in the development of a significant proportion of sporadic meningiomas, primarily those of grade I.

  9. Health-related quality of life of cranial WHO grade I meningioma patients: are current questionnaires relevant?

    PubMed

    Zamanipoor Najafabadi, Amir H; Peeters, Marthe C M; Lobatto, Daniel J; Broekman, Marieke L D; Smith, Timothy R; Biermasz, Nienke R; Peerdeman, Saskia M; Peul, Wilco C; Taphoorn, Martin J B; van Furth, Wouter R; Dirven, Linda

    2017-11-01

    The clinical relevance of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in meningioma patients has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years. Various questionnaires have been used. However, almost none of these questionnaires has been particularly developed for and/or validated in this patient group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relevance and comprehensiveness of existing HRQoL questionnaires used in meningioma research and to assess the agreement between patients and health care professionals (HCPs) on the most relevant and important HRQoL issues. A systematic literature search, following the PRISMA statement, was conducted to identify all HRQoL questionnaires used in meningioma research. Semi-structured interviews were organized with patients and HCPs to (1) assess the relevance of all issues covered by the questionnaires (score 0-3: not relevant-highly relevant), (2) assess the ten most important issues, and (3) identify new relevant HRQoL issues. Fourteen different questionnaires were found in the literature, comprising 140 unique issues. Interviews were conducted with 20 patients (median age 57, 71% female) and 10 HCPs (4 neurosurgeons, 2 neurologists, 2 radiotherapists, 1 rehabilitation specialist, 1 neuropsychologist; median experience 13 years). Meningioma patients rated 17-80% of the issues in each of the questionnaires as relevant, HCPs 90-100%. Patients and HCPs agreed on the relevance of only 49 issues (35%, Cohen's kappa: 0.027). Both patients and HCPs considered lack of energy the most important issue. Patients and HCPs suggested five additional relevant issues not covered by current HRQoL questionnaires. Existing HRQoL questionnaires currently used in meningioma patients do not fully cover all relevant issues to these patients. Agreement between patients and HCPs on the relevance of issues was poor. Both findings support the need to develop and validate a meningioma-specific HRQoL questionnaire.

  10. SU-D-207B-02: Early Grade Classification in Meningioma Patients Combining Radiomics and Semantics Data

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Coroller, T; Bi, W; Abedalthagafi, M

    Purpose: The clinical management of meningioma is guided by its grade and biologic behavior. Currently, diagnosis of tumor grade follows surgical resection and histopathologic review. Reliable techniques for pre-operative determination of tumor behavior are needed. We investigated the association between imaging features extracted from preoperative gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI and meningioma grade. Methods: We retrospectively examined the pre-operative MRI for 139 patients with de novo WHO grade I (63%) and grade II (37%) meningiomas. We investigated the predictive power of ten semantic radiologic features as determined by a neuroradiologist, fifteen radiomic features, and tumor location. Conventional (volume and diameter) imaging featuresmore » were added for comparison. AUC was computed for continuous and χ{sup 2} for discrete variables. Classification was done using random forest. Performance was evaluated using cross validation (1000 iterations, 75% training and 25% validation). All p-values were adjusted for multiple testing. Results: Significant association was observed between meningioma grade and tumor location (p<0.001) and two semantic features including intra-tumoral heterogeneity (p<0.001) and overt hemorrhage (p=0.01). Conventional (AUC 0.61–0.67) and eleven radiomic (AUC 0.60–0.70) features were significant from random (p<0.05, Noether test). Median AUC values for classification of tumor grade were 0.57, 0.71, 0.72 and 0.77 respectively for conventional, radiomic, location, and semantic features after using random forest. By combining all imaging data (semantic, radiomic, and location), the median AUC was 0.81, which offers superior predicting power to that of conventional imaging descriptors for meningioma as well as radiomic features alone (p<0.05, permutation test). Conclusion: We demonstrate a strong association between radiologic features and meningioma grade. Pre-operative prediction of tumor behavior based on imaging features

  11. Preoperative Evaluation of Collateral Venous Anastomoses in Meningioma Involving Cerebral Venous Sinus by Susceptibility Weighted Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Qing; He, Jingzhen; Ma, Xiangxing

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Precise preoperative identification of the collateral venous anastomoses is critical for proper surgical management of patients with meningioma involving sinus. This study was to assess the feasibility of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) to delineate the collateral venous anastomoses before surgery. Twenty-five patients with meningiomas that were involved in sinuses underwent surgery and the collateral anastomoses were evaluated with SWI and phase-contrast magnetic resonance venography (MRV) before surgery. The results obtained with SWI were compared with those obtained with MRV. Intraoperative findings were used as the gold standard. By surgery, a total of 98 collateral anastomotic veins were identified in the 25 patients. SWI depicted 85 collateral anastomotic veins close to the meningioma with a sensitivity of 87%, whereas MRV showed 57 collateral anastomotic veins with a sensitivity of 58%. The detectability of collateral anastomotic veins in SWI images was superior to MRV. The results suggest that SWI is superior to MRV and could provide more reliable information on the collateral venous anastomoses in patients with meningioma. PMID:25501068

  12. Organic core-sheath nanowire artificial synapses with femtojoule energy consumption.

    PubMed

    Xu, Wentao; Min, Sung-Yong; Hwang, Hyunsang; Lee, Tae-Woo

    2016-06-01

    Emulation of biological synapses is an important step toward construction of large-scale brain-inspired electronics. Despite remarkable progress in emulating synaptic functions, current synaptic devices still consume energy that is orders of magnitude greater than do biological synapses (~10 fJ per synaptic event). Reduction of energy consumption of artificial synapses remains a difficult challenge. We report organic nanowire (ONW) synaptic transistors (STs) that emulate the important working principles of a biological synapse. The ONWs emulate the morphology of nerve fibers. With a core-sheath-structured ONW active channel and a well-confined 300-nm channel length obtained using ONW lithography, ~1.23 fJ per synaptic event for individual ONW was attained, which rivals that of biological synapses. The ONW STs provide a significant step toward realizing low-energy-consuming artificial intelligent electronics and open new approaches to assembling soft neuromorphic systems with nanometer feature size.

  13. Long-Term Experience With World Health Organization Grade III (Malignant) Meningiomas at a Single Institution

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rosenberg, Lewis A.; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH; Prayson, Richard A.

    2009-06-01

    Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes for patients with Grade III meningiomas as defined by the 2007 World Health Organization standards. Methods and Materials: The slides from patients who had been treated at the Cleveland Clinic for malignant meningiomas were reviewed by a single neuropathologist. The data from 13 patients treated between 1984 and 2006 satisfied the World Health Organization 2007 definition of Grade III meningioma. A total of 24 surgeries were performed, including 13 primary, 7 salvage, and 4 second salvage. Also, 14 courses of radiotherapy (RT) were administered, including fractionated RT in 3 patients after primary surgery, fractionated RTmore » in 4 patients after salvage surgery, salvage stereotactic radiosurgery to six separate areas in 3 patients, and salvage intensity-modulated RT in 1 patient. Results: From the primary surgery, the median survival was 3.4 years, the 5-year survival rate was 47.2%, and the 8-year survival rate was 12.2%. The median time to recurrence was 9.6 months. A trend was seen toward longer survival for patients who had received adjuvant RT after initial surgery compared with those treated with surgery alone. Two patients developed radiation necrosis, and three had surgical complications. Conclusion: This is one of the few studies reporting the outcomes for malignant meningioma patients according to recent definitions. Our results are consistent with existing reports of the overall poor outcomes for atypical and malignant meningioma patients. From the available data, surgical resection followed by RT and salvage therapy can lead to extended survival.« less

  14. Fabrication and characterization of biomimetic multichanneled crosslinked-urethane-doped polyester tissue engineered nerve guides.

    PubMed

    Tran, Richard T; Choy, Wai Man; Cao, Hung; Qattan, Ibrahim; Chiao, Jung-Chih; Ip, Wing Yuk; Yeung, Kelvin Wai Kwok; Yang, Jian

    2014-08-01

    Biomimetic scaffolds that replicate the native architecture and mechanical properties of target tissues have been recently shown to be a very promising strategy to guide cellular growth and facilitate tissue regeneration. In this study, porous, soft, and elastic crosslinked urethane-doped polyester (CUPE) tissue engineered nerve guides were fabricated with multiple longitudinally oriented channels and an external non-porous sheath to mimic the native endoneurial microtubular and epineurium structure, respectively. The fabrication technique described herein is highly adaptable and allows for fine control over the resulting nerve guide architecture in terms of channel number, channel diameter, porosity, and mechanical properties. Biomimetic multichanneled CUPE guides were fabricated with various channel numbers and displayed an ultimate peak stress of 1.38 ± 0.22 MPa with a corresponding elongation at break of 122.76 ± 42.17%, which were comparable to that of native nerve tissue. The CUPE nerve guides were also evaluated in vivo for the repair of a 1 cm rat sciatic nerve defect. Although histological evaluations revealed collapse of the inner structure from CUPE TENGs, the CUPE nerve guides displayed fiber populations and densities comparable with nerve autograft controls after 8 weeks of implantation. These studies are the first report of a CUPE-based biomimetic multichanneled nerve guide and warrant future studies towards optimization of the channel geometry for use in neural tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Engineered Herpes Simplex Viruses for the Treatment of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) will develop benign neurofibromas in their peripheral nerves that will progress to malignant tumors that...lines to activate anti-viral signaling pathways. Keywords: MPNST, neurofibromatosis , oncolytic virus, HSV-1, IL-12 In the first year of research, we...lysis and immune recruitment. As rare and aggressive tumors of glial origin, MPNSTs frequently arise from patients with type-1 neurofibromatosis , but

  16. Multispectral photoacoustic imaging of nerves with a clinical ultrasound system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mari, Jean Martial; West, Simeon; Beard, Paul C.; Desjardins, Adrien E.

    2014-03-01

    Accurate and efficient identification of nerves is of great importance during many ultrasound-guided clinical procedures, including nerve blocks and prostate biopsies. It can be challenging to visualise nerves with conventional ultrasound imaging, however. One of the challenges is that nerves can have very similar appearances to nearby structures such as tendons. Several recent studies have highlighted the potential of near-infrared optical spectroscopy for differentiating nerves and adjacent tissues, as this modality can be sensitive to optical absorption of lipids that are present in intra- and extra-neural adipose tissue and in the myelin sheaths. These studies were limited to point measurements, however. In this pilot study, a custom photoacoustic system with a clinical ultrasound imaging probe was used to acquire multi-spectral photoacoustic images of nerves and tendons from swine ex vivo, across the wavelength range of 1100 to 1300 nm. Photoacoustic images were processed and overlaid in colour onto co-registered conventional ultrasound images that were acquired with the same imaging probe. A pronounced optical absorption peak centred at 1210 nm was observed in the photoacoustic signals obtained from nerves, and it was absent in those obtained from tendons. This absorption peak, which is consistent with the presence of lipids, provides a novel image contrast mechanism to significantly enhance the visualization of nerves. In particular, image contrast for nerves was up to 5.5 times greater with photoacoustic imaging (0.82 +/- 0.15) than with conventional ultrasound imaging (0.148 +/- 0.002), with a maximum contrast of 0.95 +/- 0.02 obtained in photoacoustic mode. This pilot study demonstrates the potential of photoacoustic imaging to improve clinical outcomes in ultrasound-guided interventions in regional anaesthesia and interventional oncology.

  17. Spinal cord herniation following cervical meningioma excision: a rare clinical entity and review of literature.

    PubMed

    Aiyer, Siddharth N; Shetty, Ajoy Prasad; Kanna, Rishi; Maheswaran, Anupama; Rajasekaran, S

    2016-05-01

    Spinal cord herniation following surgery is an extremely uncommon clinical condition with very few reports in published literature. This condition usually occurs as a spontaneous idiopathic phenomenon often in the thoracic spine or following a scenario of post traumatic spinal cord/nerve root injury. Rarely has it been reported following spinal cord tumor surgery. To document a case of cervical spinal cord herniation as a late onset complication following spinal cord tumor surgery with an atypical presentation of monoparesis. Case report. We describe the clinical presentation, operative procedure, post operative outcome and review of literature of this rare clinical condition. A 57-year-old man presented with right upper limb monoparesis due to a spinal cord herniation 6 years after a cervical intradural meningioma excision. The patients underwent surgery to reduce the herniation and duroplasty with subsequent complete resolution of symptoms. Spinal cord herniation must be considered as differential diagnosis in scenarios of spinal cord tumor excision presenting with late onset neurological deficit. These cases may present as paraparesis, Brown-sequard syndrome and rarely as in our case as monoparesis.

  18. Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma in pregnancy and a systematic anatomical workup of rectus sheath hematoma: a case report.

    PubMed

    Eckhoff, Kerstin; Wedel, Thilo; Both, Marcus; Bas, Kayhan; Maass, Nicolai; Alkatout, Ibrahim

    2016-10-19

    Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare clinical diagnosis, particularly in pregnancy. Due to unspecific symptoms, misdiagnosis is likely and could potentially endanger a patient as well as her fetus. A 26-year-old white woman presented with mild right-sided abdominal pain, which increased during palpation and movement, at 26 + 3 weeks' gestational age. Ultrasound imaging initially showed a round and well-demarcated structure, which appeared to be in contact with her uterine wall, leading to a suspected diagnosis of an infarcted leiomyoma. However, she reported increasing levels of pain and laboratory tests showed a significant drop in her initially normal hemoglobin level. A magnetic resonance imaging scan finally revealed a large type III rectus sheath hematoma on the right side. Because of progressive blood loss into her rectus sheath under conservative therapy, with a significant further decrease in her hemoglobin levels, surgical treatment via right-sided paramedian laparotomy was initiated. During the operation the arterial bleed could be ligated. She eventually achieved complete convalescence and delivered a healthy newborn spontaneously after 40 weeks of gestation. This case report highlights the clinical and diagnostic features of rectus sheath hematoma and shows the anatomical aspects of the rectus sheath, simplifying early and correct diagnosis.

  19. Fascial structures and autonomic nerves in the female pelvis: a study using macroscopic slices and their corresponding histology.

    PubMed

    Tamakawa, Mitsuharu; Murakami, Gen; Takashima, Ken; Kato, Tomoyasu; Hareyama, Masato

    2003-12-01

    We investigated the topographical anatomy of the pelvic fasciae and autonomic nerves using macroscopic slices of five decalcified female pelves. The lateral aspect of the supravaginal cervix uteri and superior-most vagina issued abundant thick fiber bundles. These visceral fibrous tissues extended dorsolaterally, joined another fibrous tissue from the rectum (the actual lateral ligament of the rectum) and attached to the parietal fibrous tissues at and around the sciatic foramina (i.e. the sacrospinous ligament, thick fasciae of the coccygeus and piriformis and dorsal end of the covering fascia of the levator ani). The inferior or ventral vagina also issued thick fiber bundles communicating with the levator ani fascia. This connection between the vagina and levator fascia, when stretched, seemed to provide a macroscopic morphology called the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis. The overall morphology of the visceroparietal fascial bridge exhibited a bilateral wing-like shape. The fascial bridge complex was adjacent but dorso-inferior to the internal iliac vascular sheath and located slightly ventral to the pelvic splanchnic nerve. However, the pelvic plexus and its peripheral branches were embedded in the fascial complex. The hypogastric nerve ran along and beneath the uterosacral peritoneal fold, which did not contain thick fibrous tissue. During surgery, in combination with the superficially located vascular sheath, the morphology of the visceroparietal fascial bridge and associated nerves seemed to be artificially changed and developed into the so-called cardinal, uterosacral, uterovesical and/or rectal lateral ligaments. The classical and original concepts of these pelvic fascial structures may need to be altered to adjust to these surgical observations.

  20. Evaluating the Quality and Readability of Internet Information on Meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Saeed, Fozia; Anderson, Ian

    2017-01-01

    The Internet is a highly powerful resource for patients and provides an extensive amount of information on medical conditions. It is therefore important that the information accessible is accurate, up to date, and at an appropriate comprehensive level for the general public. This article aims to evaluate the quality of patient information on meningiomas. The term meningioma was searched using the following search engines: Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask, and AOL. The top 100 meningioma Web sites were analyzed for readability using the Flesch Reading Ease score and the Flesch-Kincaid grade level. The quality of each Web page was assessed with the DISCERN instrument and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clear Communication Index (CCI). The quality of information on the Internet on meningiomas is highly variable. The overall mean Flesch Reading Ease score was 43.1 (standard deviation = 13.3) and the mean Flesch-Kincaid grade of all the Web sites was 11.2 (standard deviation = 2.3). This finding suggests that the information is on average difficult to read. Only one Web site was at the recommended seventh-grade level and the remainder were above this grade. Only one third of the Web pages had Health On the Net Code of Conduct or The Information Standard certification and were found to be significantly of higher quality: DISCERN (P = 0.022) and CDC CCI (P = 0.027). More than 50% of the Web sites had significantly poor or average DISCERN scores and only 2 Web sites fulfilled the CDC CCI criteria. It is recommended that clinicians personally research material for their patients to be able to guide them to reliable and accurate Web sites. It is also encouraged to become Health On the Net Code of Conduct/The Information Standard certified because this may indicate information of high quality. In addition, it is also recommended that authors of existing information assess the quality of their online health information against the CDC CCI criteria. Crown

  1. Optimal optic nerve sheath diameter threshold for the identification of elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture in a Chinese population.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lijuan; Feng, Liangshu; Yao, Yan; Wang, Yuzhi; Chen, Ying; Feng, Jiachun; Xing, Yingqi

    2015-01-01

    Ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a non-invasive and rapid method that might be helpful in the identification of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The use of an ONSD greater than 5 mm on ultrasound as an indicator of increased ICP in a Caucasian population has been studied. However, the cut-off point of this predictor in Chinese patients has not been established. Thus, we conducted this study to identify the ONSD criterion for the detection of elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture (LP) in a Chinese population and to investigate the influencing factors. This study was a blind cross-sectional study. Patients who presented with suspected increased ICP were included. The opening pressure on LP of each participant was confirmed. We analyzed the clinical differences between the groups of patients with abnormal and normal opening pressures on LP. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the ONSD cut-off point for the identification of abnormal opening pressure on LP. In total, 279 patients were recruited, and 101 patients presented with elevated opening pressure on LP. ONSD was a significant independent predictor of elevated opening pressure on LP (p<0.001). However, no statistical significance was observed regarding the factors that might have affected this relationship including gender, age, body mass index, waistline, head circumference, hypertension and pathological subtype. The ONSD cut-off point for the identification of elevated opening pressure on LP was 4.1 mm; this cut-off yielded a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 92%. ONSD is a strong and accurate predictor of elevated opening pressure on LP. The cut-off point of this predictor in a Chinese population was remarkably lower than that found in a Caucasian population. Thus, ethnic differences should be noted when using the ONSD as an indicator of increased ICP.

