• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.448-451
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• 2010

Primary central nervous system (CNS) sarcomas are exceedingly rare, and, to the best of our knowledge, there has not yet been a report of intramedullary sarcoma. Here, we report a primary intradural intramedullary sarcoma of the spinal cord in a four-year-old boy who presented with low back pain and a radiculopathy involving both lower extremities. The tumor showed significant enhancement on magnetic resonance (MR) images due to its extreme vascularity. Gross total tumor removal was performed with microelectrical pulse recording, and the patient also received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After the operation, the patient's sensory deficits were improved. Because CNS dissemination is common, entire neuraxis evaluation is essential, although there was no evidence of dissemination in this case. The prognosis of primary CNS sarcoma is poor due to infiltrative nature and early CNS dissemination is common, and the treatment of choice is radical surgical resection. Adjuvant therapy is also beneficial with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

• Brain Tumor Research and Treatment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.86-91
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• 2018

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare non-neoplastic bone lesion that involves mostly the long bones and vertebrae and may occur very rarely in the craniofacial bones. ABCs may occur as secondary bony pathologies in association with various benign and malignant bone tumors and with fibrous dysplasia (FD). FD is a common non-neoplastic bony pathology mostly affecting craniofacial bones. Secondary ABC occurring in craniofacial FD is extremely rare, with only approximately 20 cases reported in the literature to date. Here, we report on a case of secondary ABC in a 25-year-old woman who has had a craniofacial deformity for over 10 years and who presented to us with a rapidly growing painful pulsatile mass in the right frontal region that began over 2 months prior to admission. On thorough examination of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging brain scans taken at two-month interval, an aggressive, rapidly enlarging ABC, arising from the right frontal FD, was diagnosed. The patient underwent preoperative embolization followed by gross total resection of the ABC and cranioplasty. The 6-month follow up showed no recurrence of the ABC, nor was any progression of the FD noticed.

• Brain Tumor Research and Treatment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.78-81
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• 2018

Gliosarcoma (GS), known as variant of glioblastoma multiforme, is aggressive and very rare primary central nervous system malignant neoplasm. They are usually located in the supratentorial area with possible direct dural invasion or only reactive dural thickening. However, in this case, GS was located in lateral side of left posterior cranial fossa. A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with 3 month history of continuous dizziness and gait disturbance without past medical history. A gadolinium-enhanced MRI demonstrated $5.6{\times}4.8{\times}3.2cm$ sized mass lesion in left posterior cranial fossa, heterogeneously enhanced. The patient underwent left retrosigmoid craniotomy with navigation system. The tumor was combined with 2 components, whitish firm mass and gray colored soft & suckable mass. On pathologic report, the final diagnosis was GS of WHO grade IV. In spite of successful gross total resection of tumor, we were no longer able to treat because of the patient's rejection of adjuvant treatment. The patient survived for nine months without receiving any special treatment from the hospital.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.14
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• 2024

Background: Sufficient surgical resection is necessary for effective tumor control, but is usually limited for vertebral tumors, especially in the cervical spine in small animal neurosurgery. Objective: To evaluate the primary stability and safety of customized three-dimensional (3D)-printed implants for cervical spine reconstruction after total vertebrectomy. Methods: Customized guides and implants were designed based on computed tomography (CT) imaging of five beagle cadavers and were 3D-printed. They were used to reconstruct C5 after total vertebrectomy. Postoperative CT images were obtained to evaluate the safety and accuracy of screw positioning. After harvesting 10 vertebral specimens (C3-C7) from intact (group A) and implanted spines (group B), implant stability was analyzed using a 4-point bending test comparing with groups A and C (reconstituted with plate and pins/polymethylmethacrylate after testing in Group A). Results: All customized implants were applied without gross neurovascular damage. In addition, 90% of the screws were in a safe area, with 7.5% in grade 1 (< 1.3 mm) and 2.5% in grade 2 (> 1.3 mm). The mean entry point and angular deviations were 0.81 ± 0.43 mm and 6.50 ± 5.11°, respectively. Groups B and C significantly decreased the range of motion (ROM) in C3-C7 compared with intact spines (p = 0.033, and 0.018). Both groups reduced overall ROM and neutral zone in C4-C6, but only group B showed significance (p = 0.005, and 0.027). Conclusion: Customized 3D-printed implants could safely and accurately replace a cervical vertebra in dog cadavers while providing primary stability.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.755-760
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• 2001

