Supratentorial ependymomas (ST EPNs) are molecularly characterized, of which the RELA fusion positive tumors are the most common and aggressive subgroup. Moreover, histologically, anaplastic ST EPN (ST-AE) often mimic other central nervous system primary high-grade tumors resulting in a diagnostic dilemma. We aimed to study a cohort of ST-AE; evaluate the expression of two RELA fusion-associated markers-L1CAM and p65 (NF-κB); and correlate their expression with clinical and histological parameters. Cases of ST-AE diagnosed in our department from January 2011 to June 2016 (n = 72) were reviewed. A battery of immunohistochemical markers was employed. A total of 65 confirmed ST-AE were included in the study. Age ranged from 9 months to 60 years. There was a slight predominance in the pediatric population (57%). Male-to-female ratio was 1:1.16. Histomorphological features were varied and mimicked other highgrade tumors in several cases. L1CAM immunopositive tumors constituted 26% of cases and were predominantly seen in young children, in the frontoparietal location, and exhibited clear cell morphology with calcification. A consistent pattern of L1CAM immunopositivity was noted in paired primary and recurrent tumor samples. Our study portrays the varied clinical and histomorphological spectrum of ST-AE. The study emphasizes the association of L1CAM immunopositivity with a wide spectrum of histological parameters, literature on which is scant till date. Since ST EPN-RELA are tumors with aggressive behavior, such a correlation would be clinically relevant, particularly when there is limited access to molecular testing.
Background:
Lipid storage myopathies (LSM) constitute an important group of treatable myopathies. Genetic testing is essential for confirming the diagnosis and also helps in explaining phenotypic heterogeneity. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features and genetic spectrum of LSM seen in a quaternary referral center in India.
Methods:
Eleven cases of suspected LSM underwent clinical, biochemical, histopathological and genetic evaluation. Tandem Mass Spectrometry and clinical exome sequencing with Sanger validation were performed.
Results:
All patients had exertion induced myalgia and either progressive or episodic limb girdle muscle weakness (LGMW). The age of onset ranged 10 to 31 years (mean- 21 ± 6.7y), age at presentation- 14 to 49 years (mean- 26.5 ± 9.5y). Mutations identified:
ETFDH
= 5,
CPT2
= 3,
FLAD1
= 1,
ACADVL
= 1,
FLAD1
= 1. Dropped head syndrome was seen in two patients with
ETFDH
mutations. Bulbar symptoms and Beevor's sign were noted in a patient with
FLAD1
variant. Novel variants were identified in seven patients.
Conclusions:
This is the first report on the genetic spectrum of LSM from India. LSM should be considered in patients with exertion induced myalgias, LGMW, cranial nerve involvement or dropped head syndrome. Genetic testing is essential for identification of these treatable disorders.
Intracranial schwannomas are slow-growing benign nerve sheath tumors arising from the vestibular portion of the VIIIth cranial nerve and less commonly from Vth, VIIth, and lower cranial nerves. However, as optic nerve and olfactory nerve do not contain Schwann cell layer, occurrence of schwannoma is questionable in these cranial nerves. Schwannomas are usually large solid lesions, only relatively small percentage exhibit calcification, and cystic patterns with intracystic fluid levels. In this short illustration, we try to review the possible pathogenesis and management paradigm of these cystic intracranial schwannomas depending upon their location with a report of cystic olfactory groove schwannoma in a 35-year-old female patient.
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