Ependymomas, which account for 10% of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors, arise from the ependymal cells that line the cerebral ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord. Extraneural metastasis to lung is rare for ependymomas primary tumors. Repeated surgeries that disrupt the blood-brain barrier may contribute to haematogenous spread, but the mechanism remains unclear. We present a case of ependymoma with extraneural metastasis to lung in a child and discuss reported cases of extracranial metastatic ependymoma with this presentation.

Objective: Early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for its prognosis; however, traditional computed tomography (CT) diagnostic methods rely on large medical devices with an associated lag time to receive results. Therefore, an imaging modality is needed that provides real-time monitoring, can easily be carried out to assess the extent of TBI damage, and thus guides treatment. Approach: In the present study, an improved magnetic induction tomography (MIT) data acquisition system was used to monitor TBI in an animal model and distinguish the injury level. A pneumatically controlled cortical impactor was used to strike the parietal lobe of anesthetized rabbits two or three times under the same parameter mode to establish two different rabbit models of TBI. The MIT data acquisition system was used to record data and continuously monitor the brain for one hour without intervention. Main results: A target with increased conductivity was clearly observed in the reconstructed image. The position was relatively fixed and accurate, and the average positioning error of the image was 0.01372 m. The normalized mean reconstruction value of all images increased with time. The slope of the regression line of the normalized mean reconstruction value differed significantly between the two models (p<0.0001). Significance: This indicates that in the animal model, the unique features of MIT may facilitate the early monitoring of TBI and distinguish different degrees of injuries, thereby reducing the risk and mortality of associated complications.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CARMN polymorphisms and glioma risk and prognosis in a Chinese Han population. Methods Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CARMN were genotyped among 592 glioma patients and 502 healthy controls. Log-additive models were used for risk assessment by the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to calculate Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for prognosis assessment. Results CARMN rs13177623 was a protective factor for glioma susceptibility (OR = 0.78, p = 0.043). In addition, rs13177623, rs11168100, rs12654195 and rs17796757 were associated with the risk of glioma among the subgroup stratified by age or gender. We also found that G rs13177623 G rs12654195 haplotype was related to the decreased risk of glioma (OR = 0.61, p = 0.005). Importantly, rs13177623 [overall survival (OS): HR = 0.83, p = 0.047, and progression free survival (PFS): HR = 0.82, p = 0.031], rs12654195 (OS: HR = 0.64, p = 0.005 and PFS: HR = 0.65, p = 0.007) and rs11168100 (OS: HR = 0.71, p = 0.035) were associated with a better prognosis for glioma, especially in grade I-II glioma. In patients with grade III-IV glioma, rs17796757 polymorphism presented an improved OS. Conclusion Our results firstly reported the contribution of CARMN variants (rs11168100, rs12654195, rs13177623, and rs17796757) to the susceptibility and prognosis of glioma in a Chinese Han population, which provided a novel insight on the relationship between CARMN gene and glioma tumorigenesis.