Objective : To determine the feasibility of translabyrinthine approach in the vestibular schwannoma patients, the authors reviewed eighteen consecutive cases, focusing at their functional outcome and operative complications. Materials and Method : To evaluate the functional outcome, we reviewed preoperative radiological findings such as size of tumors and location of jugular bulb as well as the preoperative neurological status including audiometric analysis and cranial nerve function in 18 patients, diagnosed as vestibular schwannoma. Also the surgical outcome was evaluated according to the functional preservation of facial nerve and incidence of the surgical complication as well as the extent of surgical resection. Results : The age of patients ranged from 21 to 62 years, with a mean of 50 years. Of 18 patients operated in our center by the translabyrinthine approach, wide exposure with total removal of the mass was possible in 16 cases (88.8%). The facial nerve was anatomically preserved in 88.8%. At six-month follow-up, facial nerve function was good(Grade I-II) in 15 patients(83%) and acceptable(I-IV) in all patients. Although the jugular bulb was highly placed is five patients, gross total resection was possible without facial nerve injury in all patients by the translabyrinthine approach. One patient experienced CSF leakage after surgery, but there was no patient with disabling deficit. Conclusion : Use of the translabyrinthine approach for removal of vestibular schwannomas resulted in good anatomical and functional preservation of the facial nerve, with minimal incidence of morbidity and no mortality. In cases of high jugular bulb impacted into mastoid bone, total removal was possible by displacing the jugular bulb with Surgicel cellulose and placement of bone wax.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.592-607
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• 2021

Objective : Few studies exist on primary spinal cord tumors (PSCTs) in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to perform descriptive analysis and detailed survival analysis for PSCTs. Methods : Between 1985 and 2017, 126 pediatric patients (male : female, 56 : 70) with PSCTs underwent surgery in a single institution. We retrospectively analyzed data regarding demographics, tumor characteristics, outcomes, and survival statistics. Subgroup analysis was performed for the intramedullary (IM) tumors and extradural (ED) tumors separately. Results : The mean age of the participants was 6.4±5.04 years, and the mean follow-up time was 69.5±46.30 months. The most common compartment was the ED compartment (n=57, 45.2%), followed by the IM (n=43, 34.1%) and intradural extramedullary (IDEM; n=16, 12.7%) compartments. Approximately half of PSCTs were malignant (n=69, 54.8%). The most common pathologies were schwannomas (n=14) and neuroblastomas (n=14). Twenty-two patients (17.5%) died from the disease, with a mean disease duration of 15.8±15.85 months. Thirty-six patients (28.6%) suffered from progression, with a mean period of 22.6±30.81 months. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rates and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 81% and 66%, respectively. Regarding IM tumors, the 10-year OS rates and PFS rates were 79% and 57%, respectively. In ED tumors, the 10-year OS rates and PFS rates were 80% and 81%, respectively. Pathology and the extent of resection showed beneficial effects on OS for total PSCTs, IM tumors, and ED tumors. PFS was affected by both the extent of removal and pathology in total PSCTs and ED tumors; however, pathology was a main determinant of PFS rather than the extent of removal in IM tumors. The degree of improvement in the modified McCormick scale showed a trend towards improvement in patients with IM tumors who achieved gross total removal (p=0.447). Conclusion : Approximately half of PSCTs were malignant, and ED tumors were most common. The most common pathologies were schwannomas and neuroblastomas. Both the pathology and extent of resection had a decisive effect on OS. For IM tumors, pathology was a main determinant of PFS rather than the extent of removal. Radical excision of IM tumors could be a viable option for better survival without an increased risk of worse functional outcomes.

• Brain Tumor Research and Treatment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.60-67
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• 2018

Background Recently, modern technology such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), neuro-navigation and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) have been actively adopted for the treatment of thalamic tumors. We evaluated surgical outcomes and efficacy of the aforementioned technologies for the treatment of pediatric thalamic tumors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 37 children with thalamic tumors between 2004 and 2017. There were 44 operations (27 tumor resections, 17 biopsies). DTI was employed in 17 cases, neuro-navigation in 23 cases and IOM in 14 cases. All diagnoses were revised according to the 2016 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated, and relevant prognostic factors were analyzed. The median follow-up duration was 19 months. Results Fifteen cases were gross total resections (GTR), 6 subtotal resections (STR), and 6 partial resections (PR). Neurological status did not worsen after 22 tumor resections. There were statistically significant differences in terms of the extent of resection between the groups with DTI, neuro-navigation and IOM (n=12, GTR or STR=12) and the group without at least one of the three techniques (n= 15, GTR or STR=9, p=0.020). The mean PFS was $87.2{\pm}38.0$ months, and the mean OS $90.7{\pm}36.1$ months. The 5-year PFS was 37%, and the 5-year OS 47%. The histological grade ($p{\leq}0.001$) and adjuvant therapy (done vs. not done, p=0.016) were significantly related to longer PFS. The histological grade (p=0.002) and the extent of removal (GTR/STR vs. PR/biopsy, p=0.047) were significantly related to longer OS. Conclusion Maximal surgical resection was achieved with acceptable morbidity in children with thalamic tumors by employing DTI, neuro-navigation and IOM. Maximal tumor resection was a relevant clinical factor affecting OS; therefore, it should be considered the initial therapeutic option for pediatric thalamic tumors.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.245-248
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• 2006

