Publications by authors named "O Rapalino"
Background: Physical forces exerted by expanding brain tumors - specifically the compressive stresses propagated through solid tissue structures - reduces brain perfusion and neurological function, but heretofore has not been directly measured in patients . Solid stress levels estimated from tumor growth patterns are negatively correlated with neurological performance in patients. We hypothesize that measurements of solid stress can be used to inform clinical management of brain tumors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The incidence and risk factors associated with radiation-induced Moya-Moya Syndrome (RIMMS) in pediatric brain tumor patients treated with proton radiotherapy (PRT) remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of RIMMS in the setting of CNS proton radiotherapy (PRT) in a pediatric cohort and assess its relationship with dose to the Circle of Willis (COW) or optic chiasm (OC).
Methods & Materials: We performed a retrospective review of pediatric brain tumor patient treated with intracranial PRT (1995-2021).
Article Synopsis
- Cognitive motor dissociation (CMD) involves patients who can follow commands in brain scans like fMRI, despite showing no behavioral signs of language function, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis in severe brain injuries.
- Recent findings outline a structured approach for assessing CMD at clinical institutions, underlining the need for ethical considerations, standardized protocols, and effective communication of results.
- The proposed method for CMD assessment aims to be adaptable, allowing for updates and improvements as more evidence becomes available in the field.
Article Synopsis
- Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD) is a mitochondrial disorder that affects how the body processes carbohydrates and can lead to increased lactic acid and issues with the nervous system.
- Early treatment with a ketogenic diet may help improve both metabolic and neurological outcomes for those affected.
- This case study demonstrates the value of prenatal ultrasounds to identify brain abnormalities, leading to a molecular diagnosis of PDCD and successful early intervention with a ketogenic diet and other treatments, resulting in positive developmental progress.
Article Synopsis
- - Myhre syndrome is a rare genetic disorder linked to mutations in the SMAD4 gene, with recent studies from Massachusetts General Hospital highlighting its complexities through evaluations of 47 patients.
- - The findings indicate that symptom progression occurs in all patients after at least 5 years of observation, with different SMAD4 variants associated with varying health outcomes, particularly regarding hearing loss and aortic hypoplasia.
- - There is a call for more research and evidence-based guidelines to improve understanding and treatment of Myhre syndrome, especially given the serious complications observed, including deaths related to cardiovascular issues.