Search Results (247)

Objective: Intramedullary melanocytomas are extremely rare spinal cord tumors with distinct histopathological and imaging characteristics. This report reviews the literature on this pathology and presents a representative case study, highlighting aspects of diagnosis and management. Methods: A scoping review of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted to identify reports on intramedullary melanocytomas, focusing on clinical presentation, imaging features, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes. Case reports and case series were included due to the rarity of these tumors. Results: Twelve manuscripts met the inclusion criteria, including 15 patients. In the majority of patients, intramedullary melanocytomas present with progressive myelopathy and pain. Most common MRI findings include hyperintensity on T1-weighted images, iso- to hypointensity on T2-weighted images, and homogeneous contrast enhancement. Intralesional cysts and associated syrinx are common. Gross total resection (GTR) remains the primary treatment, but complete removal is often challenging due to tumor adherence to neural structures. Conclusions: Intramedullary melanocytomas require careful diagnosis and management due to their diagnostic overlap with malignant melanoma and potential for recurrence. While GTR is the mainstay of treatment, long-term surveillance is warranted due to high recurrence rates. Further research is needed to define the natural history of the disease and establish optimal therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with high rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Primary spinal involvement is exceedingly uncommon and often misdiagnosed due to radiological and histopathological resemblance to more frequent spinal tumors. The objective of this study is to present a rare case of thoracic spinal SEF and to contextualize it within the available literature. Methods: We describe the case of a 37-year-old woman presenting with progressive back pain and dysesthesia. MRI demonstrated a heterogeneously enhancing mass at the left T10–T11 neural foramen, initially interpreted as a common nerve sheath tumor. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved, and histopathological analysis revealed a SEF. Clinical course, adjuvant therapies, and outcomes were evaluated, together with a review of previously reported spinal SEF cases. Results: Despite GTR followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, local recurrence occurred 18 months later. The patient underwent subtotal resection (STR) with adjuvant proton therapy. At 18-month follow-up after the second procedure, she remained neurologically stable and disease-free. The literature review confirmed the rarity of spinal SEF, its frequent misdiagnosis, and the absence of standardized therapeutic protocols. Conclusions: Spinal SEF is a rare malignancy that can mimic benign spinal tumors, delaying diagnosis. Its management relies on multidisciplinary assessment, individualized therapy, and long-term follow-up. This report increases awareness of spinal SEF and provides additional evidence to support clinical decision-making in rare spinal tumors. Full article

Background: Standard imaging in neurosurgery often fails to visualize infiltrative tumor regions that extend beyond contrast enhancement. Metabolic imaging using hyperpolarized 13C-MRI may offer new intraoperative insights into tumor biology. Objective: To systematically assess the clinical and technical evidence on hyperpolarized MRI for metabolic tumour characterization in patients with malignant brain tumors. Eligibility criteria: We included original human studies reporting on hyperpolarized 13C-MRI for perioperative and diagnostic use in brain tumor patients. Reviews, animal studies, and technical-only reports were excluded. Information sources: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science on 26 December 2024. Risk of bias: Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Synthesis of results: A qualitative synthesis was performed, and where feasible, random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and heterogeneity statistics. Results: Three studies (n = 15 patients) met inclusion criteria. The bicarbonate-to-pyruvate ratio showed a significant difference between tumor and non-tumour brain (SMD = 1.34, p = 0.002), whereas pyruvate-to-lactate ratio (kPL) values showed minimal difference (SMD = 0.06, p = 0.730). Asmall effect was observed for kPL between tumor and normal-appearing white matter (SMD = –0.33). One study provided qualitative data only. Overall heterogeneity was high (I² = 69.4%). Limitations: Limitations include small sample sizes, heterogeneous methodologies, and limited availability of patient-level data. Interpretation: Hyperpolarized 13C-MRI shows metabolic differentiation between tumor and healthy tissue in certain parameters, especially bicarbonate metabolism. While promising, the technology requires further clinical validation before routine intraoperative application. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with advanced ovarian cancer with a high tumor burden typically undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery. The optimal number of NACT cycles remains undefined: although three to four cycles are considered gold-standard, in real-world practice, five or more cycles are frequently administrated. This study aims to evaluate the impact of delayed interval debulking surgery (DIDS) after ≥5 cycles of NACT on the survival rates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of women with advanced ovarian cancer that underwent surgery in the 1st Department of Obstetrics–Gynecology Clinic from 2012 to 2022. Patient characteristics, oncological, and follow-up information were collected. Results: A total of 125 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups: Group A (77 patients) received 3–4 of NACT cycles, and Group B (48 patients) ≥5 cycles. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups concerning age, BMI, comorbidities, Aletti score, FIGO stage, pre-operative CA-125 values, surgery duration, rate of postoperative complications, hospital stay, ICU admittance, and complete gross resection (RD = 0). However, patients undergoing DIDS experienced significantly greater intraoperative blood loss. Progression-free survival did not differ between groups (IDS: 17 vs. DIDS: 18 months, p = 0.561), whereas overall survival was significantly lower in the DIDS group (IDS: 52 vs. DIDS: 36 months, p = 0.00873). This statistical significance persisted after controlling for residual disease, but was lost after adjusting for FIGO stage. Conclusions: DIDS may be considered for advanced ovarian cancer patients with a high tumor burden, when complete gross resection (RD = 0) cannot be achieved during IDS. Further prospective randomized trials are necessary to evaluate its oncological safety and morbidity. Full article

