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Thecal Sac (thecal + sac)
Selected AbstractsSpinal Cord Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma: An Unusual TumorJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 4 2007Mishal Mendiratta-Lala MD ABSTRACT We present the imaging findings of a case of spinal pilomyxoid astrocytoma in a 29-year-old woman with history of neck and back pain and weakness of bilateral upper extremities. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging study revealed an extensive intradural extramedullary lesion occupying most of the thecal sac extending from mid cervical up to the lumbosacral region with extensive contrast enhancement. Spinal pilomyxoid astrocytoma is rare with only three reported cases in pediatric population in the literature. This report illustrates the MR findings of an unusual case of intradural extramedullary spinal pilomyxoid tumor in an adult patient. [source] Shape of the thecal sac: L3/4 interspace compared with L4/5,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 1 2009M. Naji Summary We retrospectively reviewed 60 normal magnetic resonance imaging scans to assess the anatomical shape of the thecal sac at the L3/4 and L4/5 vertebral interspaces. In all cases the thecal sac was oval at L3/4 but in 26 (43%; 95% CI 31,55%) the thecal sac changed from oval at the L3/4 interspace to triangular at L4/5 (with the apex of the triangle presenting to the posterior epidural space). We propose that this anatomical variant would make it more difficult to obtain cerebrospinal fluid at the lower level, as a slightly lateral approach could lead to identification of the epidural space but failure to puncture the thecal sac. This may offer an explanation for a ,dry tap' when a lower interspace is chosen. [source] Unique Molecular Characteristics of Pediatric Myxopapillary EpendymomaBRAIN PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Valerie N. Barton Abstract Myxopapillary ependymoma (MEPN) generally can be cured by gross total surgical resection and usually manifest a favorable prognosis. However, surgery is less curative in tumors that are large, multifocal or extend outside the thecal sac. Late recurrences may occur, particularly in pediatric patients. The role of adjuvant therapy is unclear in the clinical management of recurrent tumors. Clinical trial design requires a better understanding of tumor biology. Unique molecular features of MEPN were investigated by using microarray technology to compare the gene expression of five pediatric MEPN to 24 pediatric intracranial ependymoma (EPN). The upregulation of three genes of interest, homeobox B13 (HOXB13), neurofilament, light polypeptide (NEFL) and PDGFR,, was further studied by immunohistochemistry in a larger cohort that included adult MEPN and EPN specimens. Protein expression in MEPN was compared to subependymoma, spinal EPN, intracranial EPN and normal fetal and adult ependyma. Immunoreactivity for HOXB13, NEFL and PDGFR, was strongest in MEPN and virtually absent in subependymoma. Spinal and intracranial EPN generally expressed weak or focal staining. MEPN manifests unique gene and protein expression patterns compared to other EPNs. Aberrant expression of HOXB13 suggests possible recapitulation of developmental pathways in MEPN tumorigenesis. PDGFR, may be a potential therapeutic target in recurrent MEPN. [source] | ||||||||||