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness of Novalis shaped beam radiation treatment as an adjuvant treatment in patients with craniopharyngiomas. Methods : We reviewed 8 patients with craniopharyngiomas who had recurring tumors during follow-up or had residual lesions after primary surgery. Three of 8 patients were found to have recurrence after gross total excision of the tumor and 5 patents had residual lesions after subtotal resection. All patients were treated with fractionated stereotactic radiation treatment[FSRT] using Novalis system. The mean age of patients was 28 years [range $16{\sim}52$]. The median irradiation dose per fraction was 17Gy [range $1.7{\sim}2.0$]. The median fraction number was 23 [range $15{\sim}25$], and the median total dose was 39.1 Gy [range $25.5{\sim}42.5$]. Follow-up included MR imaging, and ophthalmologic and endocrine examinations. Results : The median follow-up period was 23 months [range $12{\sim}43$]. The local tumor control rate was 87.5%. One patient had a recurring tumor, in which cystic change developed 2 months after FSRT. Four patients showed a decrease in size of their tumor, while 3 patients remained stable. Seven out of 8 patients had hormonal dysfunction that remained unchanged after initial surgery. No further progression of visual impairment was observed. Conclusion : FSRT using Novais system is effective and safe for the treatment of recurring or residual craniopharyngiomas without toxicity like optic neuropathy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.171-180
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• 1992

The precise role of radiotherapy for low grade gliomas including the optimal radiation dose and timing of treatment remains unclear. The information given by a retrosepctive analysis may be useful in the design of prospective randomized studies looking at radiation dose and time of surgical and radiotherapeutic treatment. The records of 56 patients (M:F = 29:27) with histologically verified cerebral low grade gliomas (47 cases of grade 1 or 2 astrocytomas and 9 oligodendrogliomas) diagnosed between 1979 and 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of surgical tumor removal was gross total or radical subtotal in 38 patients ($68\%$) and partial or biopsy only in the remaining 18 patients ($32\%$). Postooperative radiation therapy was given to 36 patients ($64\%$) of the total 56 patients with minimum dose of 5000 cGy (range=1250 to 7220 cGy). The 5-and 10-year survival rates for the total 56 patients were $44\%$ and $32\%$ respectively with a median survival of 4.1 years. According to the histologic grade the 5- and 10-year survivals were $52\%$ and $35\%$ for the 24 patients respectively with grade I astrocytomas compared to $20\%$ and $10\%$ for the 23 patients with grade II astrocytomas. Survival of oligodendroglioma patients was greater than those with astrocytoma ($65\%$ vs $36\%$ at 5 years), and the difference was also remarkable in the long term period of follow up ($54\%$ vs $23\%$ at 10 years). Those who received high-dose radiation therapy ($\geq$5400 cGy) had significant better survival than those who received low-dose radiation (< 5400cGy) or surgery alone (p<0.05). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were, respectively $59\%$ and $46\%$ for the 23 patients receiving high-dose radiation, $36\%$ and $24\%$ for the 13 patients receiving low-dose radiation, and $35\%$ and $26\%$ for the 20 patients with surgery alone. Survival rates by the extent of surgical resection were similar at 5 years ($46\%$ vs $41\%$), but long term survival was quite different (p<0.01) between total/subtotal resection and partial resection/biopsy ($41\%$ and $12\%$, resepctively). Previously published studies have identified important prognostic factors in these tumor: age, extent of surgery, grade, performance status, and duration of symptoms. But in our cases statistical analysis revealed that grade I histology (p<0.025) and young age (p<0.001) were the most significant good prognostic variables.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.118-124
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• 2003

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine the role of postoperative radiation therapy in extrahepatic bile duct cancers. Materials and Methods: Between 1997 and 2001, 41 patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer having undergone surgical resection were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 41 patients, 22 were treated by surgery alone (Group I) with remaining 19 treated by surgery and postoperative radiation therapy (Group II). A gross total surgical resection with pathologically negative margins was peformed in 11 of the patients (50$\%$) in Group 1, and in 7 of the patients (36.8$\%$) in Group II. There were no significant differences in the disease stage, surgical procedure or pathological characteristics of the two groups. The patients in group II received 45$\~$54 Gy (median: 50.4 Gy) of external beam radiation therapy to the tumor bed and draining nodal area. Results: The local failure rate was significantly higher In group I (54.5$\%$) than in group II (15.8$\%$)(p=0.01). Of the 12 failed patients in Group I and the 3 failed patients in group II, 7 and 3 had a positive resection margin. The overall 3-year survival rates were 38.3 and 38.9$\%$ and the 3-year disease free survival rates were 18.8 and 26.3$\%$ in groups I and II, respectively. However, the patients with positive resection margins who received adjuvant radiation therapy had higher 3-year overall survival rates than those with surgery alone (36.4$\%$ vs. 24.2$\%$, p=0.06), and 3-year disease free survival rate was significantly higher in the group II patients who had positive margins compared with those in group I (25.0$\%$ vs. 18.2$\%$, p=0.04). Conclusion: Postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy appeared to reduce the incidence of local failure in patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer, and might improve the survival rate in the patients with positive resection margins.