Background: Brain metastases represent the most common intracranial tumours in cancer patients, with no consensus on surgical outcomes and prognostic factors. This study aimed to analyse the demographic, clinical, and tumour-related factors influencing postoperative complications, recurrence, and functional outcomes in patients undergoing surgical resection of brain metastases at a tertiary neurosurgical centre in South-Eastern Europe. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort of adult patients who underwent gross total (GTR) or subtotal resection (STR) for brain metastases was analysed, stratified by sex, extent of resection (GTR vs. STR), and recurrence status. Results: A total of 358 patients underwent surgical resection for brain metastases, with pulmonary carcinoma being the most common primary tumour (46.4%). Most patients had solitary metastases (87.4%), and eloquent brain regions were involved in 53.9% of cases, 20.1% experienced postoperative complications, and recurrence occurred in 10.9%. Higher preoperative KPS predicted fewer complications. GTR was not associated with complications or recurrence but was linked to lower postoperative mortality. Median overall survival was 325 days. For the three hundred fifty-four patients with survival data, median overall survival (OS) was 325 days (95% CI: 270–380). OS did not meaningfully differ by sex. Conclusions: Gross total resection was not independently associated with reduced postoperative complications or recurrence but was significantly associated with lower postoperative mortality. Functional status, eloquent brain region involvement, and age remained key determinants of clinical outcomes. Full article

Background: Gorlin syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, associated with pathogenic PTCH1 or SUFU variants, predisposing to tumors such as basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma (MB), odontogenic keratocyst, and, rarely, cardiac fibroma (CF). MB occurs in ~5% of GS cases, typically in early childhood, while CF appears in 1–3%. Their coexistence in childhood is extremely rare. This report describes a pediatric GS case with synchronous MB and CF, focusing on the management priorities between oncologic and cardiac interventions. Methods: A 15-year follow-up is reported for a girl diagnosed at 22 months with desmoplastic/nodular MB and left ventricular CF. GS diagnosis was based on clinical features, imaging, and confirmation of a pathogenic PTCH1 variant (c.3306+1G>T). A literature narrative review on CF in GS was also conducted. Results: MB gross total resection was followed by chemotherapy, during which ventricular tachycardia episodes occurred, managed with cardioversion and antiarrhythmics. Given the favorable prognosis of early-treated MB in GS, oncologic therapy was prioritized. Cardiac status was monitored with ECG, Holter, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI. An adapted AIEOP protocol minimized cardiotoxicity. CF was managed conservatively, with no further arrhythmias and preserved ventricular function throughout 15 years. MB has not recurred. Conclusions: In GS patients with concurrent MB and CF, prioritizing MB treatment and adopting a conservative, closely monitored approach to CF can yield excellent long-term outcomes. In children with MB, especially syndromic forms, routine echocardiography is recommended to detect CF. This case underscores the value of multidisciplinary care in managing complex GS presentations. Full article

