Saad Akhtar Khan

Evidence based advances in glioma management

Glioma is primary brain tumors of the glial origin. Glioblastoma multiforme traditionally classified as Grade IV glial tumor carries the worst prognosis. Over the past decades, focus of the diagnosis and management has gradually shifted toward molecular and genetic profiling. This has been accompanied by advancement in radiology, radiation, and medical oncology. Despite significant progress in the individual disciplines, the overall prognosis has not increased significantly. There is consensus on the need of maximum safe resection for most of these tumors. Details of anatomy and white matter tracts obtained through preoperative imaging. These detailed radiological modalities allow the surgeons to plan a safe trajectory to the lesion, avoiding neurological complications. Five aminolevulinic acid and fluorescein guidance help increasing the extent of resection. Awake craniotomy with brain mapping has regained popularity for the safe resection of low-grade glioma, especially those located in eloquent areas. In this review article, we have discussed various aspect of glioma management including diagnosis and surgical resection.

Cerebellopontine angle primitive neuroectodermal tumor mimicking trigeminal schwannoma.

Background: Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) comprise a group of aggressive, poorly differentiated embryonal tumors occurring in central nervous system as well as in peripheral locations. Primary cerebellopontine angle (CPA) PNET is an extremely rare entity. It is important to have knowledge of this pathology and to be able to differentiate it from other commonly occurring CPA tumors, such as vestibular and trigeminal schwannomas. This distinction is essential because of the difference in the overall treatment plan and prognosis. Case Description: This report describes a case of a young male presenting with diplopia and numbness of face; magnetic resonance imaging showed a CPA mass. With a provisional diagnosis of trigeminal schwannoma, the patient underwent surgery. Histopathology provided a diagnosis of PNET. Conclusion: We discuss the importance of recognizing this rare condition and how this entity differs from the commonly occurring tumors.

Ependymal tumors with oligodendroglioma like clear cells: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Background: Ependymal tumors with oligodendroglioma like clear cells have never been reported from Pakistan. We aimed to see the features and outcomes of this rare entity. Methods: It was retrospective cohort conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University from 2003 to 2013. The medical records and radiology of patients with proven histopathology were reviewed. Analysis was done on SPSS 20. Results: Eleven cases of ependymal tumors with clear cells were found, which equated to 1.5% of the total tumor burden in 11 years. The median age was 49 years. Most common presenting symptom was headache 54.5%. Out of 11 patients, 9 patients had a supratentorial tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hypointense signals on T1 and hyperintense signals on T2-weighted images in all cases. Contrast enhancement was found in 9 patients (77.8%), necrosis and hemorrhage was found in 4 (36%) and 3 (27%) patients, respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed glial fibrillary acidic protein and epithelial membrane antigen positivity in all cases. Ki-67 showed high proliferative index in 6 patients. According to the World Health Organization grading of ependymal tumors, 2 patients had Grade II tumors, and 9 patients had Grade III tumors with clear cells. Gross total resection was achieved in 6 (54.5%) and subtotal resection in 5 patients (45.4%). Recurrence was observed in 9 patients. Six patients died of the disease. Median progression-free survival and overall survival was 8 months and 10 months, respectively. Conclusion: Ependymal tumors with clear cells presented more commonly in Grade III lesions and were more aggressive in behavior with poorer outcome compared to similar studies.