  2. Meningioma and bone hyperostosis: expression of bone stimulating factors and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Di Cristofori, Andrea; Del Bene, Massimiliano; Locatelli, Marco; Boggio, Francesca; Ercoli, Giulia; Ferrero, Stefano; Del Gobbo, Alessandro

    2018-05-02

    Several hypothesis have been proposed in order to understand the mechanisms underlying the meningioma related hyperostosis. Objective of our study was to investigate the role of osteoprotegerin(OPG), insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), endothelin-1(ET-1), Bone Morphogenetic Protein(BMP-2 and -4). A total of 149 patients (39 males and 110 females with a mean age of 62 years) that received surgery were included. Depending on the relationship with the bone, meningiomas were classified in hyperostotic, osteolytic, infiltrative and without relation with the bone. Expression of BMP-2,-4; OPG and IGF-1 was evaluated with tissue microarray analysis on the surgical sample. Our series included 132 cases of grade I meningioma, 14 cases of grade II and 3 cases of grade III (according WHO). Relying on pre-operative CT scan the cases were classified as follow: hyperostotic(n=11), osteolytic(n=11), infiltrative(n=15), without relation with the bone(n=108). Four cases were excluded from the statistical analysis. Using ROC curves analysis, we identified a 2% cut-off for IGF-1 mean value that discriminated between osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions: cases with IGF-1 mean expression less than 2% were classified as osteolytic(p=0.0046);while cases with OPG mean expression less than 10% were classified as osteolytic(p=0.048). No other significant relations were found. OPG and IGF-1 found to be associated with development of hyeprostosis. Preliminary findings suggest that hyperostosis can be caused by an overexpression of osteogenic molecules that influence the osteoblast/osteoclast activity. Based on our results, further studies on hyperostotic bony tissue in meningiomas are needed in order to better understand how meningiomas influence the bone overproduction. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. [Correlation of intracranial pressure and diameter of the sheath of the optic nerve by computed tomography in severe traumatic brain injury].

    PubMed

    Turkin, A M; Oshorov, A V; Pogosbekyan, E L; Smirnov, A S; Dmitrieva, A S

    Noninvasive techniques to evaluate intracranial pressure (ICP) are important for everyday practice in intensive care and neurosurgery departments. CT data can be used to evaluate the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and, indirectly, the ICP value. The ONSD value is an additional criterion in deciding on invasive monitoring of ICP. To analyze a correlation between CT-based ONSD and the results of invasive measurements of ICP in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The study evaluated 41 patients with severe traumatic brain injury within the first 48 h after injury. Invasive monitoring of ICP (Codman & Shurtlett, MA, USA) was performed during 7±1.7 days. ONSD was measured using axial CT scans (CereTom, Neurologica Danvers, MA, USA) with a slice thickness of 2.5 mm. The ONSD value was measured at a distance of 3 mm from the posterior eyeball contour. The patients were allocated in a group with normal ICP (10 patients) and a group with high ICP (31 patients). ONSD served as an ICP classifier. The data were processed using ROC analysis. According to the CT data, the optimal threshold ONSD value was 6.35 mm in patients in the acute TBI period. The sensitivity was 0.93 (95% СI 0.84-1.00), the specificity was 0.80 (95% СI 0.50-1.00), and AUC was 0.87 (95% СI 0.69-1.00). We found a correlation between the CT-based ONSD and the median ICP (R=0.32, p<0.05). An ONSD value of 6.35 mm and more is one of the signs of previous or existing ICP.

  4. Determination of functional and morphologic changes in palmar digital nerves after nonfocused extracorporeal shock wave treatment in horses.

    PubMed

    Bolt, David M; Burba, Daniel J; Hubert, Jeremy D; Strain, George M; Hosgood, Giselle L; Henk, William G; Cho, Doo-Youn

    2004-12-01

    To determine functional and morphologic changes in palmar digital nerves after nonfocused extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) treatment in horses. 6 horses. The medial and lateral palmar digital nerves of the left forelimb were treated with nonfocused ESWs. The medial palmar digital nerve of the right forelimb served as a nontreated control nerve. At 3, 7, and 35 days after treatment, respectively, 2 horses each were anesthetized and nerves were surgically exposed. Sensory nerve conduction velocities (SNCVs) of treated and control nerves were recorded, after which palmar digital neurectomies were performed. Morphologic changes in nerves were assessed via transmission electron microscopy. Significantly lower SNCV in treated medial and lateral nerves, compared with control nerves, was found 3 and 7 days after treatment. A significantly lower SNCV was detected in treated medial but not lateral nerves 35 days after treatment. Transmission electron microscopy of treated nerves revealed disruption of the myelin sheath with no evidence of damage to Schwann cell bodies or axons, 3, 7, and 35 days after treatment. Nonfocused ESW treatment of the metacarpophalangeal area resulted in lower SNCV in palmar digital nerves. This effect likely contributes to the post-treatment analgesia observed in horses and may result in altered peripheral pain perception. Horses with preexisting lesions may be at greater risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries when exercised after treatment.

  5. Integrated Model of the Eye/Optic Nerve Head Biomechanical Environment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ethier, C. R.; Feola, A.; Myers, J. G.; Nelson, E.; Raykin, J.; Samuels, B.

    2017-01-01

    Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome is a concern for long-duration space flight. Previously, it has been suggested that ocular changes observed in VIIP syndrome are related to the cephalad fluid shift that results in altered fluid pressures [1]. We are investigating the impact of changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) using a combination of numerical models, which simulate the effects of various environment conditions, including finite element (FE) models of the posterior eye. The specific interest is to understand how altered pressures due to gravitational changes affect the biomechanical environment of tissues of the posterior eye and optic nerve sheath. METHODS: Additional description of the numerical modeling is provided in the IWS abstract by Nelson et al. In brief, to simulate the effects of a cephalad fluid shift on the cardiovascular and ocular systems, we utilized a lumped-parameter compartment model of these systems. The outputs of this lumped-parameter model then inform boundary conditions (pressures) for a finite element model of the optic nerve head (Figure 1). As an example, we show here a simulation of postural change from supine to 15 degree head-down tilt (HDT), with primary outcomes being the predicted change in strains at the optic nerve head (ONH) region, specifically in the lamina cribrosa (LC), retrolaminar optic nerve, and prelaminar neural tissue (PLNT). The strain field can be decomposed into three orthogonal components, denoted as the first, second and third principal strains. We compare the peak tensile (first principal) and compressive (third principal) strains, since elevated strain alters cell phenotype and induces tissue remodeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our lumped-parameter model predicted an IOP increase of c. 7 mmHg after 21 minutes of 15 degree HDT, which agreed with previous reports of IOP in HDT [1]. The corresponding FEM simulations predicted a relative increase in the magnitudes of the peak tensile

  6. Patulous Subarachnoid Space of the Optic Nerve Associated with X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets.

    PubMed

    Galvez-Ruiz, Alberto; Chaudhry, Imtiaz

    2013-01-01

    Although the deficiency forms are the most common manifestations of rickets, there are other forms of rickets that are resistant to vitamin D. Of these, the most common is X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. Rickets represents a group of multiple cranial bone disorders-craniosynostosis and the presence of Chari I malformation being the most notable-that explain the increase in intracranial pressure. We present a 4-year-old patient with an unusual association of X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets, bilateral proptosis, and prominent bilateral widening of the optic nerve sheaths. Although the association between intracranial hypertension and rickets is known, to the best of our knowledge, such a prominent distention of the subarachnoid space of the optic nerve without papilloedema has not been previously described.

  7. Gamma knife radiosurgery for skull-base meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Takanashi, Masami; Fukuoka, Seiji; Hojyo, Atsufumi; Sasaki, Takehiko; Nakagawara, Jyoji; Nakamura, Hirohiko

    2009-01-01

    The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) when used as a treatment modality for cavernous sinus or posterior fossa skull-base meningiomas (SBMs), with particular attention given to whether or not intentional partial resection followed by GKRS constitutes an appropriate combination treatment method for larger SBMs. Of the 101 SBM patients in this series, 38 were classified as having cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSMs), and 63 presented with posterior fossa meningiomas (PFMs). The patients with no history of prior surgery (19 CSMs, 57 PFMs) were treated according to a set protocol. Small to medium-sized SBMs were treated by GKRS only. To minimize the risk of functional deficits, larger tumors were treated with the combination of intentional partial resection followed by GKRS. Residual or recurrent tumors in patients who had undergone extirpations prior to GKRS (19 CSMs, 6 PFMs) are not eligible for this treatment method (due to the surgeries not being performed as part of a combination strategy designed to preserve neurological function as the first priority). The mean follow-up period was 51.9 months (range, 6-144 months). The overall tumor control rates were 95.5% in CSMs and 98.4% in PFMs. Nearly all tumors treated with GKRS alone were well controlled and the patients had no deficits. Furthermore, none of the patients who had undergone prior surgeries experienced new neurological deficits after GKRS. While new neurological deficits appeared far less often in those receiving the combination of partial resection with subsequent GKRS, extirpations tended to be associated with not only a higher incidence of new deficits but also a significant increase in the worsening of already-existing deficits. Our results indicate that GKRS is a safe and effective primary treatment for SBMs with small to moderate tumor volumes. We also found that larger SBMs compressing the optic pathway or brain stem can be effectively

  8. Voxel-based lesion mapping of meningioma: a comprehensive lesion location mapping of 260 lesions.

    PubMed

    Hirayama, Ryuichi; Kinoshita, Manabu; Arita, Hideyuki; Kagawa, Naoki; Kishima, Haruhiko; Hashimoto, Naoya; Fujimoto, Yasunori; Yoshimine, Toshiki

    2018-06-01

    OBJECTIVE In the present study the authors aimed to determine preferred locations of meningiomas by avoiding descriptive analysis and instead using voxel-based lesion mapping and 3D image-rendering techniques. METHODS Magnetic resonance images obtained in 248 treatment-naïve meningioma patients with 260 lesions were retrospectively and consecutively collected. All images were registered to a 1-mm isotropic, high-resolution, T1-weighted brain atlas provided by the Montreal Neurological Institute (the MNI152), and a lesion frequency map was created, followed by 3D volume rendering to visualize the preferred locations of meningiomas in 3D. RESULTS The 3D lesion frequency map clearly showed that skull base structures such as parasellar, sphenoid wing, and petroclival regions were commonly affected by the tumor. The middle one-third of the superior sagittal sinus was most commonly affected in parasagittal tumors. Substantial lesion accumulation was observed around the leptomeninges covering the central sulcus and the sylvian fissure, with very few lesions observed at the frontal, parietal, and occipital convexities. CONCLUSIONS Using an objective visualization method, meningiomas were shown to be located around the middle third of the superior sagittal sinus, the perisylvian convexity, and the skull base. These observations, which are in line with previous descriptive analyses, justify further use of voxel-based lesion mapping techniques to help understand the biological nature of this disease.

  9. Confocal Microscopy for the Histological Fluorescence Pattern of a Recurrent Atypical Meningioma: Case Report

    PubMed Central

    Whitson, Wesley J.; Valdes, Pablo A.; Harris, Brent T.; Paulsen, Keith D.; Roberts, David W.

    2013-01-01

    Background and Importance Fluorescence-guided resection with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), which has shown promising results in the resection of malignant gliomas, has been used for meningioma resection in an attempt to more clearly delineate the tumor margin. However, no article has investigated the fluorescence pattern of meningiomas on a histological level. Understanding the microscopic pattern of fluorescence could help assess the precision and utility of using 5-ALA for these tumors. We present the case of a recurrent atypical meningioma operated on with 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection for delineation of tumor tissue from surrounding uninvolved dura. Clinical Presentation A 53-year-old woman presented with recurrent atypical meningioma of the falx. Prior treatment included surgical resection 6 years earlier with subsequent fractionated radiation therapy and radiosurgery for tumor progression. The patient was given 5-ALA 20 mg/kg body weight dissolved in 100 mL water 3 hours before induction of anesthesia. Intraoperative fluorescence was coregistered with preoperative imaging. Neuropathological analysis of the resected falx with confocal microscopy enabled correlation of fluorescence with the extent of tumor on a histological level. Conclusion Fluorescence guidance allowed clear intraoperative delineation of tumor tissue from adjacent, uninvolved dura. On a microscopic level, there was a very close correlation of fluorescence with tumor, but some tumor cells did not fluoresce. PMID:21389893

  10. Laser Diagnostic Method for Plasma Sheath Potential Mapping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walsh, Sean P.

    Electric propulsion systems are gaining popularity in the aerospace field as a viable option for long term positioning and thrusting applications. In particular, Hall thrusters have shown promise as the primary propulsion engine for space probes during interplanetary journeys. However, the interaction between propellant xenon ions and the ceramic channel wall continues to remain a complex issue. The most significant source of power loss in Hall thrusters is due to electron and ion currents through the sheath to the channel wall. A sheath is a region of high electric field that separates a plasma from a wall or surface in contact. Plasma electrons with enough energy to penetrate the sheath may result emission of a secondary electron from the wall. With significant secondary electron emission (SEE), the sheath voltage is reduced and so too is the electron retarding electric field. Therefore, a lower sheath voltage further increases the particle loss to the wall of a Hall thruster and leads to plasma cooling and lower efficiency. To further understand sheath dynamics, laser-induced fluorescence is employed to provide a non-invasive, in situ, and spatially resolved technique for measuring xenon ion velocity. By scanning the laser wavelength over an electronic transition of singly ionized xenon and collecting the resulting fluorescence, one can determine the ion velocity from the Doppler shifted absorption. Knowing the velocity at multiple points in the sheath, it can be converted to a relative electric potential profile which can reveal a lot about the plasma-wall interaction and the severity of SEE. The challenge of adequately measuring sheath potential profiles is optimizing the experiment to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. A strong signal with low noise, enables high resolution measurements and increases the depth of measurement in the sheath, where the signal strength is lowest. Many improvements were made to reduce the background luminosity, increase the

  11. Morphogenesis of the fibrous sheath in the marsupial spermatozoon

    PubMed Central

    Ricci, M; Breed, WG

    2005-01-01

    The spermatozoon fibrous sheath contains longitudinal columns and circumferential ribs. It surrounds the axoneme of the principal piece of the mammalian sperm tail, and may be important in sperm stability and motility. Here we describe its assembly during spermiogenesis in a marsupial, the brush-tail possum, and compare its structural organization with that of eutherian mammals, birds and reptiles. Transmission electron microscopy showed that possum fibrous sheath assembly is a multistep process extending in a distal-to-proximal direction along the axoneme from steps 4 to 14 of spermiogenesis. For the most part, assembly of the longitudinal columns occurs before that of the circumferential ribs. Immunohistochemical and immunogold labelling showed that fibrous sheath proteins are first present in the spermatid cytoplasm; at least some of the proteins of the sheath precursors differ from those in the mature fibrous sheath. That immunoreactivity develops after initiation of chromatin condensation suggests that fibrous sheath proteins, or their mRNAs, are stored within the spermatid cytoplasmic lobule prior to their assembly along the axoneme. These findings are similar to those in laboratory rats, and thus suggests that the mode of fibrous sheath assembly evolved in a common ancestor over 125 million years ago, prior to the divergence of marsupial and eutherian lineages. PMID:16050902

  12. 5-Aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in meningioma: qualitative and quantitative measurements in vivo.

    PubMed

    Valdes, Pablo A; Bekelis, Kimon; Harris, Brent T; Wilson, Brian C; Leblond, Frederic; Kim, Anthony; Simmons, Nathan E; Erkmen, Kadir; Paulsen, Keith D; Roberts, David W

    2014-03-01

    The use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence has shown promise as a surgical adjunct for maximizing the extent of surgical resection in gliomas. To date, the clinical utility of 5-ALA in meningiomas is not fully understood, with most descriptive studies using qualitative approaches to 5-ALA-PpIX. To assess the diagnostic performance of 5-ALA-PpIX fluorescence during surgical resection of meningioma. ALA was administered to 15 patients with meningioma undergoing PpIX fluorescence-guided surgery at our institution. At various points during the procedure, the surgeon performed qualitative, visual assessments of fluorescence by using the surgical microscope, followed by a quantitative fluorescence measurement by using an intraoperative probe. Specimens were collected at each point for subsequent neuropathological analysis. Clustered data analysis of variance was used to ascertain a difference between groups, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to assess diagnostic capabilities. Red-pink fluorescence was observed in 80% (12/15) of patients, with visible fluorescence generally demonstrating a strong, homogenous character. Quantitative fluorescence measured diagnostically significant PpIX concentrations (cPpIx) in both visibly and nonvisibly fluorescent tissues, with significantly higher cPpIx in both visibly fluorescent (P < .001) and tumor tissue (P = .002). Receiver operating characteristic analyses also showed diagnostic accuracies up to 90% for differentiating tumor from normal dura. ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence guidance is a potential and promising adjunct in accurately detecting neoplastic tissue during meningioma resective surgery. These results suggest a broader reach for PpIX as a biomarker for meningiomas than was previously noted in the literature.

  13. 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Induced Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence in Meningioma: Qualitative and Quantitative Measurements In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Valdes, Pablo A.; Bekelis, Kimon; Harris, Brent T.; Wilson, Brian C.; Leblond, Frederic; Kim, Anthony; Simmons, Nathan E.; Erkmen, Kadir; Paulsen, Keith D.; Roberts, David W.