Objective: The exoscope is an emerging digital visualization technology in neurosurgery that provides high-definition 3D 4k magnified views of the surgical field on external monitors, promoting improved ergonomics and enhanced team involvement. This study presents a single center experience of 26 patients undergoing brain tumor resection using the Olympus Orbeye exoscope with surgical approaches of different complexities and provides a review of the current literature on exoscopic adoption in neurosurgical oncology. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, surgical, and outcome data from a consecutive series of 26 patients who underwent brain tumor resection with the ORBEYE exoscope. Metrics analyzed included extent of resection, surgical technique, and complications in two different complex scenarios: superficial and deep lesions. Results: In our institutional case series, use of the exoscope enabled gross total or subtotal resection in all the patients, with a surgical complication rate comparable to that reported for operative microscopes (14.3–23.1%), which was stated to be non-significant and independently correlated to the use of the exoscope. No device-related adverse events were observed, and postoperative neurological outcomes were in line with the overall survival pathological examination of the lesion treated. Conclusions: In this cohort, the exoscope enabled the safe and effective resection of superficial and deep lesions with outcomes comparable to those historically reported with operating microscopes. Gross total resection rates were high in the superficial cohort and substantially higher than in the deep cohort, while complication rates did not differ significantly between groups. Future prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to assess oncological outcomes and define the optimal role of exoscopic technology in neurosurgical oncology. Full article

Background: Fluorescence-guided surgery using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) enables the intraoperative visualization of glioma. However, its effectiveness varies based on tumor subtype and molecular profile, posing challenges for achieving complete resection. Our systematic review aims to explore the relationship between IDH mutation status and intraoperative fluorescence visualization. Importantly, this is the first study to propose that vorasidenib, an emerging IDH-targeting agent, could enhance 5-ALA-guided surgery, marking a novel direction for translational research. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases up to May 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcomes included fluorescence detection rates across different glioma subtypes and their correlation with IDH mutation status. Secondary outcomes comprised surgical efficacy measures such as gross total resection (GTR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, we analyzed the metabolic consequences of IDH mutations and evaluated the potential role of vorasidenib in enhancing 5-ALA-induced fluorescence. Results: Seven studies including 621 patients included in the final analysis. Fluorescence detection was nearly universal in WHO grade 4 gliomas (94–100%), but lower in grade 3 (43–85%) and rare in grade 2 (7–26%). Several cohorts reported reduced fluorescence in IDH-mutant gliomas, although this was not consistent across all studies. In high-grade gliomas, visible fluorescence correlated with higher GTR rates and, in some series, longer OS. Conversely, in lower-grade IDH-mutant gliomas, fluorescence did not increase GTR and was associated with worse PFS and OS. Conclusions: The effectiveness of 5-ALA-guided fluorescence in glioma surgery is significantly influenced by both tumor grade and IDH mutation status. Vorasidenib may represent a potential avenue for modulating tumor metabolism and enhancing intraoperative fluorescence in IDH-mutant gliomas, a hypothesis that warrants further experimental validation. Full article

