Astrocytic gliomas are the most common and lethal form of intracranial tumors. These tumors are characterized by a significant heterogeneity in terms of cytopathological, transcriptional, and (epi)genomic features. This heterogeneity has made these cancers one of the most challenging types of cancers to study and treat. To uncover these complexities and to have better understanding of the disease initiation and progression, identification, and characterization of underlying cellular and molecular pathways related to (epi)genetics of astrocytic gliomas is crucial. Here, we discuss and summarize molecular and (epi)genetic mechanisms that provide clues as to the pathogenesis of astrocytic gliomas.

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Since March 2020, the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a threat for global health. Thereafter, several kinds of Coronavirus-associated disorders, including vascular involvements with neurologic symptoms, have been reported worldwide. Here, we describe two cases of COVID-19 with no history of traumatic brain injury nor vascular injuries who developed spontaneous subdural hematoma (SDH) in a subacute process. Both cases became lethargic and unresponsive during admission in intensive care unit. Both cases have undergone emergent craniotomy with acceptable outcome. The first patient improved significantly and was discharged a week after surgery. However, the second case had no improvement on her consciousness and died three days after surgery. Hemorrhagic events, including SDH, can happen during COVID-19 infection with several possible mechanisms. Brain imaging and further neurologic evaluation must be performed in any COVID-19 patients with signs of alteration in the state of consciousness.

Introduction Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is uncommon among the civilian population. Here, we report two interesting cases of PBI. Case presentation The first patient was a 20-year-old male who sustained a penetrating head injury with a metal bar during an accident at work. The patient underwent early surgical intervention, and related meningitis was treated with antibiotics. The patient was discharged 45 days later with no deficit. The second patient was a 34-year-old male who was the victim of a violence attack and was admitted to hospital. He was struck by a knife to his right temporal bone. A brain computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the tract of the knife within the brain parenchyma. The patient underwent conservative treatment. After several weeks, the patient was discharged in good health. Conclusion Although severe PBI has a poorer prognosis than a blunt brain injury, in treating of these patients, aggressive and timely surgical intervention, proper wide-spectrum antibiotic administration, stringent and diligent care in the intensive-care unit and careful management of the associated complications are mandated.

HighlightsHemangioblastoma (HB) of cavernous sinus (CS) is extremely rare and this case is the second only report available.HB invading the CS, because of its vascular origin, can cause severe intraoperative bleeding.A preoperative brain angiography and selective embolization of Hemangioblastoma can result in subsequent complete surgical removal.Stereotactic Radiosurgery, such as Gamma-knife surgery, can give a good rate of tumor control and improve neurological function in cases of subtotal resection of intracranial Hemangioblastoma.