Clinical role of NDRG2-based methylation status on survival pattern of glioblastoma.

Objectives: Gliobalstoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults with an extensive genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity, still identification of the role of DNA methylation, as one of epigenetic alterations, is emerged. Authors aimed to study the clinical role of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) -based methylation among GBM patients versus benign neurological diseases (BND), investigate its prognostic role and its relation with survival outcomes.

Methods: A total of 78 FFPE specimens were recruited as follows: GBM ( = 58) and BND ( = 20) then analyzed for NDRG2 methylation using Methyl II quantitative PCR system.

Pure spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma: A case series of seven cases.

Introduction: Pure spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas (PSECHs) are rare vascular lesions with about 100 cases reported. Herein, we present a case series of 7 PSECHs discussing their clinical presentation, radiological characteristics, surgical technique and intraoperative findings, pathological features, and functional outcome.

Materials And Methods: We retrieved from the retrolective databases of the senior authors, patients with pathologically confirmed PSECH operated between January 2002 and November 2015.

Diagnostic performance of the medial hamstring reflex in L5 radiculopathy.

Background: An avalanche of literature exists on almost every aspect of lumbar disc pathology but very limited studies have quantified the diagnostic performance of elements of clinical examination in predicting disc level, meticulously collated the reflex changes in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) as well as assessed the diagnostic performance of the medial hamstring reflex (MHR). Our study underscores the diagnostic performance of the MHR in L5 radiculopathy comparing its diagnostic power to that of the knee and ankle reflexes.

Methods: One hundred consecutive patients operated for de novo LDH in our department between January and December 2011 were prospectively followed-up.

Validity of the frontolateral approach as a minimally invasive corridor for olfactory groove meningiomas.

Background: Several approaches are described for olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) varying from a very wide bifrontal craniotomy to minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of the frontolateral approach for olfactory groove meningioma. Pitfalls related to this corridor will be described.

Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts.

Rupture of intracranial dermoid cysts (RICDC) is a rare phenomenon. The mechanism of rupture, pathophysiology of fat in the ventricles and subarachnoid spaces, possible complications, and proper management of such conditions are proposed on the basis of a review of the literature and experience with two cases of ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts (One was in the pineal region, while another was in the fourth ventricle). It is concluded that rupture of intracranial dermoid cysts is usually spontaneous and non-fatal.