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND The use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence has shown promise as a surgical adjunct for maximizing the extent of surgical resection in gliomas. To date, the clinical utility of 5-ALA in meningiomas is not fully understood, with most descriptive studies using qualitative approaches to 5-ALA-PpIX. OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic performance of 5-ALA-PpIX fluorescence during surgical resection of meningioma. METHODS ALA was administered to 15 patients with meningioma undergoing PpIX fluorescence-guided surgery at our institution. At various points during the procedure, the surgeon performed qualitative, visual assessments of fluorescence by using the surgical microscope, followed by a quantitative fluorescence measurement by using an intra-operative probe. Specimens were collected at each point for subsequent neuropathological analysis. Clustered data analysis of variance was used to ascertain a difference between groups, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to assess diagnostic capabilities. RESULTS Red-pink fluorescence was observed in 80% (12/15) of patients, with visible fluorescence generally demonstrating a strong, homogenous character. Quantitative fluorescence measured diagnostically significant PpIX concentrations (CPpIx) in both visibly and nonvisibly fluorescent tissues, with significantly higher CPpIx in both visibly fluorescent (P < .001) and tumor tissue (P = .002). Receiver operating characteristic analyses also showed diagnostic accuracies up to 90% for differentiating tumor from normal dura. CONCLUSION ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence guidance is a potential and promising adjunct in accurately detecting neoplastic tissue during meningioma resective surgery. These results suggest a broader reach for PpIX as a biomarker for meningiomas than was previously noted in the literature. PMID:23887194

  14. Characteristics of Electronegative Plasma Sheath with q-Nonextensive Electron Distribution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Borgohain, D. R.; Saharia, K.

    2018-01-01

    The characteristics of sheath in a plasma system containing q-nonextensive electrons, cold fluid ions, and Boltzmann-distributed negative ions are investigated. A modified Bohm sheath criterion is derived by using the Sagdeev pseudopotential technique. It is found that the proposed Bohm velocity depends on the degree of nonextensivity ( q), negative ion temperature to nonextensive electron temperature ratio (σ), and negative ion density ( B). Using the modified Bohm sheath criterion, the sheath characteristics, such as the spatial distribution of the potential, positive ion velocity, and density profile, have been numerically investigated, which clearly shows the effect of negative ions, as well as the nonextensive distribution of electrons. It is found that, as the nonextensivity parameter and the electronegativity increases, the electrostatic sheath potential increases sharply and the sheath width decreases.

  15. Unilateral endonasal transcribriform approach with septal transposition for olfactory groove meningioma: can olfaction be preserved?

    PubMed

    Youssef, A Samy; Sampath, Raghuram; Freeman, Jacob L; Mattingly, Jameson K; Ramakrishnan, Vijay R

    2016-10-01

    Loss of olfaction has been considered inevitable in endoscopic endonasal resection of olfactory groove meningiomas. Olfaction preservation may be feasible through an endonasal unilateral transcribriform approach, with the option for expansion using septal transposition and contralateral preservation of the olfactory apparatus. An expanded unilateral endonasal transcribriform approach with septal transposition was performed in five cadaver heads. The approach was applied in a surgical case of a 24 × 26-mm olfactory groove meningioma originating from the right cribriform plate with partially intact olfaction. The surgical approach offered adequate exposure to the anterior skull base bilaterally. The nasal/septal mucosa was preserved on the contralateral side. Gross total resection of the meningioma was achieved with the successful preservation of the contralateral olfactory apparatus and preoperative olfaction. Six months later, the left nasal cavity showed no disruption of the mucosal lining and the right side was at the appropriate stage of healing for a harvested nasoseptal flap. One year later, the preoperative olfactory function was intact and favorably viewed by the patient. Objective testing of olfaction showed microsomia. Olfaction preservation may be feasible in the endoscopic endonasal resection of a unilateral olfactory groove meningioma through a unilateral transcribriform approach with septal transposition and preservation of the contralateral olfactory apparatus.

  16. Gas insulated transmission line having low inductance intercalated sheath

    DOEpatents

    Cookson, Alan H.

    1978-01-01

    A gas insulated transmission line including an outer sheath, an inner conductor disposed within the outer sheath, and an insulating gas between the inner conductor and the outer sheath. The outer sheath comprises an insulating tube having first and second ends, and having interior and exterior surfaces. A first electrically conducting foil is secured to the interior surface of the insulating tube, is spirally wound from one tube end to the second tube end, and has a plurality of overlapping turns. A second electrically conducting foil is secured to the exterior surface of the insulating tube, and is spirally wound in the opposite direction from the first electrically conducting foil. By winding the foils in opposite directions, the inductances within the intercalated sheath will cancel each other out.

  17. Effect of collisions on photoelectron sheath in a gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sodha, Mahendra Singh; Mishra, S. K.

    2016-02-01

    This paper presents a study of the effect of the collision of electrons with atoms/molecules on the structure of a photoelectron sheath. Considering the half Fermi-Dirac distribution of photo-emitted electrons, an expression for the electron density in the sheath has been derived in terms of the electric potential and the structure of the sheath has been investigated by incorporating Poisson's equation in the analysis. The method of successive approximations has been used to solve Poisson's equation with the solution for the electric potential in the case of vacuum, obtained earlier [Sodha and Mishra, Phys. Plasmas 21, 093704 (2014)], being used as the zeroth order solution for the present analysis. The inclusion of collisions influences the photoelectron sheath structure significantly; a reduction in the sheath width with increasing collisions is obtained.

  18. Stereological analysis of sciatic nerve in chickens following neonatal pinealectomy: an experimental study

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Although the injury to the peripheral nervous system is a common clinical problem, understanding of the role of melatonin in nerve degeneration and regeneration is incomplete. Methods The current study investigated the effects of neonatal pinealectomy on the sciatic nerve microarchitecture in the chicken. The chickens were divided into two equal groups: unpinealectomized controls and pinealectomized chickens. At the end of the study, biochemical examination of 10 sciatic nerve samples from both groups was performed and a quantitative stereological evaluation of 10 animals in each group was performed. The results were compared using Mann-Whitney test. Results In this study, the results of axon number and thickness of the myelin sheath of a nerve fiber in newly hatched pinealectomy group were higher than those in control group. Similarly, surgical pinealectomy group had significantly larger axonal cross-sectional area than the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the average hydroxyproline content of the nerve tissue in neonatal pinealectomy group was higher than those found in control group. Our results suggest that melatonin may play a role on the morphologic features of the peripheral nerve tissue and that melatonin deficiency might be a pathophysiological mechanism in some degenerative diseases of peripheral nerves. The changes demonstrated by quantitative morphometric methods and biochemical analysis has been interpreted as a reflection of the effects of melatonin upon nerve tissue. Conclusion In the light of these results from present animal study, changes in sciatic nerve morphometry may be indicative of neuroprotective feature of melatonin, but this suggestion need to be validated in the human setting. PMID:20409336

  19. Anatomical organization and somatic axonal components of the lumbosacral nerves in female rabbits.

    PubMed

    Cruz, Yolanda; Hernández-Plata, Isela; Lucio, Rosa Angélica; Zempoalteca, René; Castelán, Francisco; Martínez-Gómez, Margarita

    2017-09-01

    To determine the anatomical organization and somatic axonal components of the lumbosacral nerves in female rabbits. Chinchilla adult anesthetized female rabbits were used. Anatomical, electrophysiological, and histological studies were performed. L7, S1, and some fibers from S2 and S3 form the lumbosacral trunk, which gives origin to the sciatic nerve and innervation to the gluteal region. From S2 to S3 originates the pudendal nerve, whose branches innervates the striated anal and urethra sphincters, as well as the bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, and constrictor vulvae muscles. The sensory field of the pudendal nerve is ∼1800 mm 2 and is localized in the clitoral sheath and perineal and perigenital skin. The organization of the pudendal nerve varies between individuals, three patterns were identified, and one of them was present in 50% of the animals. From S3 emerge the pelvic nerve, which anastomoses to form a plexus localized between the vagina and the rectum. The innervation of the pelvic floor originates from S3 to S4 fibers. Most of the sacral spinal nerves of rabbit are mixed, carrying sensory, and motor information. Sacral nerves innervate the hind limbs, pelvic viscera, clitoris, perineal muscles, inguinal and anal glands and perineal, perigenital, and rump skin. The detailed description of the sacral nerves organization, topography, and axonal components further the knowledge of the innervation in pelvic and perinal structures of the female rabbit. This information will be useful in future studies about the physiology and physiopathology of urinary, fecal, reproductive, and sexual functions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Amino group in Leptothrix sheath skeleton is responsible for direct deposition of Fe(III) minerals onto the sheaths.

    PubMed

    Kunoh, Tatsuki; Matsumoto, Syuji; Nagaoka, Noriyuki; Kanashima, Shoko; Hino, Katsuhiko; Uchida, Tetsuya; Tamura, Katsunori; Kunoh, Hitoshi; Takada, Jun

    2017-07-26

    Leptothrix species produce microtubular organic-inorganic materials that encase the bacterial cells. The skeleton of an immature sheath, consisting of organic exopolymer fibrils of bacterial origin, is formed first, then the sheath becomes encrusted with inorganic material. Functional carboxyl groups of polysaccharides in these fibrils are considered to attract and bind metal cations, including Fe(III) and Fe(III)-mineral phases onto the fibrils, but the detailed mechanism remains elusive. Here we show that NH 2 of the amino-sugar-enriched exopolymer fibrils is involved in interactions with abiotically generated Fe(III) minerals. NH 2 -specific staining of L. cholodnii OUMS1 detected a terminal NH 2 on its sheath skeleton. Masking NH 2 with specific reagents abrogated deposition of Fe(III) minerals onto fibrils. Fe(III) minerals were adsorbed on chitosan and NH 2 -coated polystyrene beads but not on cellulose and beads coated with an acetamide group. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at the N1s edge revealed that the terminal NH 2 of OUMS1 sheaths, chitosan and NH 2 -coated beads binds to Fe(III)-mineral phases, indicating interaction between the Fe(III) minerals and terminal NH 2 . Thus, the terminal NH 2 in the exopolymer fibrils seems critical for Fe encrustation of Leptothrix sheaths. These insights should inform artificial synthesis of highly reactive NH 2 -rich polymers for use as absorbents, catalysts and so on.

  1. From Grey Scale B-Mode to Elastosonography: Multimodal Ultrasound Imaging in Meningioma Surgery-Pictorial Essay and Literature Review.

    PubMed

    Prada, Francesco; Del Bene, Massimiliano; Moiraghi, Alessandro; Casali, Cecilia; Legnani, Federico Giuseppe; Saladino, Andrea; Perin, Alessandro; Vetrano, Ignazio Gaspare; Mattei, Luca; Richetta, Carla; Saini, Marco; DiMeco, Francesco

    2015-01-01

    The main goal in meningioma surgery is to achieve complete tumor removal, when possible, while improving or preserving patient neurological functions. Intraoperative imaging guidance is one fundamental tool for such achievement. In this regard, intra-operative ultrasound (ioUS) is a reliable solution to obtain real-time information during surgery and it has been applied in many different aspect of neurosurgery. In the last years, different ioUS modalities have been described: B-mode, Fusion Imaging with pre-operative acquired MRI, Doppler, contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and elastosonography. In this paper, we present our US based multimodal approach in meningioma surgery. We describe all the most relevant ioUS modalities and their intraoperative application to obtain precise and specific information regarding the lesion for a tailored approach in meningioma surgery. For each modality, we perform a review of the literature accompanied by a pictorial essay based on our routinely use of ioUS for meningioma resection.

  2. Experimental investigation of plasma sheaths in magnetic mirror and cusp configurations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Zhengqi; Wei, Zi-an; Ma, J. X.

    2017-11-01

    Sheath structures near a metal plate in a magnetized plasma were experimentally investigated in magnetic mirror and cusp configurations. Plasma parameters and the sheath potential distributions were probed by a planar and an emissive probe, respectively. The measured sheath profiles in the mirror configuration show that the sheath thickness first decreases and then increases when the magnetic strength is raised. A magnetic flux-tube model was used to explain this result. In the cusp configuration, the measured sheath thickness decreases with the increase of the coil current creating the magnetic cusp. However, when normalized by the electron Debye length, the dependence of the sheath thickness on the coil current is reversed.

  3. Behavior of collisional sheath in electronegative plasma with q-nonextensive electron distribution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Borgohain, Dima Rani; Saharia, K.

    2018-03-01

    Electronegative plasma sheath is addressed in a collisional unmagnetized plasma consisting of q-nonextensive electrons, Boltzmann distributed negative ions and cold fluid positive ions. Considering the positive ion-neutral collisions and ignoring the effects of ionization and collisions between negative species and positive ions (neutrals), a modified Bohm sheath criterion and hence floating potential are derived by using multifluid model. Using the modified Bohm sheath criterion, the sheath characteristics such as spatial profiles of density, potential and net space charge density have been numerically investigated. It is found that increasing values of q-nonextensivity, electronegativity and collisionality lead to a decrease of the sheath thickness and an increase of the sheath potential and the net space charge density. With increasing values of the electron temperature to negative ion temperature ratio, the sheath thickness increases and the sheath potential as well as the net space charge density in the sheath region decreases.

  4. Compensation of the sheath effects in cylindrical floating probes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Ji-Hwan; Chung, Chin-Wook

    2018-05-01

    In cylindrical floating probe measurements, the plasma density and electron temperature are overestimated due to sheath expansion and oscillation. To reduce these sheath effects, a compensation method based on well-developed floating sheath theories is proposed and applied to the floating harmonic method. The iterative calculation of the Allen-Boyd-Reynolds equation can derive the floating sheath thickness, which can be used to calculate the effective ion collection area; in this way, an accurate ion density is obtained. The Child-Langmuir law is used to calculate the ion harmonic currents caused by sheath oscillation of the alternating-voltage-biased probe tip. Accurate plasma parameters can be obtained by subtracting these ion harmonic currents from the total measured harmonic currents. Herein, the measurement principles and compensation method are discussed in detail and an experimental demonstration is presented.

  5. The trans-frontal-sinus subcranial approach for removal of large olfactory groove meningiomas: surgical technique and comparison to other approaches.

    PubMed

    Boari, Nicola; Gagliardi, Filippo; Roberti, Fabio; Barzaghi, Lina Raffaella; Caputy, Anthony J; Mortini, Pietro

    2013-05-01

    Several surgical approaches have been previously reported for the treatment of olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM).The trans-frontal-sinus subcranial approach (TFSSA) for the removal of large OGMs is described, comparing it with other reported approaches in terms of advantages and drawbacks. The TFSSA was performed on cadaveric specimens to illustrate the surgical technique. The surgical steps of the TFSSA and the related anatomical pictures are reported. The approach was adopted in a clinical setting; a case illustration is reported to demonstrate the feasibility of the described approach and to provide intraoperative pictures. The TFSSA represents a possible route to treat large OGMs. The subcranial approach provides early devascularization of the tumor, direct tumor access from the base without traction on the frontal lobes, good overview of dissection of the optic nerves and anterior cerebral arteries, and dural reconstruction with pedicled pericranial flap. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  6. A clear map of the lower cranial nerves at the superior carotid triangle.

    PubMed

    Cavalcanti, Daniel D; Garcia-Gonzalez, Ulises; Agrawal, Abhishek; Tavares, Paulo L M S; Spetzler, Robert F; Preul, Mark C

    2010-07-01

    The lower cranial nerves must be identified to avoid iatrogenic injury during skull base and high cervical approaches. Prompt recognition of these structures using basic landmarks could reduce surgical time and morbidity. The anterior triangle of the neck was dissected in 30 cadaveric head sides. The most superficial segments of the glossopharyngeal, vagus and its superior laryngeal nerves, accessory, and hypoglossal nerves were exposed and designated into smaller anatomic triangles. The midpoint of each nerve segment inside the triangles was correlated to the angle of the mandible (AM), mastoid tip (MT), and bifurcation of the common carotid artery. A triangle bounded by the styloglossus muscle, external carotid artery, and facial artery housed the glossopharyngeal nerve. This nerve segment was 0.06 ± 0.71 cm posterior to the AM and 2.50 ± 0.59 cm inferior to the MT. The vagus nerve ran inside the carotid sheath posterior to internal carotid artery and common carotid artery bifurcation in 48.3% of specimens. A triangle formed by the posterior belly of digastric muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle, and internal jugular vein housed the accessory nerve, 1.90 ± 0.60 cm posterior to the AM and 2.30 ± 0.57 cm inferior to the MT. A triangle outlined by the posterior belly of digastric muscle, internal jugular vein, and common facial vein housed the hypoglossal nerve, which was 0.82 ± 0.84 cm posterior to the AM and 3.64 ± 0.70 cm inferior to the MT. Comprehensible landmarks can be defined to help expose the lower cranial nerves to avoid injury to this complex region. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Ultrasonographic Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter as a Surrogate Measure of Raised Intracranial Pressure in Severe Pregnancy-induced Hypertension Patients.

    PubMed

    Singh, Shiv Kumar; Bhatia, Kiran

    2018-01-01

    It is a well-known fact that severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) can be disastrous at times as it can cause a lot of complications to both pregnant women and her baby. Hence, it is always desirable to know the extent of severity by a real-time and easily accessible modality like ultrasound. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in severe preeclampsia and eclampsia patients using ocular ultrasonography with optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement. This study design was a prospective and clinically controlled blinded observational study. After taking necessary permissions from the Institution Ethical Committee, 75 patients were enrolled for the study. However, finally, 25 patients in severe preeclampsia and 24 in eclampsia group were compared with 25 normal term antenatal women. Demographic profiles, hemodynamic parameters, laboratory markers for severity of PIH, and ultrasonographic OSND were measured. They were statistically analyzed and compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. Value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All the three groups were comparable in terms of age, body weight, gestation age, gestity, and the number of primigravida in each group. There was a significant difference ( P < 0.05) in mean levels of hepatic aminotransferase levels and platelet counts between groups. Aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels were much higher in Group II and III as compared to Group I, while platelet levels were lower in study groups indicating increase in severity of PIH. There was also a significant difference for systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure ( P < 0.001) as both were significantly higher in study groups. Among severe PIH groups (Group II and III), the difference was comparable. OSND is a surrogate marker for raised ICP in severe PIH patients. It is a rapid, bedside, noninvasive, and readily accessible tool and could be a part of a

  8. Survival benefit of postoperative radiation in papillary meningioma: Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.

