MRI characteristics of intracranial masses in the paediatric population of KwaZulu-Natal: A neuroimaging-based study

Abstract

Background: MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the assessment of intracranial masses in children. Imaging is vital in planning further management.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the common intracranial masses and their imaging characteristics in the paediatric population referred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital for MRI of the brain.Method: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of paediatric patients (aged from birth to 18 years) who underwent MRI investigations for intracranial masses between January 2010 and December 2016.Results: A total of 931 MRI brain scans were performed. One hundred and seven scans met the inclusion criteria, of which 92 were primary brain tumours and 15 were inflammatory masses. The majority were females (56%). The mean age was 12 ± 4.52 (range of 3–18 years). The most common presenting symptom was seizures (70/107, 65.4%). We categorised the masses according to supra- and infratentorial compartments. The most common site for masses was the supratentorial compartment (n = 56, 52%). The most common masses in the supratentorial compartment were craniopharyngiomas (14/45, 31.1%), whilst in the infratentorial compartment, the most common masses were medulloblastomas (24/47, 51.1%).Conclusion: In our series, the supratentorial compartment was the commonest site for intracranial masses. The most common tumour in the infratentorial compartment was medulloblastoma. This information is vital in formulating differential diagnoses of intracranial masses.

Suitability of risk assessment tools used during the portfolio recommendation process

“…They also noted that the risk concepts could not be addressed fully without information such as the purpose of investment and investment timeframe while being conscious of investor biases. South African studies that focus on risk tolerance assess the factors that affect risk tolerance (Gumede 2009;Mabalane 2015;Metherell 2011;Strydom et al 2009), not the elements that must be evaluated to establish suitability. Another study investigated factors that may influence risk profiling, but did not review the elements required to establish suitability (Jansma & Van Heerden 2010).…”

“…A risk assessment is mandatory before a financial planner can advise an investor, considering the 1724 CIS portfolios available in the country. Several studies on risk tolerance in this context (Gumede 2009;Metherell 2011;Strydom, Christison & Gokul 2009) have focussed on demographic determinants and the impact of demographic factors on risk tolerance. One study assessed the suitability of tools by considering the financial planner's view (Swanepoel 2016).…”