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) of the spine are rare. SFTs, especially those classified as WHO grade II or III (previously termed hemangiopericytomas), are aggressive neoplasms with a high recurrence rate and metastatic potential. In the literature, descriptions of SFTs are limited to case reports and small case series. To our knowledge, 157 cases, including the current case, have been reported since Schirger’s 1958 report on spinal SFTs. This report describes two cases of WHO grade II and III SFTs in the spine and presents a review of the literature. In the first case, an extradural WHO grade II SFT recurred 6 years after the first surgery, and a second surgery was performed, including wide excision of the surrounding tissue. The patient has remained recurrence-free for 16 years since the second surgery. In the second case, an intradural extramedullary WHO grade III SFT was resected, including the dura mater, and the patient has remained recurrence-free for 3 years since the surgery. Few reports have described tumor recurrence and long-term outcomes after reoperation, as in the first case, or extensive resection including the dura, as in the second case. Furthermore, the literature review not only summarizes patients’ general and surgical information, but also indicates, based on multivariate analysis, that gross total resection (GTR) is an important factor in preventing recurrence and metastasis. This is the first study to comprehensively examine previous reports and identify risk factors for recurrence and metastasis. In addition, because recurrences have been reported long after surgery, we believe that even if GTR is performed surgically, it is important to conduct follow-ups to check for long-term recurrence. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Petrous bone cholesteatoma is a rare and complex condition that poses significant challenges in terms of its diagnosis and treatment. This benign yet locally aggressive lesion can cause extensive destruction of the surrounding structures, potentially leading to serious complications. Case Presentation: We present a case of extensive petrous bone cholesteatoma involving nearly the entire skull base. High-resolution CT and MRI were used to assess the extent of the lesion and its relationship with critical neurovascular structures. The cholesteatoma extended from the petrous apex to the clivus, involving the internal auditory canal and Meckel’s cave, encasing the internal carotid artery, and compressing the brainstem. The surgical strategy included combined endoscopic transsphenoidal and transclival techniques with a retrolabyrinthine approach. The endoscopic component provided access to the anterior and central skull base regions, whereas the retrolabyrinthine approach allowed us to gain access to the posterior petrous area. Careful dissection was performed to separate the cholesteatoma from the internal carotid artery and the brainstem. Neuromonitoring was performed throughout the procedure to ensure cranial nerve integrity. This combined approach enabled gross total resection, and postoperative imaging confirmed successful tumor removal. The patient’s recovery was uneventful, and no new neurological deficits were observed. Conclusions: The successful management of this complex case demonstrates the efficacy and safety of combining endoscopic surgical approaches for extensive skull base cholesteatomas. This multi-corridor approach allows for maximal tumor resection while also minimizing the risks to critical neurovascular structures. Full article

Background and Objectives: Over 30% of people who suffer from cancers are at risk of developing brain metastases. The typical recommended surgical therapy for metastases within the brain is gross total resection (GTR). Nevertheless, GTR solely may not always be adequate for disease management since remaining tumors can show local advancements and invasion. The focus of this research is to summarize the current data and to compare the outcomes of GTR and supramarginal resection. Materials and Methods: A search on the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Library, and Web of Science (WOS) databases was performed using specific keywords for single or multiple brain metastasis of any origin in patients who underwent either supramarginal resection or gross total resection. Results: The average age of the patients involved in the study spanned between 51 ± 6 years and 60.5 ± 10.1 years. Males represented 48.7% of the total population. The incidence of 1-year survival among the GTR group was 37.1%, whereas the supramarginal resection group showed an incidence of 91.3%, under the random effect model (0.551, 95% CI [0.18, 0.921]). The incidence of 2-year survival among the GTR group was 21.26%, whereas the supramarginal resection group showed an incidence of 72.46%, under the random effect model (0.380, 95% CI [0.113, 0.648]). The incidence of local recurrence among the GTR group was 57.69%, whereas the supramarginal resection group showed an incidence of 18.4%, under the random effect model (0.266, 95% CI [0.106, 0.426]). Conclusions: Supramarginal resection is a promising approach for the management of brain metastases. Full article

Background: Endonasal endoscopic approaches to the skull base are still under investigation, with research aiming to achieve minimally invasive procedures that maximize resection while minimizing complications. This study shares our experience with a mononostril technique and compares it with the existing literature on mononostril approaches for sellar lesions. Methods: A systematic review of eight large series, totaling 1520 patients who underwent endoscopic mononostril transsphenoidal surgery, was performed. The surgical technique was detailed, and parameters such as resection completeness, operative time, complications, and nasal symptoms were analyzed. Results: Gross total resection ranged from 56% to 100% for non-functioning adenomas, 54% to 89% for hormone-secreting adenomas, and 83% to 100% for other sellar lesions. The most common complications were CSF leaks (1.5–4.1%) and nasal issues, such as epistaxis or sinusitis (0–6%). Internal carotid artery injury occurred in 0–1% of cases. The average surgical duration was 87 to 168 min. Conclusions: The mononostril approach offers comparable resection rates, CSF leak risks, and morbidity to binostril or microsurgical methods. The mononostril approach is fast, minimally invasive, and preserves the nasal mucosa, making it a viable option for many sellar lesions. Full article