    PubMed

    Sumner, Whitney A; Amini, Arya; Hankinson, Todd C; Foreman, Nicholas K; Gaspar, Laurie E; Kavanagh, Brian D; Karam, Sana D; Rusthoven, Chad G; Liu, Arthur K

    2017-01-01

    Papillary meningioma represents a rare subset of World Health Organization (WHO) Grade III meningioma that portends an overall poor prognosis. There is relatively limited data regarding the benefit of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT). We used the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) to compare overall survival (OS) outcomes of surgically resected papillary meningioma cases undergoing PORT compared to post-operative observation. The NCDB was queried for patients with papillary meningioma, diagnosed between 2004 and 2013, who underwent upfront surgery with or without PORT. Overall survival (OS) was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) analyses were performed. In total, 190 patients were identified; 89 patients underwent PORT, 101 patients were observed. Eleven patients received chemotherapy (6 with PORT, 5 without). 2-Year OS was significantly improved with PORT vs. no PORT (93.0% vs. 74.4%), as was 5-year OS (78.5% vs. 62.5%) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.85; p  = 0.01). On MVA, patients receiving PORT had improved OS compared to observation (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.76; p  = 0.005). On subset analysis by age group, the benefit of PORT vs. no PORT was significant in patients ≤18 years ( n  = 13), with 2-year OS of 85.7% vs. 50.0% (HR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.80; p  = 0.032) and for patients >18 years ( n  = 184), with 2-year OS of 94.7% vs. 76.1% (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-1.00; p  = 0.049), respectively. In this large contemporary analysis, PORT was associated with improved survival for both adult and pediatric patients with papillary meningioma. PORT should be considered in those who present with this rare, aggressive tumor.

  9. What is the size of a floating sheath? An answer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Voigt, Farina; Naggary, Schabnam; Brinkmann, Ralf Peter

    2016-09-01

    The formation of a non-neutral boundary sheath in front of material surfaces is universal plasma phenomenon. Despite several decades of research, however, not all related issues are fully clarified. In a recent paper, Chabert pointed out that this lack of clarity applies even to the seemingly innocuous question ``What the size of a floating sheath?'' This contribution attempts to provide an answer that is not arbitrary: The size of a floating sheath is defined as the plate separation of an equivalent parallel plate capacitor. The consequences of the definition are explored with the help of a self-consistent sheath model, and a comparison is made with other sheath size definitions. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft within SFB TR 87.

  10. PubMed Central

    Praticò, A.D.; Serra, A.; Maiolino, L.; Cocuzza, S.; Di Mauro, P.; Licciardello, L.; Milone, P.; Privitera, G.; Belfiore, G.; Di Pietro, M.; Di Raimondo, F.; Romano, A.; Chiarenza, A.; Muglia, M.; Polizzi, A.; Evans, D.G.

    2016-01-01

    SUMMARY Neurofibromatosis type 2 [NF2; MIM # 101000] is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the occurrence of vestibular schwannomas (VSs), schwannomas of other cranial, spinal and cutaneous nerves, cranial and spinal meningiomas and/or other central nervous system (CNS) tumours (e.g., ependymomas, astrocytomas). Additional features include early onset cataracts, optic nerve sheath meningiomas, retinal hamartomas, dermal schwannomas (i.e., NF2-plaques), and (few) café-au-lait spots. Clinically, NF2 children fall into two main groups: (1) congenital NF2 - with bilateral VSs detected as early as the first days to months of life, which can be stable/asymptomatic for one-two decades and suddenly progress; and (2) severe pre-pubertal (Wishart type) NF2- with multiple (and rapidly progressive) CNS tumours other-than-VS, which usually present first, years before VSs [vs. the classical adult (Gardner type) NF2, with bilateral VSs presenting in young adulthood, sometimes as the only disease feature]. Some individuals can develop unilateral VS associated with ipsilateral meningiomas or multiple schwannomas localised to one part of the peripheral nervous system [i.e., mosaic NF2] or multiple non-VS, non-intradermal cranial, spinal and peripheral schwannomas (histologically proven) [schwannomatosis]. NF2 is caused by mutations in the NF2 gene at chromosome 22q12.1, which encodes for a protein called merlin or schwannomin, most similar to the exrin-readixin-moesin (ERM) proteins; mosaicNF2 is due to mosaic phenomena for the NF2 gene, whilst schwannomatosis is caused by coupled germ-line and mosaic mutations either in the SMARCB1 gene [SWNTS1; MIM # 162091] or the LZTR1 gene [SWNTS2; MIM # 615670] both falling within the 22q region and the NF2 gene. Data driven from in vitro and animal studies on the merlin pathway [e.g., post-translational and upstream/downstream regulation] allowed biologically targeted treatment strategies [e.g., Lapatinib, Erlotinib, Bevacizumab

  11. Olfaction preservation after removal of large tuberculum sellae meningiomas via a superior interhemispheric approach. A quantitative and qualitative study.

    PubMed

    Hannequin, P; Paviot, A; Chaussy, O; Gilard, V; Cébula, H; Marie, J-P; Proust, F

    2015-10-01

    We present a prospective series of tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) resected via a superior interhemispheric (IH) approach in 10 patients who preoperatively and postoperatively underwent extensive olfaction testing using a standardised test battery. This prospective longitudinal study evaluated the olfactory function after TSM resection. The resection was performed via a superior interhemispheric (IH) approach. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of the olfactory function were assessed with the Biolfa(®) olfactory test (at 6 months). Between November 2009 and April 2012, 10 consecutive patients with symptomatic TSM and preserved olfactory function were operated via a superior IH approach. For the self-evaluation criteria of the olfactory function, the mean preoperative visual analog scale score was 8.8. The mean preoperative total quantitative (/27) scored 18.2 ± 6.3 for this cohort of 10 patients. In the postoperative period, the mean total score decreased non-significantly to 15.8 ± 8.8 (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.085). The mean preoperative qualitative score (/8) was 5.5 ± 1.7 and in the postoperative period decreased, non-significantly, to 4.7 ± 2.6 (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.12). The olfactory function was quantitatively and qualitatively preserved in 6 patients (60%), but a postoperative deterioration occurred in 2 (20%) and an anosmia in 2 (20%). Size and invasive characteristics of the meningioma determined the post-surgical deterioration. Olfaction is an important factor of emotional and social life, which needs to be integrated into the challenge regarding the resection of TSM. The risks of nerve damage are reviewed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  12. Rectus Sheath Hematoma Associated with Apixaban.

    PubMed

    Gunasekaran, Kulothungan; Winans, Amanda R McFee; Murthi, Swetha; Ahmad, Mudassar Raees; Kaatz, Scott

    2017-06-07

    Apixaban is an oral anticoagulant that directly inhibits Factor Xa and is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis and stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare, life-threatening complication of anticoagulant treatment. We describe a case of an elderly patient on apixaban for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis who developed severe abdominal pain during hospitalization. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed left rectus sheath hematoma. Apixaban was discontinued and the patient was monitored for extension of the hematoma. After 2 days she was discharged home. Outpatient computed tomography 1 month later showed complete resolution of the rectus sheath hematoma. We recommend that clinicians become aware of the potential for rare and serious bleeding complications of anticoagulants and identify the need for early recognition and prompt management.

  13. Indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGV)-guided surgery of parasagittal meningiomas occluding the superior sagittal sinus (SSS).

    PubMed

    d'Avella, Elena; Volpin, Francesco; Manara, Renzo; Scienza, Renato; Della Puppa, Alessandro

    2013-03-01

    Maximal safe resection is the goal of correct surgical treatment of parasagittal meningiomas, and it is intimately related to the venous anatomy both near and directly involved by the tumor. Indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGV) has already been advocated as an intra-operative resourceful technique in brain tumor surgery for the identification of vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ICGV in surgery of parasagittal meningiomas occluding the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). In this study, we prospectively analyzed clinical, radiological and intra-operative findings of patients affected by parasagittal meningioma occluding the SSS, who underwent ICGV assisted-surgery. Radiological diagnosis of complete SSS occlusion was pre-operatively established in all cases. ICGV was performed before dural opening, before and during tumor resection, at the end of the procedure. Five patients were included in our study. In all cases, ICGV guided dural opening, tumor resection, and venous management. The venous collateral pathway was easily identified and preserved in all cases. Radical resection was achieved in four cases. Surgery was uneventful in all cases. Despite the small number of patients, our study shows that ICG videoangiography could play a crucial role in guiding surgery of parasagittal meningioma occluding the SSS. Further studies are needed to define the role of this technique on functional and oncological outcome of these patients.

  14. 46 CFR 111.05-7 - Armored and metallic sheathed cable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Armored and metallic sheathed cable. 111.05-7 Section 111.05-7 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING... Armored and metallic sheathed cable. When installed, the metallic armor or sheath must meet the...

  15. 46 CFR 111.05-7 - Armored and metallic sheathed cable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Armored and metallic sheathed cable. 111.05-7 Section 111.05-7 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING... Armored and metallic sheathed cable. When installed, the metallic armor or sheath must meet the...

  16. 46 CFR 111.05-7 - Armored and metallic sheathed cable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Armored and metallic sheathed cable. 111.05-7 Section 111.05-7 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING... Armored and metallic sheathed cable. When installed, the metallic armor or sheath must meet the...

  17. 46 CFR 111.05-7 - Armored and metallic sheathed cable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Armored and metallic sheathed cable. 111.05-7 Section 111.05-7 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING... Armored and metallic sheathed cable. When installed, the metallic armor or sheath must meet the...

  18. 46 CFR 111.05-7 - Armored and metallic sheathed cable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Armored and metallic sheathed cable. 111.05-7 Section 111.05-7 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING... Armored and metallic sheathed cable. When installed, the metallic armor or sheath must meet the...

  19. [Primary malignant schwannoma of the buccal branch of facial nerve].

    PubMed

    Moumine, M; Thiery, G; Harroudi, T; Amrani, M; El Othmany, A; Rzin, A

    2012-06-01

    Primary malignant schwannomas are rare neoplasms of nerve sheath origin, especially in the location of the head and neck where few cases are described in the literature. We report the case of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with malignant schwannoma in the left cheek. The patient underwent surgery with wide local excision, reconstruction were made later by skin graft. The treatment of choice is radical excision of the lesion with wide margins. In fact, to reduce local tumor recurrence, the use of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy is still controversial. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  20. The magnetized sheath of a dusty plasma with grains size distribution

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ou, Jing, E-mail: ouj@ipp.ac.cn; Gan, Chunyun; Lin, Binbin

    2015-05-15

    The structure of a plasma sheath in the presence of dust grains size distribution (DGSD) is investigated in the multi-fluid framework. It is shown that effect of the dust grains with different sizes on the sheath structure is a collective behavior. The spatial distributions of electric potential, the electron and ion densities and velocities, and the dust grains surface potential are strongly affected by DGSD. The dynamics of dust grains with different sizes in the sheath depend on not only DGSD but also their radius. By comparison of the sheath structure, it is found that under the same expected valuemore » of DGSD condition, the sheath length is longer in the case of lognormal distribution than that in the case of uniform distribution. In two cases of normal and lognormal distributions, the sheath length is almost equal for the small variance of DGSD, and then the difference of sheath length increases gradually with increase in the variance.« less

  1. Complex Frontal Pneumosinus Dilatans Associated with Meningioma: A Report of Two Cases and Associated Literature Review.

    PubMed

    Timms, Sara; Lakhani, Raj; Connor, Steve; Hopkins, Claire

    2017-07-01

    Introduction  Pneumosinus dilatans (PSD) is a rare phenomenon involving the expansion of the paranasal sinuses, without bony destruction or a mass. Previously documented cases have demonstrated simple expansion of a solitary air cell. We present two unique cases of PSD in the presence of meningioma, in which complex new cells developed within the frontal sinus. One of the two patients developed associated sinus disease. Case 1  A 28-year-old man presented with facial pain. A computed tomography scan showed an abnormally enlarged, septated right frontal sinus, not present on childhood scans. He underwent a modified endoscopic Lothrop approach to divide the septations, and his symptoms resolved. Case 2  A 72-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of headaches. Scans revealed a left frontal meningioma and multiple enlarged, dilated left frontal air cells. She had no clinical sinusitis and therefore was managed conservatively. Conclusions  PSD has been widely documented in association with fibrous dysplasia and meningioma. The most prevalent theory of the mechanism of PSD is of obstruction of the sinus ostium causing sinus expansion through a "ball-valve" effect. Our cases, which demonstrate septated PSD, suggest a more complex process involving local mediators and highlight the need to consider underlying meningioma in pneumosinus dilatans.

  2. An analytical investigation: Effect of solar wind on lunar photoelectron sheath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mishra, S. K.; Misra, Shikha

    2018-02-01

    The formation of a photoelectron sheath over the lunar surface and subsequent dust levitation, under the influence of solar wind plasma and continuous solar radiation, has been analytically investigated. The photoelectron sheath characteristics have been evaluated using the Poisson equation configured with population density contributions from half Fermi-Dirac distribution of the photoemitted electrons and simplified Maxwellian statistics of solar wind plasma; as a consequence, altitude profiles for electric potential, electric field, and population density within the photoelectron sheath have been derived. The expression for the accretion rate of sheath electrons over the levitated spherical particles using anisotropic photoelectron flux has been derived, which has been further utilized to characterize the charging of levitating fine particles in the lunar sheath along with other constituent photoemission and solar wind fluxes. This estimate of particle charge has been further manifested with lunar sheath characteristics to evaluate the altitude profile of the particle size exhibiting levitation. The inclusion of solar wind flux into analysis is noticed to reduce the sheath span and altitude of the particle levitation; the dependence of the sheath structure and particle levitation on the solar wind plasma parameters has been discussed and graphically presented.

  3. Occupational exposure to metals and risk of meningioma: a multinational case-control study.

    PubMed

    Sadetzki, Siegal; Chetrit, Angela; Turner, Michelle C; van Tongeren, Martie; Benke, Geza; Figuerola, Jordi; Fleming, Sarah; Hours, Martine; Kincl, Laurel; Krewski, Daniel; McLean, Dave; Parent, Marie-Elise; Richardson, Lesley; Schlehofer, Brigitte; Schlaefer, Klaus; Blettner, Maria; Schüz, Joachim; Siemiatycki, Jack; Cardis, Elisabeth

    2016-12-01

    The aim of the study was to examine associations between occupational exposure to metals and meningioma risk in the international INTEROCC study. INTEROCC is a seven-country population-based case-control study including 1906 adult meningioma cases and 5565 population controls. Incident cases were recruited between 2000 and 2004. A detailed occupational history was completed and job titles were coded into standard international occupational classifications. Estimates of mean workday exposure to individual metals and to welding fumes were assigned based on a job-exposure-matrix. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Although more controls than cases were ever exposed to metals (14 vs. 11 %, respectively), cases had higher median cumulative exposure levels. The ORs for ever vs. never exposure to any metal and to individual metals were mostly greater than 1.0, with the strongest association for exposure to iron (OR 1.26, 95 % CI 1.0-1.58). In women, an increased OR of 1.70 (95 % CI 1.0-2.89) was seen for ever vs never exposure to iron (OR in men 1.19, 95 % CI 0.91-1.54), with positive trends in relation with both cumulative and duration of exposure. These results remained after consideration of other occupational metal or chemical co-exposures. In conclusion, an apparent positive association between occupational exposure to iron and meningioma risk was observed, particularly among women. Considering the fact that meningioma is a hormone dependent tumor, the hypothesis that an interaction between iron and estrogen metabolism may be a potential mechanism for a carcinogenic effect of iron should be further investigated.

  4. Tenascin in meningioma: expression is correlated with anaplasia, vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and peritumoral edema but not with tumor border shape.

    PubMed

    Kiliç, Türker; Bayri, Yaşar; Ozduman, Koray; Acar, Melih; Diren, Semin; Kurtkaya, Ozlem; Ekinci, Gazanfer; Buğra, Kuyaş; Sav, Aydin; Ozek, M Memet; Pamir, M Necmettin

    2002-07-01

    Tenascin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is expressed during embryogenesis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate how tenascin expression relates to histological grade, angiogenesis, and radiological findings in meningiomas. Twenty typical, 20 atypical, and 5 malignant meningiomas were studied retrospectively. Tenascin expression and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the tumor tissue were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Tenascin messenger ribonucleic acid expression was also studied by comparative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Magnetic resonance images from each case were assessed for peritumoral edema and tumor border shape. The atypical and malignant meningiomas showed higher levels of tenascin expression than the typical meningiomas. The more sensitive messenger ribonucleic acid-based methods confirmed this finding. Tenascin expression was correlated with peritumoral edema and VEGF expression but not with tumor border shape. In the 13 tumors with marked tenascin expression, peritumoral edema was Grade 0 in one, Grade 1 in three, and Grade 2 in nine specimens. In the same 13 tumors, VEGF expression was Grade 1 in five and Grade 2 in eight specimens, and the findings for tumor border shape were Grade 0 in seven, Grade 1 in four, and Grade 2 in two specimens. In meningiomas, tenascin expression is correlated with anaplasia, tumor-associated edema, and VEGF expression but not with tumor border shape. This protein may play a role in the neoplastic and/or angiogenic processes in atypical and malignant meningiomas and may thus be a potential target for meningioma therapy.

  5. A Case of Recurrent Anaplastic Meningioma of the Skull Base with Radiologic Response to Hydroxyurea

    PubMed Central

    Gurberg, Joshua; Bouganim, Nathaniel; Shenouda, George; Zeitouni, Anthony

    2014-01-01

    Anaplastic meningiomas are rare and aggressive tumors with a high propensity for local recurrence. Surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy are the standard of care for primary disease and local recurrences. Refractory disease is managed with chemotherapy with limited success. A highly efficacious, well-tolerated chemotherapeutic agent has yet to be found for this disease entity. Hydroxyurea is currently receiving renewed attention because of its efficacy in inducing apoptosis of meningioma cells in vitro and its favorable side-effect profile. Thus far, in humans, this agent has only induced stable disease. We describe the first patient showing a near complete/partial clinical and radiological regression after 5 months of 25 mg/kg of hydroxyurea once daily, given within 1 month after stereotactic fractionated reirradiation of a previously irradiated and operated anaplastic meningioma of the skull base. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a significant and sustained response with tumor shrinkage and cavitation. PMID:25083390

  6. [Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block for upper abdominal surgery].

    PubMed

    Osaka, Yoshimune; Kashiwagi, Masanori; Nagatsuka, Yukio; Oosaku, Masayoshi; Hirose, Chikako

    2010-08-01

    Upper abdominal surgery leads to severe postoperative pain. Insufficient postoperative analgesia accompanies a high incidence of complications. Therefore, postoperative analgesia is very important. The epidural analgesia has many advantages. However it has a high risk of epidural hematoma in anticoagulated patients. Rectus sheath block provided safer and more reliable analgesia in recent years, by the development of ultrasound tools. We experienced two cases of the rectus sheath block in upper abdominal surgery under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound guided rectus sheath block can reduce the risk of peritoneal puncture, bleeding, and other complications. Rectus sheath block is very effective to reduce postoperative pain in upper abdominal surgery as an alternative method to epidural anesthesia in anticoagulated patients.

