Together, these results demonstrate that human gliomas contain multiple populations of cells with the capacity to form tumors and specifically identify a population of tumorigenic A2B5+ cells that are phenotypically distinct from CD133+ cells.
BACKGROUND Cerebral bypass operation is a technically challenging operation that requires excellent surgical visibility and efficient ergonomics to minimize complications and maximize successful revascularization. Despite the operative microscope's utilization for the past two generations, there remains a need for continued improvement in operative visualization and surgical ergonomics. OBJECTIVE To report the positives and negatives of our initial experience using a novel 4 K high-definition (4K-HD) 3-dimensional (3D) exoscope (EX) for cranial bypass surgery. METHODS A retrospective review over 6 mo was performed of all patients who have undergone cerebral bypass surgery at a single institution using the 4K-HD 3D EX. Advantages and disadvantages of the EX and clinical outcome of the patients were assessed. RESULTS A total of 5 patients underwent cerebral EC-IC bypass surgery with no EX-related complications and successful revascularization. The lightweight design of the EX allowed for easy instrument maneuverability as well as uncomplicated surgical set up in the operating room. The assistance of the cosurgeon was significantly more efficient compared to that of the operating microscope. The large monitor allowed for an immersive, collaborative, and valuable educational surgical experience. CONCLUSION Using the EX for cerebral bypass surgery, with 3D ultra-high-definition optics, enhancements of ergonomics, and improved training, we believe that the 3D 4K-HD EX may represent the next generation of operative scopes in microneurosurgery.
Pilocytic astrocytoma is a slow-growing, circumscribed glioma that most frequently occurs within the pediatric population. In general, surgical resection for pilocytic astrocytoma is thought to be curative with tumor recurrence or malignant transformation being relatively rare. However, there have been very few studies specifically looking at the prognosis for adult patients diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma. To evaluate the frequency of recurrence and malignant transformation of pilocytic astrocytoma in adults, we performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients who underwent surgical resection for this tumor at our institution over a period of 10 years. In our cohort of 20 patients, there were 6 (30%) recurrences with four patients requiring repeat surgery due to symptomatic progression. Relatively rapid recurrences were noted with the median time to recurrence being 16.5 months. All recurrences occurred within 4 years of initial surgery while patients requiring repeat surgery presented within 17 months of initial surgery. Based on this study estimated rates of freedom from recurrence (FFR) at 12 and 24 months after initial surgery are 94 +/- 5% and 76 +/- 10%, respectively. A high rate of malignant transformation was observed in the patients that underwent repeat surgery with 75% (3/4) progressing to anaplastic astrocytoma on pathological examination. This study provides further evidence that the clinical course of a subset of adult patients with pilocytic astrocytoma will not be benign. The potential for rapid tumor recurrence and malignant transformation necessitates careful post-operative follow-up for adult patients with this tumor.
Background Pituicytomas are rare tumors of the sellar region that are derived from specialized glial cells called pituicytes. They characteristically exhibit spindle cell features and fascicular or storiform patterns of growth. No other histological variants of this tumor have been described. Case Description Here we report a diagnostically challenging case of pituicytoma in a 42 year-old man with a sellar mass arising from the pituitary stalk. On histological examination, the tumor displayed an epithelioid histoarchitecture with no characteristic spindle cell or fascicular growth features. Strong immunopositivity for the pituicyte marker thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) within tumor cells proved essential for diagnosing this unusual pituicytoma variant. Conclusion Pituicytomas may display epithelioid rather than fascicular or storiform histoarchitecture. Epithelioid pituicytoma variants may be diagnosed in cases such as ours where both the clinical findings and immunohistochemical analysis suggest a tumor derived from pituicytes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.