Objective: Craniopharyngioma recurrence risk studies comparing gross total resection (GTR) vs. subtotal resection (STR) with radiotherapy (XRT) provide inconclusive or contradictory results. This may be an effect of the small group sizes and diversity in the approaches used. Currently, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is preferred in craniopharyngioma management. Here, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing recurrence risk after GTR vs. STR plus XRT in patients treated with the EEA regimen. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search of original English language papers on craniopharyngioma management published in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to 18 October 2023. Eleven articles included data on recurrence rate after EEA: GTR vs. STR with XRT. We extracted the year of publication, number of patients, surgical approach, extent of resection, and follow-up duration. We used meta-analysis for the odds ratio (OR) in fixed and random effects models and Egger’s and Begg’s tests to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. Follow-up duration and time to recurrence were additionally included in Kaplan–Meier curves with log-rank test analysis. Results: We observed a lower recurrence rate in patients after GTR (10%) as compared to STR with XRT (30%), OR = 0.299, p < 0.001. To increase data reliability, we limited our analysis to studies with at least five patients in each subgroup and also observed lower recurrence in patients after GTR (12%) as compared to STR with XRT (27%), OR = 0.376, p = 0.011. Survival analysis confirmed significant differences in recurrence-free survival percentages between these groups (p = 0.008). Conclusions: To date, this is the largest meta-analysis evaluating the recurrence risk in patients undergoing EEA for craniopharyngioma resection, comparing outcomes between those treated with GTR and those treated with STR plus XRT. The results suggest that GTR significantly reduces recurrence risk. Full article

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM IDH-wildtype WHO 2021) is an aggressive central nervous system malignancy with a poor prognosis despite standard therapy. Integrative oncology approaches involving natural compounds have shown potential in preclinical studies to enhance the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal observational pilot study, lacking a randomized control group, followed 72 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients (diagnosed by histological examination and MGMT promoter molecular study alone, grade 4 glioma patients) treated with the STUPP protocol. This group could voluntarily opt to receive integrative therapy (IT), which included polydatin, curcumin, and Boswellia serrata, in addition to standard care. Survival outcomes were compared between IT-adherent and non-adherent patients. Multivariate Cox regression was employed to adjust for potential confounders, including age, extent of surgical resection, and corticosteroid use. Results: The median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 13.3 months. Patients who adhered to IT (n = 60) had a median OS of 25.4 months, which increased to 34.4 months for those who underwent gross total resection. The non-IT group (n = 12) exhibited a median OS of 10.6 months. Multivariate analysis confirmed that IT adherence and the extent of resection were independent predictors of prolonged survival (p < 0.05). No severe adverse events were reported with IT. Conclusions: Integrative therapy combining polydatin, curcumin, and Boswellia serrata with standard treatment would appear to be associated with prolonged survival in glioblastoma patients, particularly among those who underwent gross total resection. However, the small size of the control group, the absence of randomization, and the inclusion solely of primary glioblastoma limit the generalizability of these findings. These results underscore the need for further investigation through randomized controlled trials. Full article

Background: Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) provides real-time imaging during brain tumor surgery but remains underused in brain metastasis resection. This study evaluates the effectiveness of 2D IOUS in improving the extent of resection compared to standard neuronavigation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 55 adult patients with brain metastases treated surgically at a single center. Patients were divided into two groups: IOUS-guided surgery (n = 20) and standard neuronavigation (n = 35). Gross total resection (GTR) was defined as the extent of resection > 96%, assessed volumetrically. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis. Results: GTR > 96% was achieved in 80% of IOUS-guided cases compared to 42.86% in the control group (p = 0.008). IOUS significantly increased the odds of achieving GTR (OR = 5.33, p = 0.011). Larger tumor volume reduced the likelihood of GTR (OR = 0.469, p = 0.025), but this effect was mitigated by IOUS use (interaction OR = 1.986, p = 0.044). The regression model showed excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.930, p < 0.001). Functional outcomes improved postoperatively in both groups. Conclusions: 2D IOUS significantly enhances the extent of resection in brain metastasis surgery, including that for larger tumors. Its accessibility, real-time feedback, and low cost support its wider adoption in neurosurgical practice, especially in settings with limited resources. Full article