  7. Comparative gene expression profiling of ADAMs, MMPs, TIMPs, EMMPRIN, EGF-R and VEGFA in low grade meningioma.

    PubMed

    Rooprai, Harcharan K; Martin, Andrew J; King, Andrew; Appadu, Usha D; Jones, Huw; Selway, Richard P; Gullan, Richard W; Pilkington, Geoffrey J

    2016-12-01

    MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) and TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases) are implicated in invasion and angiogenesis: both are tissue remodeling processes involving regulated proteolysis of the extracellular matrix, growth factors and their receptors. The expression of these three groups and their correlations with clinical behaviour has been reported in gliomas but a similar comprehensive study in meningiomas is lacking. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the patterns of expression of 23 MMPs, 4 TIMPs, 8 ADAMs, selective growth factors and their receptors in 17 benign meningiomas using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results indicated very high gene expression of 13 proteases, inhibitors and growth factors studied: MMP2 and MMP14, TIMP-1, -2 and -3, ADAM9, 10, 12, 15 and 17, EGF-R, EMMPRIN and VEGF-A, in almost every meningioma. Expression pattern analysis showed several positive correlations between MMPs, ADAMs, TIMPs and growth factors. Furthermore, our findings suggest that expression of MMP14, ADAM9, 10, 12, 15 and 17, TIMP-2, EGF-R and EMMPRIN reflects histological subtype of meningioma such that fibroblastic subtype had the highest mRNA expression, transitional subtype was intermediate and meningothelial type had the lowest expression. In conclusion, this is the first comprehensive study characterizing gene expression of 8 ADAMs in meningiomas. These neoplasms, although by histological definition benign, have invasive potential. Taken together, the selected elevated gene expression pattern may serve to identify targets for therapeutic intervention or indicators of biological progression and recurrence.

  8. The Tubular Sheaths Encasing Methanosaeta thermophila Filaments Are Functional Amyloids.

    PubMed

    Dueholm, Morten S; Larsen, Poul; Finster, Kai; Stenvang, Marcel R; Christiansen, Gunna; Vad, Brian S; Bøggild, Andreas; Otzen, Daniel E; Nielsen, Per Halkjær

    2015-08-14

    Archaea are renowned for their ability to thrive in extreme environments, although they can be found in virtually all habitats. Their adaptive success is linked to their unique cell envelopes that are extremely resistant to chemical and thermal denaturation and that resist proteolysis by common proteases. Here we employ amyloid-specific conformation antibodies and biophysical techniques to show that the extracellular cell wall sheaths encasing the methanogenic archaea Methanosaeta thermophila PT are functional amyloids. Depolymerization of sheaths and subsequent MS/MS analyses revealed that the sheaths are composed of a single major sheath protein (MspA). The amyloidogenic nature of MspA was confirmed by in vitro amyloid formation of recombinant MspA under a wide range of environmental conditions. This is the first report of a functional amyloid from the archaeal domain of life. The amyloid nature explains the extreme resistance of the sheath, the elastic properties that allow diffusible substrates to penetrate through expandable hoop boundaries, and how the sheaths are able to split and elongate outside the cell. The archaeal sheath amyloids do not share homology with any of the currently known functional amyloids and clearly represent a new function of the amyloid protein fold. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  9. The Tubular Sheaths Encasing Methanosaeta thermophila Filaments Are Functional Amyloids*

    PubMed Central

    Dueholm, Morten S.; Larsen, Poul; Finster, Kai; Stenvang, Marcel R.; Christiansen, Gunna; Vad, Brian S.; Bøggild, Andreas; Otzen, Daniel E.; Nielsen, Per Halkjær

    2015-01-01

    Archaea are renowned for their ability to thrive in extreme environments, although they can be found in virtually all habitats. Their adaptive success is linked to their unique cell envelopes that are extremely resistant to chemical and thermal denaturation and that resist proteolysis by common proteases. Here we employ amyloid-specific conformation antibodies and biophysical techniques to show that the extracellular cell wall sheaths encasing the methanogenic archaea Methanosaeta thermophila PT are functional amyloids. Depolymerization of sheaths and subsequent MS/MS analyses revealed that the sheaths are composed of a single major sheath protein (MspA). The amyloidogenic nature of MspA was confirmed by in vitro amyloid formation of recombinant MspA under a wide range of environmental conditions. This is the first report of a functional amyloid from the archaeal domain of life. The amyloid nature explains the extreme resistance of the sheath, the elastic properties that allow diffusible substrates to penetrate through expandable hoop boundaries, and how the sheaths are able to split and elongate outside the cell. The archaeal sheath amyloids do not share homology with any of the currently known functional amyloids and clearly represent a new function of the amyloid protein fold. PMID:26109065

  10. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with benign or atypical intracranial meningioma: Long-term experience and prognostic factors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Milker-Zabel, Stefanie; Zabel, Angelika; Schulz-Ertner, Daniela

    Purpose: To analyze our long-term experience and prognostic factors after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in patients with benign or atypical intracranial meningioma. Methods and materials: Between January 1985 and December 2001, 317 patients with a median age of 55.7 years were treated with FSRT for intracranial meningioma. The tumor distribution was World Health Organization (WHO) Grade 1 in 48.3%, WHO Grade 2 in 8.2%, and unknown in 43.5%. Of the 317 patients, 97 underwent RT as their primary treatment, 79 underwent postoperative RT (subtotal resection in 38 and biopsy only in 41), and 141 were treated for recurrent disease. Themore » median target volume was 33.6 cm{sup 3} (range, 1.0-412.6 cm{sup 3}). The median total dose was 57.6 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction five times weekly. Results: The median follow-up was 5.7 years (range, 1.2-14.3 years). The overall local tumor control rate was 93.1% (295 of 317). Of the 317 patients, 72 had a partial response on CT/MRI and 223 (70.4%) remained stable. At a median of 4.5 years after FSRT, 22 patients (6.9%) had local tumor progression on MRI. Local tumor failure was significantly greater in patients with WHO Grade 2 meningioma (p < 0.002) than in patients with WHO Grade 1 or unknown histologic features. Patients treated for recurrent meningioma showed a trend toward decreased progression-free survival compared with patients treated with primary therapy, after biopsy, or after subtotal resection (p < 0.06). Patients with a tumor volume >60 cm{sup 3} had a recurrence rate of 15.5% vs. 4.3% for those with a tumor volume of {<=}60 cm{sup 3} (p < 0.001). In 42.9% of the patients, preexisting neurologic deficits improved. Worsening of preexisting neurologic symptoms occurred in 8.2%. Eight patients developed new clinical symptoms, such as reduced vision, trigeminal neuralgia, and intermittent tinnitus located at the side of the irradiated meningioma after FSRT. Conclusion: These data have demonstrated that FSRT is

  11. Stability of the Tonks–Langmuir discharge pre-sheath

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tskhakaya, D. D.; Kos, L.; Tskhakaya, D.

    The article formulates the stability problem of the plasma sheath in the Tonks–Langmuir discharge. Using the kinetic description of the ion gas, i.e., the stability of the potential shape in the quasi-neutral pre-sheath regarding the high and low frequency, the perturbations are investigated. The electrons are assumed to be Maxwell–Boltzmann distributed. Regarding high-frequency perturbations, the pre-sheath is shown to be stable. The stability problem regarding low-frequency perturbations can be reduced to an analysis of the “diffusion like” equation, which results in the instability of the potential distribution in the pre-sheath. By means of the Particle in Cell simulations, also themore » nonlinear stage of low frequency oscillations is investigated. Comparing the figure obtained with the figure for linear stage, one can find obvious similarity in the spatial-temporal behavior of the potential.« less

  12. A standardized method to create peripheral nerve injury in dogs using an automatic non-serrated forceps★

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xuhui; Wan, Liang; Li, Xinyuan; Meng, Youqiang; Zhu, Ningxi; Yang, Min; Feng, Baohui; Zhang, Wenchuan; Zhu, Shugan; Li, Shiting

    2012-01-01

    This study describes a method that not only generates an automatic and standardized crush injury in the skull base, but also provides investigators with the option to choose from a range of varying pressure levels. We designed an automatic, non-serrated forceps that exerts a varying force of 0 to 100 g and lasts for a defined period of 0 to 60 seconds. This device was then used to generate a crush injury to the right oculomotor nerve of dogs with a force of 10 g for 15 seconds, resulting in a deficit in the pupil-light reflex and ptosis. Further testing of our model with Toluidine-blue staining demonstrated that, at 2 weeks post-surgery disordered oculomotor nerve fibers, axonal loss, and a thinner than normal myelin sheath were visible. Electrophysiological examination showed occasional spontaneous potentials. Together, these data verified that the model for oculomotor nerve injury was successful, and that the forceps we designed can be used to establish standard mechanical injury models of peripheral nerves. PMID:25337103

  13. Use of Sodium Fluorescein in Meningioma Surgery Performed Under the YELLOW-560 nm Surgical Microscope Filter: Feasibility and Preliminary Results.

    PubMed

    Akçakaya, Mehmet Osman; Göker, Burcu; Kasımcan, Mustafa Ömür; Hamamcıoğlu, Mustafa Kemal; Kırış, Talat

    2017-11-01

    To evaluate the feasibility of sodium fluorescein (Na-Fl)-guided surgery involving the use of the PENTERO 900 surgical microscope equipped with the YELLOW-560 nm filter and low-dose Na-FL (200 mg/2-4 mg/kg) in meningioma surgery. The study included 30 patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent meningiomas who underwent Na-Fl-guided surgery between April 2015 and December 2016. Clinical features, surgical observations, extent of resection, and tumor histopathology were retrospectively analyzed. The Na-Fl enhancement pattern was assessed as "no enhancement," "diffuse homogenous enhancement," or "low heterogeneous enhancement." There were 30 meningiomas among the 30 patients. In 25 patients, Na-Fl was used for tumor demarcation, whereas in 5 patients, it was used for videoangiography. In this series, 88% of tumors showed diffuse homogeneous Na-Fl enhancement during the operation. The resection rate of the meningiomas was 87%. In 5 patients, in whom Na-Fl was used for videoangiography, the approach was useful to evaluate Na-Fl-stained vessels for patency and to understand their relationship with the tumor. No adverse events were encountered with regard to Na-Fl use. Na-Fl guidance with the use of the YELLOW-560 filter is safe and effective during meningioma surgery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. A novel component from citrus, ginger, and mushroom family exhibits antitumor activity on human meningioma cells through suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Das, Arabinda; Miller, Rickey; Lee, Philip; Holden, Chrysanthe Alyssa; Lindhorst, Scott M; Jaboin, Jerry; Vandergrift, William A; Banik, Naren L; Giglio, Pierre; Varma, Abhay K; Raizer, Jeffery J; Patel, Sunil J

    2015-09-01

    Recurrent meningiomas constitute an uncommon but significant problem after standard (surgery and radiation) therapy failure. Current chemotherapies (hydroxyurea, RU-486, and interferon-α) are only of marginal benefit. There is an urgent need for more effective treatments for meningioma patients who have failed surgery and radiation therapy. Limonin, Tangeritin, Zerumbone, 6-Gingerol, Ganoderic Acid A, and Ganoderic Acid DM are some of the plant derivatives that have anti-tumorgenic properties and cause cell death in meningioma cells in vitro. Due to its ease of administration, long-term tolerability, and low incidence of long-term side effects, we explored its potential as a therapeutic agent against meningiomas by examining their efficacy in vitro against meningioma cells. Treatment effects were assessed using MTT assay, Western blot analysis, caspases assay, and DNA fragmentation assay. Results indicated that treatments of IOMM-Lee and CH157MN meningioma cells with Limonin, Tangeritin, Zerumbone, 6-Gingerol, Ganoderic Acid A, and Ganoderic Acid DM induced apoptosis with enhanced phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β) via inhibition of the Wnt5/β-catenin pathway. These drugs did not induce apoptosis in normal human neurons. Other events in apoptosis included downregulation of tetraspanin protein (TSPAN12), survival proteins (Bcl-XL and Mcl-1), and overexpression apoptotic factors (Bax and caspase-3). These results provide preliminary strong evidence that medicinal plants containing Limonin, Tangeritin, 6-Gingerol, Zerumbone, Ganoderic Acid A, and Ganoderic Acid DM can be applied to high-grade meningiomas as a therapeutic agent, and suggests that further in vivo studies are necessary to explore its potential as a therapeutic agent against malignant meningiomas.

  15. Intratemporal facial nerve ultrastructure in patients with idiopathic facial paralysis: viral infection evidence study.

    PubMed

    Florez, Rosangela Aló Maluza; Lang, Raquel; Veridiano, Adriano Mora; Zanini, Renato de Oliveira; Calió, Pedro Luiz; Simões, Ricardo Dos Santos; Testa, José Ricardo Gurgel

    2010-01-01

    The etiology of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (IPFP) is still uncertain; however, some authors suggest the possibility of a viral infection. to analyze the ultrastructure of the facial nerve seeking viral evidences that might provide etiological data. We studied 20 patients with peripheral facial palsy (PFP), with moderate to severe FP, of both genders, between 18-60 years of age, from the Clinic of Facial Nerve Disorders. The patients were broken down into two groups - Study: eleven patients with IPFP and Control: nine patients with trauma or tumor-related PFP. The fragments were obtained from the facial nerve sheath or from fragments of its stumps - which would be discarded or sent to pathology exam during the facial nerve repair surgery. The removed tissue was fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde, and studied under Electronic Transmission Microscopy. In the study group we observed an intense repair cellular activity by increased collagen fibers, fibroblasts containing developed organelles, free of viral particles. In the control group this repair activity was not evident, but no viral particles were observed. There were no viral particles, and there were evidences of intense activity of repair or viral infection.

  16. Posterior rectus sheath hernia causing intermittent small bowel obstruction.

    PubMed

    Lenobel, Scott; Lenobel, Robert; Yu, Joseph

    2014-09-01

    A posterior rectus sheath hernia is an abdominal wall hernia that is rarely encountered. Owing to its rarity, it can be easily overlooked in the setting of a patient presenting with abdominal pain. We report a case of a posterior rectus sheath hernia that caused intermittent small bowel obstruction. The unusual aspects of this case are that the defect was large, measuring 6 cm in the transverse diameter, and that it contained small bowel within a large portion of the rectus sheath. Because the defect was large and affected nearly the entire posterior rectus sheath, it was difficult to discern on computed tomography until a small bowel obstruction developed. In this case, a limited awareness of this clinical entity contributed to the delay in diagnosis.

  17. Posterior Rectus Sheath Hernia Causing Intermittent Small Bowel Obstruction

    PubMed Central

    Lenobel, Scott; Lenobel, Robert; Yu, Joseph

    2014-01-01

    A posterior rectus sheath hernia is an abdominal wall hernia that is rarely encountered. Owing to its rarity, it can be easily overlooked in the setting of a patient presenting with abdominal pain. We report a case of a posterior rectus sheath hernia that caused intermittent small bowel obstruction. The unusual aspects of this case are that the defect was large, measuring 6 cm in the transverse diameter, and that it contained small bowel within a large portion of the rectus sheath. Because the defect was large and affected nearly the entire posterior rectus sheath, it was difficult to discern on computed tomography until a small bowel obstruction developed. In this case, a limited awareness of this clinical entity contributed to the delay in diagnosis. PMID:25426248

  18. Stiffening Sheaths for Continuum Robots.

    PubMed

    Langer, Marlene; Amanov, Ernar; Burgner-Kahrs, Jessica

    2018-06-01

    Added to their high dexterity and ability to conform to complex shapes, continuum robots can be further improved to provide safer interaction with their environment. Indeed, controlling their stiffness is one of the most challenging yet promising research topics. We propose a tubular stiffening sheath as a replaceable cover for small-diameter continuum robots to temporarily increase the stiffness in a certain configuration. In this article, we assess and compare performances of two different stiffening modalities: granular and layer jamming, provide arguments for material selection and experimental results for stiffness with respect to lateral and axial applied forces. Furthermore, we detected empirically additional effects relating sheath stiffness to material parameters and added to recent investigations in the state of the art, which are based exclusively on material roughness. Finally, we integrated the selected layer jamming material in a miniaturized sheath (13 mm outer diameter, 2.5 mm wall thickness) and covered a tendon-actuated continuum robot with it. Experimental characterization of the behavior with respect to applied external forces was performed via stiffness measurements and proved that the initial tendon-actuated continuum robot stiffness can be improved by a factor up to 24.

  19. Modeling corona sheath dynamics and effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carlson, B.; Lehtinen, N. G.

    2016-12-01

    The conductive lightning channel is only a centimeter or so in diameter, but charge deposited along such a narrow channel produces a large electric field that drives corona discharge in nearby air, carrying the charge outward several meters. The formation of this "corona sheath" affects a wide range of observable properties of lightning, including the overall charge carried by the channel, the shape, speed, and attenuation of impulsive currents, and the possibility of x-ray production. Simplified electrostatic and electrodynamic models of the formation of the sheath will be discussed, with results given including regions near the tip of a hypothetical channel. These results suggest that the sheath initially expands very rapidly, limiting the lifetime of the intense fields nearest the channel. The expansion gradually slows as the fields decrease, but under certain circumstances a large-scale streamer-like process can lead to enhancement of electric fields displaced from the tip of the channel, possibly suggesting a mechanism for space stem formation and leader stepping.

  20. Histopathology of radiation necrosis with severe peritumoral edema after gamma knife radiosurgery for parasagittal meningioma. A report of two cases.

    PubMed

    Chen, Chien-hua; Shen, Chiung-chyi; Sun, Ming-hsi; Ho, William L; Huang, Chuan-fu; Kwan, Po-cheung

    2007-01-01

    Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) has been an effective treatment for meningiomas. Nevertheless, it still has certain risks. We present 2 cases of parasagittal meningioma after GKS complicated with radiation necrosis and peritumoral edema. The results of histologic examination are discussed. Two cases of parasagittal meningioma received GKS. Symptomatic peritumoral edema developed 3-4 months after GKS. Both of them underwent surgical resection of their tumor afterwards. Histologic examination showed necrotic change inside the tumor and infiltration of inflammatory cells in both cases. Hyalinization of blood vessels was seen in the 2nd case. The patients had improvement of neurologic function after surgical resection. Imaging performed 3 months after surgical resection showed alleviation of brain edema. After radiosurgery peritumoral edema tends to occur in meningiomas with a parasagittal position. Radiation necrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and radiation injury to the vasculature causing hyalinization of blood vessels are suggested as the underlying histopathology. (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  1. A radio-frequency sheath model for complex waveforms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turner, M. M.; Chabert, P.

