Background:We compared the diagnostic yield and morbidity by frame-based computed tomography-guided stereotactic biopsy (CTSTB) with Brown-Roberts-Wells (BRW) unit and by neuronavigation-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy (NSTB) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods:The subjects’ age range was 15-83 years. CTSTB with BRW unit was performed for 59 tumors (58 cases, 1988-2007). NSTB was performed for 38 tumors (35 cases, 2007-2013) with the needle sheath attached to the head holder. By NSTB, target locations of sampling points and trajectories were confirmed by using MRI. Diffusion tensor imaging-based fiber tractography was used to achieve safe trajectories. STB by using BRW did not visualize the trajectory virtually; however, the planning images for NSTB were able to show the trajectory virtually before the procedure.Results:Histological diagnoses were established for 93 tumors at the first biopsy. The diagnostic yield was 94.9% by CTSTB and 97.4% by NSTB (P = 0.944). The morbidity rate was 5.1% by CTSTB and 0% by NSTB (P = 0.417). The absolute risk reduction was 23.1% by NSTB when the targets were basal ganglia (putamen, globus pallidus) or thalamus. In the cases of glioma for which the targets were basal ganglia (putamen, globus pallidus) or thalamus, the absolute risk reduction by NSTB was 30%.Conclusions:There was no significant difference between CTSTB and NSTB concerning the diagnostic yield and morbidity. However, when the target is the basal ganglia (putamen, globus pallidus) or thalamus and glioma is suspected, NSTB by using MRI with virtual trajectory is preferable to CTSTB concerning morbidity.
Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) of the lung is rare and is considered to be low-grade malignancy. Intracranial metastasis of pulmonary EMC has not previously been reported according to our search of the literature. We report a case of skull metastasis as the initial manifestation of pulmonary EMC. An 81-year-old man complained of left leg motor weakness. Neurological examination showed left hemiparesis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an osteolytic tumor in the right frontal bone with invasion to the dura and subdural space, attached to the superior sagittal sinus. Subtotal removal of the tumor was performed, and the left hemiparesis showed improvement. Histopathological study revealed the tumor to consist of epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Pulmonary EMC was diagnosed. The MIB-1 index in primary lesion was approximately 10%. The skull and dura are possible sites for metastasis from pulmonary EMC. The MIB-1 index is a predictive marker of malignant potential.
Metastatic tumors in the choroid plexus are generally considered to be very rare. The authors present a case of lung large cell carcinoma with a single metastatic tumor in the choroid plexus of the lateral ven tricle trigone. Precontrast computed tomographic (CT) scans showed an isodensity mass with exten sive peritumoral edema, which was considerably enhanced on the postcontrast CT scans. Magnetic resonance (MR) images demonstrated the mass as a low-intensity area on the T,-weighted image and an iso-intensity area on the T2-weighted image. The tumor was clearly differentiated from the peritu moral edema by both CT and MR imaging. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery.
The prognosis of recurrent medulloblastoma remains extremely poor. Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) and etoposide (VP-16) was given to five children with early recurrent medulloblastoma. As a rule, CDDP 20 mg/m2 per day and VP-16 60 mg/m2 per day were administered intravenously for 5 days. This cycle was repeated three times at 4-week intervals. After this therapy, cerebellar signs improved in one case and were unchanged in four cases. Weakness and sensory disturbance, however, improved in three of four patients. Moreover, neck and/or back pain resolved in all these four. Radiological findings improved in three cases. Myelosuppression appeared in all patients, but receded rapidly. No other significant complications were noticed. Two patients died 5 and 6 months after this therapy. These results seem to suggest that this therapy has a use in improving neurological symptoms, particularly neck and/or back pain, although its efficacy is limited.
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