    2014-04-01

    Plasma sheaths driven by radio-frequency voltages occur in contexts ranging from plasma processing to magnetically confined fusion experiments. An analytical understanding of such sheaths is therefore important, both intrinsically and as an element in more elaborate theoretical structures. Radio-frequency sheaths are commonly excited by highly anharmonic waveforms, but no analytical model exists for this general case. We present a mathematically simple sheath model that is in good agreement with earlier models for single frequency excitation, yet can be solved for arbitrary excitation waveforms. As examples, we discuss dual-frequency and pulse-like waveforms. The model employs the ansatz that the time-averaged electron density is a constant fraction of the ion density. In the cases we discuss, the error introduced by this approximation is small, and in general it can be quantified through an internal consistency condition of the model. This simple and accurate model is likely to have wide application.

  2. Intramedullary Recurrence of a Thoracic Meningioma-Presentation of an Unusual Case and Review of the Literature.

    PubMed

    Piazza, Matthew A; Ramayya, Ashwin G; Geiger, Geoffrey A; Alonso-Basanta, Michelle; Nasrallah, MacLean P; Welch, William C; Ozturk, Ali K

    2016-08-01

    Spinal meningiomas are typically extra-axial, slow-growing, benign tumors that arise from the arachnoid cap cells. Intramedullary spinal meningiomas are exceedingly rare with few cases reported in the literature. A 64-year-old man with a history of grade I thoracic meningioma at the T4 level resected initially in 1989 and who required reoperation in 2013 for intradural, extramedullary recurrence of tumor presented again in 2015 with gait difficulty. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft tissue mass at the T3 to T4 levels on the left side of the canal that was mildly enhancing on T1 contrasted sequences. The patient was taken to the operating room, where a purely intramedullary recurrence was discovered without extramedullary extension or a dural-based attachment. The intramedullary tumor was completely resected, and postoperatively the patient recovered well and was at his neurologic baseline. The patient ultimately underwent proton beam radiotherapy because this tumor, although benign, had recurred twice. Intramedullary spinal meningiomas, particularly intramedullary low-grade recurrence of a previously extramedullary tumor, are rare phenomena. Although the pathogenic mechanisms are not well understood, intramedullary recurrence as described in this patient may reflect extrinsic factors related to prior surgical resections in addition to histologic progression. When operating on recurrent extramedullary lesions, aggressive arachnoid dissection may predispose patients to unusual patterns of recurrence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Brain invasion and the risk of seizures in patients with meningioma.

    PubMed

    Hess, Katharina; Spille, Dorothee Cäcilia; Adeli, Alborz; Sporns, Peter B; Brokinkel, Caroline; Grauer, Oliver; Mawrin, Christian; Stummer, Walter; Paulus, Werner; Brokinkel, Benjamin

    2018-04-27

    OBJECTIVE Identification of risk factors for perioperative epilepsy remains crucial in the care of patients with meningioma. Moreover, associations of brain invasion with clinical and radiological variables have been largely unexplored. The authors hypothesized that invasion of the cortex and subsequent increased edema facilitate seizures, and they compared radiological data and perioperative seizures in patients with brain-invasive or noninvasive meningioma. METHODS Correlations of brain invasion with tumor and edema volumes and preoperative and postoperative seizures were analyzed in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Totals of 108 (61%) females and 68 (39%) males with a median age of 60 years and harboring totals of 92 (52%) grade I, 79 (45%) grade II, and 5 (3%) grade III tumors were included. Brain invasion was found in 38 (22%) patients and was absent in 138 (78%) patients. The tumors were located at the convexity in 72 (41%) patients, at the falx cerebri in 26 (15%), at the skull base in 69 (39%), in the posterior fossa in 7 (4%), and in the ventricle in 2 (1%); the median tumor and edema volumes were 13.73 cm 3 (range 0.81-162.22 cm 3 ) and 1.38 cm 3 (range 0.00-355.80 cm 3 ), respectively. As expected, edema volume increased with rising tumor volume (p < 0.001). Brain invasion was independent of tumor volume (p = 0.176) but strongly correlated with edema volume (p < 0.001). The mean edema volume in noninvasive tumors was 33.0 cm 3 , but in invasive tumors, it was 130.7 cm 3 (p = 0.008). The frequency of preoperative seizures was independent of the patients' age, sex, and tumor location; however, the frequency was 32% (n = 12) in patients with invasive meningioma and 15% (n = 21) in those with noninvasive meningioma (p = 0.033). In contrast, the probability of detecting brain invasion microscopically was increased more than 2-fold in patients with a history of preoperative seizures (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.13-5.88; p = 0.025). In univariate analyses

  4. Self-consistent simulation of high-frequency driven plasma sheaths

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shihab, Mohammed; Eremin, Denis; Mussenbrock, Thomas; Brinkmann, Ralf

    2011-10-01

    Low pressure capacitively coupled plasmas are widely used in plasma processing and microelectronics industry. Understanding the dynamics of the boundary sheath is a fundamental problem. It controls the energy and angular distribution of ions bombarding the electrode, which in turn affects the surface reaction rate and the profile of microscopic features. In this contribution, we investigate the dynamics of plasma boundary sheaths by means of a kinetic self-consistent model, which is able to resolve the ion dynamics. Asymmetric sheath dynamics is observed for the intermediate RF regime, i.e., in the regime where the ion plasma frequency is equal to the driving frequency. The ion inertia causes an additional phase difference between the expansion and the contraction phase of the plasma sheath and an asymmetry for the ion energy distribution bimodal shape. A comparison with experimental results and particle in cell simulations is performed. Low pressure capacitively coupled plasmas are widely used in plasma processing and microelectronics industry. Understanding the dynamics of the boundary sheath is a fundamental problem. It controls the energy and angular distribution of ions bombarding the electrode, which in turn affects the surface reaction rate and the profile of microscopic features. In this contribution, we investigate the dynamics of plasma boundary sheaths by means of a kinetic self-consistent model, which is able to resolve the ion dynamics. Asymmetric sheath dynamics is observed for the intermediate RF regime, i.e., in the regime where the ion plasma frequency is equal to the driving frequency. The ion inertia causes an additional phase difference between the expansion and the contraction phase of the plasma sheath and an asymmetry for the ion energy distribution bimodal shape. A comparison with experimental results and particle in cell simulations is performed. The financial support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the frame of

  5. Three-dimensional multimodality fusion imaging as an educational and planning tool for deep-seated meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Sato, Mitsuru; Tateishi, Kensuke; Murata, Hidetoshi; Kin, Taichi; Suenaga, Jun; Takase, Hajime; Yoneyama, Tomohiro; Nishii, Toshiaki; Tateishi, Ukihide; Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Saito, Nobuhito; Inoue, Tomio; Kawahara, Nobutaka

    2018-06-26

    The utility of surgical simulation with three-dimensional multimodality fusion imaging (3D-MFI) has been demonstrated. However, its potential in deep-seated brain lesions remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of 3D-MFI in deep-seated meningioma operations. Fourteen patients with deeply located meningiomas were included in this study. We constructed 3D-MFIs by fusing high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) images with a rotational digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) in all patients. The surgical procedure was simulated by 3D-MFI prior to operation. To assess the impact on neurosurgical education, the objective values of surgical simulation by 3D-MFIs/virtual reality (VR) video were evaluated. To validate the quality of 3D-MFIs, intraoperative findings were compared. The identification rate (IR) and positive predictive value (PPV) for the tumor feeding arteries and involved perforating arteries and veins were also assessed for quality assessment of 3D-MFI. After surgical simulation by 3D-MFIs, near-total resection was achieved in 13 of 14 (92.9%) patients without neurological complications. 3D-MFIs significantly contributed to the understanding of surgical anatomy and optimal surgical view (p < .0001) and learning how to preserve critical vessels (p < .0001) and resect tumors safety and extensively (p < .0001) by neurosurgical residents/fellows. The IR of 3D-MFI for tumor-feeding arteries and perforating arteries and veins was 100% and 92.9%, respectively. The PPV of 3D-MFI for tumor-feeding arteries and perforating arteries and veins was 98.8% and 76.5%, respectively. 3D-MFI contributed to learn skull base meningioma surgery. Also, 3D-MFI provided high quality to identify critical anatomical structures within or adjacent to deep-seated meningiomas. Thus, 3D-MFI is promising educational and surgical planning tool for meningiomas in deep-seated regions.

  6. [Clinical feature of chronic compressive optic neuropathy without optic atrophy].

    PubMed

    Jiang, Libin; Shi, Jitong; Liu, Wendong; Kang, Jun; Wang, Ningli

    2014-12-01

    To investigate the clinical feature of the chronic compressive optic neuropathy without optic atrophy. Retrospective cases series study. The clinical data of 25 patients (37 eyes) with chronic compressive optic neuropathy without optic atrophy, treated in Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, from October, 2005 to March, 2014, were collected. Those patients had been showing visual symptoms for 6 months or longer, but missed diagnosed or misdiagnosed as other eye diseases due to their normal or slightly changed fundi. The collected data including visual acuities, visual fields, neuroimaging and/or pathologic diagnosis were analyzed. Among the 25 patients, there were 5 males and 20 females, and their ages range from 9 to 74 years [average (47.5 ± 13.4) years]. All patients suffered progressive impaired vision in single eye or both eyes, without exophthalmos or abnormal eye movements. Except one patient had a headache, other patients did not show systemic symptoms. The corrected visual acuities were between HM to 1.0, and their appearances of optic discs and colors of fundi were normal. After neuroimaging and/or pathological examination, it was proven that 14 patients suffered tuberculum sellae meningiomas, 5 patients with hypophysoma, 3 patient with optic nerve sheath meningioma in orbital apex, 1 patient with cavernous hemangioma, 1 patient with vascular malformation in orbital apex and 1 patient with optic nerve glioma. Among the 19 patients whose suffered occupied lesions of saddle area, 14 patients underwent visual field examinations, and only 4 patients showed classic visual field defects caused by optic chiasmal lesions. Occult progressive visual loss was the most important clinical feature of the disease.

  7. [Changes in facial nerve function, morphology and neurotrophic factor III expression following three types of facial nerve injury].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lili; Wang, Haibo; Fan, Zhaomin; Han, Yuechen; Xu, Lei; Zhang, Haiyan

    2011-01-01

    To study the changes in facial nerve function, morphology and neurotrophic factor III (NT-3) expression following three types of facial nerve injury. Changes in facial nerve function (in terms of blink reflex (BF), vibrissae movement (VM) and position of nasal tip) were assessed in 45 rats in response to three types of facial nerve injury: partial section of the extratemporal segment (group one), partial section of the facial canal segment (group two) and complete transection of the facial canal segment lesion (group three). All facial nerves specimen were then cut into two parts at the site of the lesion after being taken from the lesion site on 1st, 7th, 21st post-surgery-days (PSD). Changes of morphology and NT-3 expression were evaluated using the improved trichrome stain and immunohistochemistry techniques ,respectively. Changes in facial nerve function: In group 1, all animals had no blink reflex (BF) and weak vibrissae movement (VM) at the 1st PSD; The blink reflex in 80% of the rats recovered partly and the vibrissae movement in 40% of the rats returned to normal at the 7th PSD; The facial nerve function in 600 of the rats was almost normal at the 21st PSD. In group 2, all left facial nerve paralyzed at the 1st PSD; The blink reflex partly recovered in 40% of the rats and the vibrissae movement was weak in 80% of the rats at the 7th PSD; 8000 of the rats'BF were almost normal and 40% of the rats' VM completely recovered at the 21st PSD. In group 3, The recovery couldn't happen at anytime. Changes in morphology: In group 1, the size of nerve fiber differed in facial canal segment and some of myelin sheath and axons degenerated at the 7th PSD; The fibres' degeneration turned into regeneration at the 21st PSD; In group 2, the morphologic changes in this group were familiar with the group 1 while the degenerated fibers were more and dispersed in transection at the 7th PSD; Regeneration of nerve fibers happened at the 21st PSD. In group 3, most of the fibers

  8. The neurofibromatoses. Part 2: NF2 and schwannomatosis.

    PubMed

    Lu-Emerson, Christine; Plotkin, Scott R

    2009-01-01

    The neurofibromatoses, including neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), and schwannomatosis, comprise a group of genetically distinct disorders of the nervous system that are unified by the predisposition to nerve sheath tumors. All 3 types of NF have tumor manifestations (consistent with tumor-suppressor status) and nontumor manifestations. In the second part of this 2-part series, the manifestations of NF2 and schwannomatosis are reviewed. NF2 is characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, ependymomas, cataracts, and epiretinal membranes. The combination of complete hearing loss from vestibular schwannomas and blindness from bifacial weakness is a devastating potential outcome of NF2. Schwannomatosis is characterized by multiple nonvestibular, nonintradermal schwannomas and chronic pain. Recently, germline alterations in the SMARCB1/INI1 gene have been implicated in both familial and sporadic forms of this disorder. Neurologists play an important role in the diagnosis and management of the neurofibromatoses.

  9. Clinical features of schwannomatosis: a retrospective analysis of 87 patients.

    PubMed

    Merker, Vanessa L; Esparza, Sonia; Smith, Miriam J; Stemmer-Rachamimov, Anat; Plotkin, Scott R

    2012-01-01

    Schwannomatosis is a recently recognized form of neurofibromatosis characterized by multiple noncutaneous schwannomas, a histologically benign nerve sheath tumor. As more cases are identified, the reported phenotype continues to expand and evolve. We describe the spectrum of clinical findings in a cohort of patients meeting established criteria for schwannomatosis. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients seen at our institution from 1995-2011 who fulfilled either research or clinical criteria for schwannomatosis. Clinical, radiographic, and pathologic data were extracted with attention to age at onset, location of tumors, ophthalmologic evaluation, family history, and other stigmata of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) or NF2. Eighty-seven patients met the criteria for the study. The most common presentation was pain unassociated with a mass (46%). Seventy-seven of 87 (89%) patients had peripheral schwannomas, 49 of 66 (74%) had spinal schwannomas, seven of 77 (9%) had nonvestibular intracranial schwannomas, and four of 77 (5%) had intracranial meningiomas. Three patients were initially diagnosed with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor; however, following pathologic review, the diagnoses were revised in all three cases. Chronic pain was the most common symptom (68%) and usually persisted despite aggressive surgical and medical management. Other common diagnoses included headaches, depression, and anxiety. Peripheral and spinal schwannomas are common in schwannomatosis patients. Severe pain is difficult to treat in these patients and often associated with anxiety and depression. These findings support a proactive surveillance plan to identify tumors by magnetic resonance imaging scan in order to optimize surgical treatment and to treat associated pain, anxiety, and depression.

  10. Proposal for a new risk stratification classification for meningioma based on patient age, WHO tumor grade, size, localization, and karyotype

    PubMed Central

    Domingues, Patrícia Henriques; Sousa, Pablo; Otero, Álvaro; Gonçalves, Jesus Maria; Ruiz, Laura; de Oliveira, Catarina; Lopes, Maria Celeste; Orfao, Alberto; Tabernero, Maria Dolores

    2014-01-01

    Background Tumor recurrence remains the major clinical complication of meningiomas, the majority of recurrences occurring among WHO grade I/benign tumors. In the present study, we propose a new scoring system for the prognostic stratification of meningioma patients based on analysis of a large series of meningiomas followed for a median of >5 years. Methods Tumor cytogenetics were systematically investigated by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in 302 meningioma samples, and the proposed classification was further validated in an independent series of cases (n = 132) analyzed by high-density (500K) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Results Overall, we found an adverse impact on patient relapse-free survival (RFS) for males, presence of brain edema, younger patients (<55 years), tumor size >50 mm, tumor localization at intraventricular and anterior cranial base areas, WHO grade II/III meningiomas, and complex karyotypes; the latter 5 variables showed an independent predictive value in multivariate analysis. Based on these parameters, a prognostic score was established for each individual case, and patients were stratified into 4 risk categories with significantly different (P < .001) outcomes. These included a good prognosis group, consisting of approximately 20% of cases, that showed a RFS of 100% ± 0% at 10 years and a very poor-prognosis group with a RFS rate of 0% ± 0% at 10 years. The prognostic impact of the scoring system proposed here was also retained when WHO grade I cases were considered separately (P < .001). Conclusions Based on this risk-stratification classification, different strategies may be adopted for follow-up, and eventually also for treatment, of meningioma patients at different risks for relapse. PMID:24536048

  11. Spine Patterning Is Guided by Segmentation of the Notochord Sheath.

    PubMed

    Wopat, Susan; Bagwell, Jennifer; Sumigray, Kaelyn D; Dickson, Amy L; Huitema, Leonie F A; Poss, Kenneth D; Schulte-Merker, Stefan; Bagnat, Michel

    2018-02-20

    The spine is a segmented axial structure made of alternating vertebral bodies (centra) and intervertebral discs (IVDs) assembled around the notochord. Here, we show that, prior to centra formation, the outer epithelial cell layer of the zebrafish notochord, the sheath, segments into alternating domains corresponding to the prospective centra and IVD areas. This process occurs sequentially in an anteroposterior direction via the activation of Notch signaling in alternating segments of the sheath, which transition from cartilaginous to mineralizing domains. Subsequently, osteoblasts are recruited to the mineralized domains of the notochord sheath to form mature centra. Tissue-specific manipulation of Notch signaling in sheath cells produces notochord segmentation defects that are mirrored in the spine. Together, our findings demonstrate that notochord sheath segmentation provides a template for vertebral patterning in the zebrafish spine. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. An Everting Ureteral Access Sheath: Concepts and In Vitro Testing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Keith L.; Stoller, Marshall L.

    2007-04-01

    Ureteral access sheaths have been a recent innovation in facilitating ureteral stone surgery. Once properly placed, access sheaths allow the movement of ureteroscopes and other instruments through the ureter with minimal injury to the urothelium. However, there are shortcomings of the current device designs. Initial sheath placement requires significant force, and shear stress can injure the ureter. In addition, inadvertent advancement of the outer sheath without the inner introducer stylet can tear and avulse the ureter. A novel eversion design incorporating a lubricous film provides marked improvement over current access sheaths. In bench top and animal models, the eversion shealths require less force during advancement, cause less injury to the urothelial tissue, and have a lower potential of introducing extraneous materials (e.g., microbes) into a simulated urinary tract. While, the everting design provides important advantages over traditional non-everting designs, further preclinical and clinical trials are required.

  13. GRMHD/RMHD Simulations and Stability of Magnetized Spine-Sheath Relativistic Jets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hardee, Philip; Mizuno, Yosuke; Nishikawa, Ken-Ichi

    2007-01-01

    A new general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD ) code "RAISHIN" used to simulate jet generation by rotating and non-rotating black holes with a geometrically thin Keplarian accretion disk finds that the jet develops a spine-sheath structure in the rotating black hole case. Spine-sheath structure and strong magnetic fields significantly modify the Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) velocity shear driven instability. The RAISHIN code has been used in its relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (RMHD) configuration to study the effects of strong magnetic fields and weakly relativistic sheath motion, cl2, on the KH instability associated with a relativistic, Y = 2.5, jet spine-sheath interaction. In the simulations sound speeds up to ? c/3 and Alfven wave speeds up to ? 0.56 c are considered. Numerical simulation results are compared to theoretical predictions from a new normal mode analysis of the RMHD equations. Increased stability of a weakly magnetized system resulting from c/2 sheath speeds and stabilization of a strongly magnetized system resulting from d 2 sheath speeds is found.

  14. Impact of operative length on post-operative complications in meningioma surgery: a NSQIP analysis.

    PubMed

    Karhade, Aditya V; Fandino, Luis; Gupta, Saksham; Cote, David J; Iorgulescu, Julian B; Broekman, Marike L; Aglio, Linda S; Dunn, Ian F; Smith, Timothy R

    2017-01-01

    Many studies have implicated operative length as a predictor of post-operative complications, including venous thromboembolism [deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)]. We analyzed the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2006 to 2014, to evaluate whether length of operation had a statistically significant effect on post-operative complications in patients undergoing surgical resection of meningioma. Patients were included for this study if they had a post-operative diagnosis of meningioma. Patient demographics, pre-operative comorbidities, and post-operative 30-day complications were analyzed. Of 3743 patients undergoing craniotomy for meningioma, 13.6 % experienced any complication. The most common complications and their median time to occurrence were urinary tract infection (2.6 %) at 10 days postoperatively (IQR 7-15), unplanned intubation (2.5 %) at 3 days (IQR 1-7), failure to wean from ventilator (2.4 %) at 2.0 days (IQR 2-4), and DVT (2.4 %) at 6 days (IQR 11-19). Postoperatively, 3.6 % developed VTE; 2.4 % developed DVT and 1.7 % developed PE. Multivariable analysis identified older age (third and upper quartile), obesity, preoperative ventilator dependence, preoperative steroid use, anemia, and longer operative time as significant risk factors for VTE. Separate multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated longer operative time as a significant risk factor for VTE, all complications, major complications, and minor complications. Meningioma resection is associated with various post-operative complications that increase patient morbidity and mortality risk. this large, multi-institutional patient sample, longer operative length was associated with increased risk for postoperative venous thromboembolisms, as well as major and minor complications.

  15. Surgical management of giant sphenoid wing meningiomas encasing major cerebral arteries.

    PubMed

    Champagne, Pierre-Olivier; Lemoine, Emile; Bojanowski, Michel W

    2018-04-01

    OBJECTIVE Sphenoid wing meningiomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with variable surgical risks and prognosis. Those that have grown to a very large size, encasing the major cerebral arteries, are associated with a high risk of stroke. In reviewing the authors' series of giant sphenoid wing meningiomas, the goal was to evaluate how the extent of the tumor's invasion of surrounding structures affected the ability to safely remove the tumor and restore function. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective study of a series of giant sphenoid wing meningiomas operated on between 1996 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were meningiomas with a globoid component ≥ 6 cm, encasing at least 1 major intradural cerebral artery. Extent of resection was measured according to Simpson grade. RESULTS This series included 12 patients, with a mean age of 59 years. Visual symptoms were the most common clinical presentation. There was complete or partial encasement of all 3 major cerebral arteries except for 3 cases in which only the anterior cerebral artery was not involved. The lateral wall of the cavernous sinus was invaded in 8 cases (67%) and the optic canal in 6 (50%). Complete resection was achieved in 2 cases (Simpson grades 2 and 3). In the remaining 10 cases of partial resection (Simpson grade 4), radical removal (> 90%) was achieved in 7 cases (70%). In the immediate postoperative period, there were no deaths. Four of 9 patients with visual deficits improved, while the 5 others remained unchanged. Two patients experienced transient neurological deficits. Other than an asymptomatic lacuna of the internal capsule, there were no ischemic lesions following surgery. Tumor recurrence occurred in 5 patients, between 24 and 168 months (mean 61 months) following surgery. CONCLUSIONS Although these giant lesions encasing major cerebral arteries are particularly treacherous for surgery, this series demonstrates that it is possible to safely achieve radical removal and at times even

  16. Sheath-accumulating Propagation of Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takahashi, Takuya; Shibata, Kazunari

    2017-03-01

    Fast interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) are the drivers of strong space weather storms such as solar energetic particle events and geomagnetic storms. The connection between the space-weather-impacting solar wind disturbances associated with fast ICMEs at Earth and the characteristics of causative energetic CMEs observed near the Sun is a key question in the study of space weather storms, as well as in the development of practical space weather prediction. Such shock-driving fast ICMEs usually expand at supersonic speeds during the propagation, resulting in the continuous accumulation of shocked sheath plasma ahead. In this paper, we propose a “sheath-accumulating propagation” (SAP) model that describes the coevolution of the interplanetary sheath and decelerating ICME ejecta by taking into account the process of upstream solar wind plasma accumulation within the sheath region. Based on the SAP model, we discuss (1) ICME deceleration characteristics; (2) the fundamental condition for fast ICMEs at Earth; (3) the thickness of interplanetary sheaths; (4) arrival time prediction; and (5) the super-intense geomagnetic storms associated with huge solar flares. We quantitatively show that not only the speed but also the mass of the CME are crucial for discussing the above five points. The similarities and differences between the SAP model, the drag-based model, and the“snow-plow” model proposed by Tappin are also discussed.

  17. Sheath-accumulating Propagation of Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Takahashi, Takuya; Shibata, Kazunari, E-mail: takahasi@kusastro.kyoto-u.ac.jp

    Fast interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) are the drivers of strong space weather storms such as solar energetic particle events and geomagnetic storms. The connection between the space-weather-impacting solar wind disturbances associated with fast ICMEs at Earth and the characteristics of causative energetic CMEs observed near the Sun is a key question in the study of space weather storms, as well as in the development of practical space weather prediction. Such shock-driving fast ICMEs usually expand at supersonic speeds during the propagation, resulting in the continuous accumulation of shocked sheath plasma ahead. In this paper, we propose a “sheath-accumulating propagation”more » (SAP) model that describes the coevolution of the interplanetary sheath and decelerating ICME ejecta by taking into account the process of upstream solar wind plasma accumulation within the sheath region. Based on the SAP model, we discuss (1) ICME deceleration characteristics; (2) the fundamental condition for fast ICMEs at Earth; (3) the thickness of interplanetary sheaths; (4) arrival time prediction; and (5) the super-intense geomagnetic storms associated with huge solar flares. We quantitatively show that not only the speed but also the mass of the CME are crucial for discussing the above five points. The similarities and differences between the SAP model, the drag-based model, and the“snow-plow” model proposed by Tappin are also discussed.« less

  18. Orbital nerve seath myxoma with extraocular muscle involvement: a rare case.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Uña, Ignacio; Troyano-Rivas, Juan A; González-García, Cristina; Chícharo-de-Freitas, Reinaldo; Ortiz-Zapata, Juan J; Ortega-Medina, Luis; Toledano-Fernández, Nicolás; García-Feijoo, Julián

    2015-07-01

    A 66-year-old woman with breast cancer presented with a painless mass in the left orbit. MRI revealed a well-defined intraconal mass in the temporal quadrant of the orbit. Fifteen months later, a further MRI indicated the mass had grown, displacing the left optic nerve and making contact with the lateral rectus muscle, suggesting its possible intramuscular origin. Despite the clinical and radiological characteristics of the lesion and its slow growth, a PET/CT study was developed because of the history of malignant disease. No metabolic activity of the mass or malignant lesion in other locations was observed. After surgical excision, histopathological examination revealed an abundant myxoid matrix with few spindle-shaped cells and no signs of malignancy. The cells were immunopositive for CD34, positive for S-100 protein, and negative for EMA, actin, and CD57. A diagnosis was made of a nerve sheath myxoma. The orbital location of these tumors is extremely rare.

  19. Management of Foramen Magnum Meningioma During Pregnancy: Literature Review and Case Report.

    PubMed

    Casabella, Amanda M; Urakov, Timur M; Basil, Gregory; Morcos, Jacques J

    2017-01-01

    Foramen magnum meningiomas are very rare and challenging lesions. Their presentation in women during pregnancy tremendously complicates the course of gestation. Conservative management is always the first option, but in cases of a deteriorating clinical picture, there are currently no clear guidelines on best management. A woman presents in the 30th week of pregnancy with pain and progressive numbness in right posterior aspect of neck and right arm. Foramen magnum meningioma was diagnosed and successful surgical resection was performed with intraoperative fetal hearth monitoring and three fourths prone position of the patient. We believe a three fourths prone position of a pregnant patient is safe and adequate for the far-lateral exposure of craniocervical lesions. Rapid growing of tumor can be precipitated by steroids management during pregnancy. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  20. Studies on the transmission of sub-THz waves in magnetized inhomogeneous plasma sheath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuan, Kai; Shen, Linfang; Yao, Ming; Deng, Xiaohua; Chen, Zhou; Hong, Lujun

    2018-01-01

    There have been many studies on the sub-terahertz (sub-THz) wave transmission in reentry plasma sheaths. However, only some of them have paid attention to the transmission of sub-THz waves in magnetized plasma sheaths. In this paper, the transmission of sub-THz waves in both unmagnetized and magnetized reentry plasma sheaths was investigated. The impacts of temporal evolution of the plasma sheath on the wave transmission were studied. The transmission of "atmospheric window" frequencies in a magnetized plasma sheath was discussed in detail. According to the study, the power transmission rates (Tp) for the left hand circular (LHC) and the right hand circular modes in the magnetized plasma sheath are obviously higher and lower than those in the unmagnetized plasma sheath, respectively. The Tp of LHC mode increases with both wave frequency and external magnetic field strength. Also, the Tp of LHC mode in both magnetized and unmagnetized plasma sheaths varies with time due to the temporal evolution of the plasma sheath. Moreover, the performance of sub-THz waves in magnetized plasma sheath hints at a new approach to the "blackout" problem. The new approach, which is in the capability of modern technology, is to utilize the communication system operating at 140 GHz with an onboard magnet installed near the antenna.

  1. Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: Comparison of Extent of Frontal Lobe Changes After Lateral and Bifrontal Approaches.

    PubMed

    Nanda, Anil; Maiti, Tanmoy K; Bir, Shyamal C; Konar, Subhas K; Guthikonda, Bharat

    2016-10-01

    Olfactory groove meningiomas often are behaviorally silent. Numerous surgical approaches have been described in the literature for the successful removal of these meningiomas. Lateral (pterional/frontolateral) and anterior (bifrontal/fronto-orbito-basal) approaches with their various modifications remain the 2 major corridors in resecting them. In this study, we discuss our experience in microsurgical treatment of these tumors at our institution and assess the extent of frontal lobe damage after the resection of tumor. We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgical excision of olfactory groove meningiomas from 1990 to 2014. To measure the extent of frontal lobe damage via lateral and anterior approaches, we measured the volume of porencephalic cave in the postoperative magnetic resonance imaging by using Brainlab software. The ratio of volume of porencephalic cave to tumor was measured between 2 sides and 2 approaches. Fifty-seven patients with olfactory groove meningiomas, who underwent 62 microsurgical resection procedures in 1990-2014 were included in the study (74% were more than 5 cm at presentation). Pterional and bifrontal craniotomies were the most commonly used approaches. At follow-up, the volume of porencephalic cave after lateral approach was significantly less in the side contralateral to craniotomy irrespective of tumor size. The difference between ratio of volume of porencephalic cave and initial tumor was significantly less after lateral approaches, when compared to anterior approaches. Lateral approaches (pterional/frontolateral) resulted in less frontal lobe change and better olfactory preservation in comparison to anterior approaches in present series. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  2. ICME-driven sheath regions deplete the outer radiation belt electrons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hietala, H.; Kilpua, E. K.; Turner, D. L.

    2013-12-01

    It is an outstanding question in space weather and solar wind-magnetosphere interaction studies, why some storms result in an increase of the outer radiation belt electron fluxes, while others deplete them or produce no change. One approach to this problem is to look at differences in the storm drivers. Traditionally drivers have been classified to Stream Interaction Regions (SIRs) and Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (ICMEs). However, an 'ICME event' is a complex structure: The core is a magnetic cloud (MC; a clear flux rope structure). If the mass ejection is fast enough, it can drive a shock in front of it. This leads to the formation of a sheath region between the interplanetary shock and the leading edge of the MC. While both the sheath and the MC feature elevated solar wind speed, their other properties are very different. For instance, the sheath region has typically a much higher dynamic pressure than the magnetic cloud. Moreover, the sheath region has a high power in magnetic field and dynamic pressure Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) range fluctuations, while the MC is characterised by an extremely smooth magnetic field. Magnetic clouds have been recognised as important drivers magnetospheric activity since they can comprise long periods of very large southward Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF). Nevertheless, previous studies have shown that sheath regions can also act as storm drivers. In this study, we analyse the effects of ICME-driven sheath regions on the relativistic electron fluxes observed by GOES satellites on the geostationary orbit. We perform a superposed epoch analysis of 31 sheath regions from solar cycle 23. Our results show that the sheaths cause an approximately one order of magnitude decrease in the 24h-averaged electron fluxes. Typically the fluxes also stay below the pre-event level for more than two days. Further analysis reveals that the decrease does not depend on, e.g., whether the sheath interval contains predominantly northward

  3. [The relationship between the sympathetic nerves and immunocytes in the spleen].

    PubMed

    Saito, H

    1991-02-01

    Ever since Galen, the ancient Greek physician, said "Melancholic women develop disease more than sanguine women," it has been said that the mental condition affects the physical condition. However, there is hardly any scientific verification. About half a century ago, Selye (1936) proposed a relationship between stress and immune function, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the nervous system and immune system interact with each other. Also researchers have strongly hoped to demonstrate the existence of specific pathways by which immunocytes can be directly regulated by the nervous elements instead of by the humoral influence of immunomodulators. In this study, the author showed by electron microscopic observation how the immunocytes in the guinea pig spleen are directly innervated. The sustentacular supporting element of the guinea pig spleen is the connective tissue system which includes the capsulo-trabecular, peri-vascular and reticular systems. The latter system is composed of the outer sheath of the reticular cell or its cellular processes which have abundant microfilaments and the inner minute connective tissue space in which lamina densa-like material, collagenous fibrils, elastic fibers and nervous elements are present. The sympathetic adrenergic nerves for the spleen enter the organ, and scatter around the arterial walls. All components of the connective tissue system are continuous with each other, and the nervous elements appearing in the reticular system are the elongated ones from other connective tissue systems, especially peri-vascular connective tissue. Thus, the adrenergic nerves are more abundant in the white pulp, into which the central artery penetrates, than in the red pulp which arterioles or capillaries pass through. The minute connective tissue space of the reticular system may be called the noradrenalin (NA) canal because catecholamine released from the naked adrenergic nerve terminals in this tissue diffuses and is stored in this

  4. Parametric computational study of sheaths in multicomponent Ar/O2 plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hromadka, J.; Ibehej, T.; Hrach, R.

    2018-02-01

    Our study is devoted to sheath structures emerging in Ar/O2 plasma. By means of two dimensional PIC/MCC computer model two configurations were investigated - sheath structure in the vicinity of a cylindrical Langmuir probe for two different biases and changes of the sheath structure when a cylindrical probe passes into a semi-planar probe. It was shown that O+ ions play important role in shielding out negative bias of a solid immersed in Ar/O2 plasma and edge effects of a semi-planar probe on its sheath structure were evaluated.

  5. Proposal of a new radiological classification system for spinal meningiomas as a descriptive tool and surgical guide.

    PubMed

    Bayoumi, Ahmed B; Laviv, Yosef; Yokus, Burhan; Efe, Ibrahim E; Toktas, Zafer Orkun; Kilic, Turker; Demir, Mustafa K; Konya, Deniz; Kasper, Ekkehard M

    2017-11-01

    1) To provide neurosurgeons and radiologists with a new quantitative and anatomical method to describe spinal meningiomas (SM) consistently. 2) To provide a guide to the surgical approach needed and amount of bony resection required based on the proposed classification. 3) To report the distribution of our 58 cases of SM over different Stages and Subtypes in correlation to the surgical treatment needed for each case. 4) To briefly review the literature on the rare non-conventional surgical corridors to resect SM. We reviewed the literature to report on previously published cohorts and classifications used to describe the location of the tumor inside the spinal canal. We reviewed the cases that were published prior showing non-conventional surgical approaches to resect spinal meningiomas. We proposed our classification system composed of Staging based on maximal cross-sectional surface area of tumor inside canal, Typing based on number of quadrants occupied by tumor and Subtyping based on location of the tumor bulk to spinal cord. Extradural and extra-spinal growth were also covered by our classification. We then applied it retrospectively on our 58 cases. 12 articles were published illustrating overlapping terms to describe spinal meningiomas. Another 7 articles were published reporting on 23 cases of anteriorly located spinal meningiomas treated with approaches other than laminectomies/laminoplasties. 4 Types, 9 Subtypes and 4 Stages were described in our Classification System. In our series of 58 patients, no midline anterior type was represented. Therefore, all our cases were treated by laminectomies or laminoplasties (with/without facetectomies) except a case with a paraspinal component where a costotransversectomy was needed. Spinal meningiomas can be radiologically described in a precise fashion. Selection of surgical corridor depends mainly on location of tumor bulk inside canal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Combination of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with fractionated external beam radiotherapy for treatment of advanced symptomatic meningioma

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is the treatment of choice for irresectable meningioma. Due to the strong expression of somatostatin receptors, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been used in advanced cases. We assessed the feasibility and tolerability of a combination of both treatment modalities in advanced symptomatic meningioma. Methods 10 patients with irresectable meningioma were treated with PRRT (177Lu-DOTA0,Tyr3 octreotate or - DOTA0,Tyr3 octreotide) followed by external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). EBRT performed after PRRT was continued over 5–6 weeks in IMRT technique (median dose: 53.0 Gy). All patients were assessed morphologically and by positron emission tomography (PET) before therapy and were restaged after 3–6 months. Side effects were evaluated according to CTCAE 4.0. Results Median tumor dose achieved by PRRT was 7.2 Gy. During PRRT and EBRT, no side effects > CTCAE grade 2 were noted. All patients reported stabilization or improvement of tumor-associated symptoms, no morphologic tumor progression was observed in MR-imaging (median follow-up: 13.4 months). The median pre-therapeutic SUVmax in the meningiomas was 14.2 (range: 4.3–68.7). All patients with a second PET after combined PRRT + EBRT showed an increase in SUVmax (median: 37%; range: 15%–46%) to a median value of 23.7 (range: 8.0–119.0; 7 patients) while PET-estimated volume generally decreased to 81 ± 21% of the initial volume. Conclusions The combination of PRRT and EBRT is feasible and well tolerated. This approach represents an attractive strategy for the treatment of recurring or progressive symptomatic meningioma, which should be further evaluated. PMID:22720902

  7. Rectus sheath hematoma of the abdomen. Case report.

    PubMed

    Villena-Tovar, José Francisco

    2010-01-01

    Rectus sheath hematoma in the vast number of cases is due to an inferior epigastric artery tear occasionally due to trauma (not considered serious) or alterations in coagulation or use of anticoagulant therapy. It is an unlikely and difficult to diagnose pathology. We present the case of a 61-year-old female patient. The patient presented in emergency service with sudden abdominal pain caused by coughing as a result of an upper respiratory tract infection. The culmination was a spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma. Rectus sheath hematoma is a diagnosis to consider in a previously asymptomatic patient who presents with clinical features of acute pain and appearance of increase of volume in the abdominal wall involving the rectus muscles.

  8. Combined use of decellularized allogeneic artery conduits with autologous transdifferentiated adipose-derived stem cells for facial nerve regeneration in rats.

    PubMed

    Sun, Fei; Zhou, Ke; Mi, Wen-juan; Qiu, Jian-hua

    2011-11-01

    Natural biological conduits containing seed cells have been widely used as an alternative strategy for nerve gap reconstruction to replace traditional nerve autograft techniques. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a decellularized allogeneic artery conduit containing autologous transdifferentiated adipose-derived stem cells (dADSCs) on an 8-mm facial nerve branch lesion in a rat model. After 8 weeks, functional evaluation of vibrissae movements and electrophysiological assessment, retrograde labeling of facial motoneurons and morphological analysis of regenerated nerves were performed to assess nerve regeneration. The transected nerves reconstructed with dADSC-seeded artery conduits achieved satisfying regenerative outcomes associated with morphological and functional improvements which approached those achieved with Schwann cell (SC)-seeded artery conduits, and superior to those achieved with artery conduits alone or ADSC-seeded artery conduits, but inferior to those achieved with nerve autografts. Besides, numerous transplanted PKH26-labeled dADSCs maintained their acquired SC-phenotype and myelin sheath-forming capacity inside decellularized artery conduits and were involved in the process of axonal regeneration and remyelination. Collectively, our combined use of decellularized allogeneic artery conduits with autologous dADSCs certainly showed beneficial effects on nerve regeneration and functional restoration, and thus represents an alternative approach for the reconstruction of peripheral facial nerve defects. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Atomic Structure of Type VI Contractile Sheath from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

    PubMed

    Salih, Osman; He, Shaoda; Planamente, Sara; Stach, Lasse; MacDonald, James T; Manoli, Eleni; Scheres, Sjors H W; Filloux, Alain; Freemont, Paul S

    2018-02-06

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa has three type VI secretion systems (T6SSs), H1-, H2-, and H3-T6SS, each belonging to a distinct group. The two T6SS components, TssB/VipA and TssC/VipB, assemble to form tubules that conserve structural/functional homology with tail sheaths of contractile bacteriophages and pyocins. Here, we used cryoelectron microscopy to solve the structure of the H1-T6SS P. aeruginosa TssB1C1 sheath at 3.3 Å resolution. Our structure allowed us to resolve some features of the T6SS sheath that were not resolved in the Vibrio cholerae VipAB and Francisella tularensis IglAB structures. Comparison with sheath structures from other contractile machines, including T4 phage and R-type pyocins, provides a better understanding of how these systems have conserved similar functions/mechanisms despite evolution. We used the P. aeruginosa R2 pyocin as a structural template to build an atomic model of the TssB1C1 sheath in its extended conformation, allowing us to propose a coiled-spring-like mechanism for T6SS sheath contraction. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  10. Novel everting urologic access sheath: decreased axial forces during insertion.

    PubMed

    Rubenstein, Jonathan N; Garcia, Maurice; Camargo, Affonso H L A; Joel, Andrew B; Stoller, Marshall L

    2005-12-01

    Advancement of urologic instruments through the genitourinary tract is associated with significant axial forces that likely contribute to patient discomfort, even after injection of a local anesthetic, and may lead to mucosal trauma, postprocedural dysuria and hematuria, and increased susceptibility to infection and strictures. Placing an everting urethral sheath prior to instrumentation may decrease these problems. Two 7-cm-long, 5-mm diameter urethral luminal models were created, one with and one without an artificial stricture. We measured the forces generated during advancement of a novel everting access sheath (Cystoglide; Percutaneous Systems, Mountain View, CA) through the models in comparison with a representative cystoscope and a urologic dilator simulating a traditional access sheath. The mean force generated during advancement of the everting sheath was significantly less than that of both the representative cystoscope (P<0.01) and the traditional access sheath (P<0.01). This held true for the urethral models both with and without an artificial stricture (P<0.01) and with and without lubrication (P<0.01). This novel introduction sheath markedly decreased the axial forces applied to an artificial urethral luminal wall. It is possible that the clinical use of this technology will decrease the discomfort and potential complications associated with lower urinary-tract endoscopy.

  11. Physics-based parametrization of the surface impedance for radio frequency sheaths

    DOE PAGES

    Myra, J. R.

    2017-07-07

    The properties of sheaths near conducting surfaces are studied for the case where both magnetized plasma and intense radio frequency (rf) waves coexist. The work is motivated primarily by the need to understand, predict and control ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) interactions with tokamak scrape-off layer plasmas, and is expected to be useful in modeling rf sheath interactions in global ICRF codes. Here, employing a previously developed model for oblique angle magnetized rf sheaths [J. R. Myra and D. A. D’Ippolito, Phys. Plasmas 22, 062507 (2015)], an investigation of the four-dimensional parameter space governing these sheath is carried out.more » By combining numerical and analytical results, a parametrization of the surface impedance and voltage rectification for rf sheaths in the entire four-dimensional space is obtained.« less

  12. Physics-based parametrization of the surface impedance for radio frequency sheaths

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Myra, J. R.

    The properties of sheaths near conducting surfaces are studied for the case where both magnetized plasma and intense radio frequency (rf) waves coexist. The work is motivated primarily by the need to understand, predict and control ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) interactions with tokamak scrape-off layer plasmas, and is expected to be useful in modeling rf sheath interactions in global ICRF codes. Here, employing a previously developed model for oblique angle magnetized rf sheaths [J. R. Myra and D. A. D’Ippolito, Phys. Plasmas 22, 062507 (2015)], an investigation of the four-dimensional parameter space governing these sheath is carried out.more » By combining numerical and analytical results, a parametrization of the surface impedance and voltage rectification for rf sheaths in the entire four-dimensional space is obtained.« less

  13. Expression of Nrf2 Promotes Schwann Cell-Mediated Sciatic Nerve Recovery in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Tang, Wei; Chen, Xiangfang; Liu, Haoqi; Lv, Qian; Zou, Junjie; Shi, Yongquan; Liu, Zhimin

    2018-04-26

    High glucose-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses play an important role in painful diabetic neuropathy by activating the TLR4/NFκB signal pathway. Schwann cells (SCs) are integral to peripheral nerve biology, contributing to saltatory conduction along axons, nerve and axon development, and axonal regeneration. SCs provide a microenvironment favoring vascular regeneration but their low survival ratio in hyperglycemic conditions suppress the function to promote nerve growth. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) promotes remyelination after peripheral nerve injury. The aim of this study was to identify the role of Nrf2 in SC-mediated functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury. We compared plasma inflammatory factors in diabetic patients (DN) with/without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and assessed whether Nrf2 expression in SCs could repair peripheral nerve injury in a rat model. Nrf2, TLR4/NFκB signal pathway and apoptosis relative protein expression were detected by western blot. Apoptosis and angiogenesis were determined by immunofluorescence and tubule formation assay, respectively. Regenerated nerves were determined by transmission electron microscope. Higher levels of inflammatory factors and VEGF expression were found in DPN patients. Cellular experiments indicate that Nrf2 expression inhibits hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis and promotes angiogenesis by regulating the TLR4/NFκB signal pathway. Animal experiments show that nerve conduction velocity, myelin sheath thickness, and sciatic vasa nervorum are restored with transplantation of SCs overexpressing Nrf2. Taken together, the high survival ratio of SCs in a DPN rat model indicates that overexpression of Nrf2 restores nerve injury. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

  14. SATELLITE PLASMA SHEATH ANOMALIES,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    Contents: Experimental Studies of the Kraus Effect Plasma Sheath and Screening around a Rapidly Moving Body Plasma Compression EEffects Produced...Kraus Effect Interaction of West Ford Needles with Earth’s Magnetosphere The Generation of Electromagnetic Waves in the Wake of a Satellite

  15. Gene Expression Profiling of the Intact Dermal Sheath Cup of Human Hair Follicles.

    PubMed

    Niiyama, Shiro; Ishimatsu-Tsuji, Yumiko; Nakazawa, Yosuke; Yoshida, Yuzo; Soma, Tsutomu; Ideta, Ritsuro; Mukai, Hideki; Kishimoto, Jiro

    2018-04-24

    Cells that constitute the dermal papillae of hair follicles might be derived from the dermal sheath, the peribulbar component of which is the dermal sheath cup. The dermal sheath cup is thought to include the progenitor cells of the dermal papillae and possesses hair inductive potential; however, it has not yet been well characterized. This study investigated the gene expression profile of the intact dermal sheath cup, and identified dermal sheath cup signature genes, including extracellular matrix components and BMP-binding molecules, as well as TGF-b1 as an upstream regulator. Among these, GREM2, a member of the BMP antagonists, was found by in situ hybridization to be highly specific to the dermal sheath cup, implying that GREM2 is a key molecule contributing to maintenance of the properties of the dermal sheath cup.

  16. Deficiency of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase DEP-1/PTPRJ promotes matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in meningioma cells.

    PubMed

    Petermann, Astrid; Stampnik, Yvonn; Cui, Yan; Morrison, Helen; Pachow, Doreen; Kliese, Nadine; Mawrin, Christian; Böhmer, Frank-D

    2015-05-01

    Brain-invasive growth of a subset of meningiomas is associated with less favorable prognosis. The molecular mechanisms causing invasiveness are only partially understood, however, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been identified as a contributing factor. We have previously found that loss of density enhanced phosphatase-1 (DEP-1, also designated PTPRJ), a transmembrane protein-tyrosine phosphatase, promotes meningioma cell motility and invasive growth in an orthotopic xenotransplantation model. We have now analyzed potential alterations of the expression of genes involved in motility control, caused by DEP-1 loss in meningioma cell lines. DEP-1 depleted cells exhibited increased expression of mRNA encoding MMP-9, and the growth factors EGF and FGF-2. The increase of MMP-9 expression in DEP-1 depleted cells was also readily detectable at the protein level by zymography. MMP-9 upregulation was sensitive to chemical inhibitors of growth factor signal transduction. Conversely, MMP-9 mRNA levels could be stimulated with growth factors (e.g. EGF) and inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNFα). Increase of MMP-9 expression by DEP-1 depletion, or growth factor/cytokine stimulation qualitatively correlated with increased invasiveness in vitro scored as transmigration through matrigel-coated membranes. The studies suggest induction of MMP-9 expression promoted by DEP-1 deficiency, or potentially by growth factors and inflammatory cytokines, as a mechanism contributing to meningioma brain invasiveness.

  17. Schwannomatosis associated with multiple meningiomas due to a familial SMARCB1 mutation.

    PubMed

    Bacci, Costanza; Sestini, Roberta; Provenzano, Aldesia; Paganini, Irene; Mancini, Irene; Porfirio, Berardino; Vivarelli, Rossella; Genuardi, Maurizio; Papi, Laura

    2010-02-01

    Schwannomatosis (MIM 162091) is a condition predisposing to the development of central and peripheral schwannomas; most cases are sporadic without a clear family history but a few families with a clear autosomal dominant pattern of transmission have been described. Germline mutations in SMARCB1 are associated with schwannomatosis. We report a family with multiple schwannomas and meningiomas. A SMARCB1 germline mutation in exon 1 was identified. The mutation, c.92A>T (p.Glu31Val), occurs in a highly conserved amino acid in the SMARCB1 protein. In addition, in silico analysis demonstrated that the mutation disrupts the donor consensus sequence of exon 1. RNA studies verified the absence of mRNA transcribed by the mutant allele. This is the first report of a SMARCB1 germline mutation in a family with schwannomatosis characterized by the development of multiple meningiomas.

  18. Meningioma patients diagnosed 2007-2009 and the association with use of mobile and cordless phones: a case-control study.

    PubMed

    Carlberg, Michael; Söderqvist, Fredrik; Hansson Mild, Kjell; Hardell, Lennart

    2013-07-19

    To study the association between use of wireless phones and meningioma. We performed a case-control study on brain tumour cases of both genders aged 18-75 years and diagnosed during 2007-2009. One population-based control matched on gender and age was used to each case. Here we report on meningioma cases including all available controls. Exposures were assessed by a questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed. In total 709 meningioma cases and 1,368 control subjects answered the questionnaire. Mobile phone use in total produced odds ratio (OR) = 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.7-1.4 and cordless phone use gave OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.8-1.5. The risk increased statistically significant per 100 h of cumulative use and highest OR was found in the fourth quartile (>2,376 hours) of cumulative use for all studied phone types. There was no statistically significant increased risk for ipsilateral mobile or cordless phone use, for meningioma in the temporal lobe or per year of latency. Tumour volume was not related to latency or cumulative use in hours of wireless phones. No conclusive evidence of an association between use of mobile and cordless phones and meningioma was found. An indication of increased risk was seen in the group with highest cumulative use but was not supported by statistically significant increasing risk with latency. Results for even longer latency periods of wireless phone use than in this study are desirable.

  19. Correlation of DNA content and nucleomorphometric features with World Health Organization grading of meningiomas.

    PubMed

    Grunewald, J P; Röhl, F W; Kirches, E; Dietzmann, K

    1998-02-01

    Many studies dealing with extracranial cancer showed a strong correlation of DNA ploidy to a poor clinical outcome, recurrence, or malignancy. In brain tumors, analysis of DNA content did not always provided significant diagnostic information. In this study, DNA density and karyometric parameters of 50 meningiomas (26 Grade I, 10 Grade II, 14 Grade III) were quantitatively evaluated by digital cell image analyses of Feulgen-stained nuclei. In particular, the densitometric parameter SEXT, which describes nuclear DNA content, as well as the morphometric values LENG (a computer-assisted measurement of nuclear circumference), AREA (a computer-assisted measurement of nuclear area), FCON (a parameter that describes nuclear roundness), and CONC (a describing nuclear contour), evaluated with the software IMAGE C, were correlated to World Health Organization (WHO) grading using univariate and multivariate methods. AREA and LENG values showed significant differences between tumors of Grades I and III. FCON values were unable to distinguish WHO Grade III from Grade I/II but were useful in clearly separating Grade II from Grade I tumors. CONC values detected differences between WHO Grades II and I/III tumors but not between the latter. SEXT values clearly distinguished Grade III from Grade I/II tumors. The 1c, 2c, 2.5c, and 5c exceeding rates showed no predictive values. Only the 6c exceeding rate showed a significant difference between Grades I and III. These results outline the characteristic features of the atypical (Grade II) meningiomas, which make them a recognizable tumor entity distinct from benign and anaplastic meningiomas. The combination of DNA densitometric and morphometric findings seems to be a powerful addition to the histopathologic classification of meningiomas, as suggested by the WHO.

  20. Trends in Management of Intracranial Meningiomas: Analysis of 49,921 Cases from Modern Cohort.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, Vijay; McCutcheon, Brandon A; Hughes, Joshua D; Carlson, Matthew L; Glasgow, Amy E; Habermann, Elizabeth B; Nguyen, Quoc-Bao; Link, Michael J; Van Gompel, Jamie J

    2017-10-01

    We sought to characterize patterns and treatment for intracranial meningiomas in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results set of cancer registries. SEER data was queried from 2004-2012 for cases of intracranial meningioma using appropriate topography and histology codes. A total of 49,921 patients with intracranial meningioma were identified. The vast majority of cases were associated with a benign histology (n = 47,047, 94.2%). There were 21,145 patients (42.4%) who underwent surgical management, 2783 who received radiation alone (5.6%), and 25,993 who underwent surveillance only (52.1%). Surgical management decreased in frequency from 48.8% of all cases in 2004 to 38.3% of cases in 2012 (P < 0.001). Radiation alone remained stable over time with a range of 4.8%-6.3% of cases. Observation increased from 45.0% of cases in 2004 to 56.7% of cases in 2012 (P < 0.001). On unadjusted analysis, surgical management was associated with younger age and larger tumor size. The incidence of tumors <2 cm in size increased significantly over the study period from 29.7% in 2004 to 41.7% in 2012 (P < 0.001). After adjusting for tumor size, multivariable analysis demonstrated that the odds of observation as a primary management strategy were greater in 2012 relative to 2004 (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.45). The incidence of intracranial meningiomas increased, while tumor size at the time of diagnosis decreased. Moreover, the number undergoing no treatment increased as a treatment strategy and was more likely employed for older patients, those of African-American race, and those with smaller tumors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.