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BackgroundNeurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is an autosomal-dominant tumour predisposition syndrome characterised by bilateral vestibular schwannomas, considerable morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Although genotype–phenotype correlations are well established in NF2, little is known about effects of mutation type or location within the gene on mortality. Improvements in NF2 diagnosis and management have occurred, but their effect on patient survival is unknown.MethodsWe evaluated clinical and molecular predictors of mortality in 1192 patients (771 with known causal mutations) identified through the UK National NF2 Registry. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of mortality, with jackknife adjustment of parameter SEs to account for the strong intrafamilial phenotypic correlations that occur in NF2.ResultsThe study included 241 deaths during 10 995 patient-years of follow-up since diagnosis. Early age at diagnosis and the presence of intracranial meningiomas were associated with increased mortality, and having a mosaic, rather than non-mosaic, NF2 mutation was associated with reduced mortality. Patients with splice-site or missense mutations had lower mortality than patients with truncating mutations (OR 0.459, 95% CI 0.213 to 0.990, and OR 0.196, 95% CI 0.213 to 0.990, respectively). Patients with splice-site mutations in exons 6–15 had lower mortality than patients with splice-site mutations in exons 1–5 (OR 0.333, 95% CI 0.129 to 0.858). The mortality of patients with NF2 diagnosed in more recent decades was lower than that of patients diagnosed earlier.ConclusionsContinuing advances in molecular diagnosis, imaging and treatment of NF2-associated tumours offer hope for even better survival in the future.

Objectives The primary objective was to determine whether the narrowest dimensions of the labyrinthine facial nerve (LFN) canal on the symptomatic side in patients with unilateral recurrent Bell's palsy (BP) differ from those on the contralateral side or in asymptomatic, age‐ and gender‐matched controls on computed tomography (CT). The secondary objectives were to assess the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion and to record inter‐observer reliability of the CT measurements. Methods The dimensions of the LFN canal at its narrowest point perpendicular to the long axis and the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion were assessed by two radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann‐Whitney U tests (LFN canal dimensions) and the Chi‐squared test (bony covering at the geniculate ganglion). Inter‐observer reliability was evaluated using Intra‐Class Correlation (ICC) and Cohen's kappa. Results The study included 21 patients with unilateral recurrent BP and 21 asymptomatic controls. There was no significant difference in the narrowest dimensions of the ipsilateral LFN canal when compared to the contralateral side or controls (P = .43‐.94). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion when compared to either group (P = .19‐.8). Good inter‐observer reliability was observed for LFN measurements (ICC = 0.75‐0.88) but not for the bony covering at the geniculate ganglion (Cohen's kappa = 0.53). Conclusion The narrowest dimensions of the LFN canal and the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion do not differ in unilateral recurrent BP, casting doubt over their etiological significance. Level of Evidence Level IV. Two observers evaluated the narrowest dimensions of the labyrinthine facial nerve canal and the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion on computed tomography (CT), in 21 patients with unilateral recurrent Bell's Palsy and 21 matched asymptomatic controls. There was no significant difference in the dimensions of the ipsilateral (symptomatic) labyrinthine facial nerve canal or the geniculate ganglion bony covering in patients with unilateral recurrent Bell's Palsy, either when comparing to the contralateral side or to asymptomatic controls. This casts doubt over their aetiological significance of these CT findings in cases of recurrent BP.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome (PTCS) is the condition of raised intracranial pressure without a focal intracranial lesion. We present a patient with PTCS caused by an extracranial paraganglioma obstruct- ing his right internal jugular vein. This affected his intracranial venous drainage from his dominant right sided venous drainage; his left transverse and sigmoid sinus were hypoplastic. He experienced sympto- matic relief from acetazolamide, a temporising lumbar puncture and significant improvement following debulking surgery of the paraganglioma.CSF dynamics is more than the classical model of production in the choroid plexus and drainage through the arachnoid granulations. Increasingly we understand the role of nasal lymphatics via the cribriform plate and dural lymphatics via the glymphatic system. However, drainage via the arachnoid granulations and dural venous sinuses is still crucial.Papilloedema has a complex aetiology. Axonal transport stasis and pial-septal blood supply disruption secondary to raised ICP only tell part of the story. There is not free flow between the intracranial CSF and subarachnoid space of the optic nerve; raised ICP likely leads to compartmentalisation of the CSF around the optic nerve. Subsequent aggregation of a toxic milieu may contribute to optic disc oedema.Timely management of intracranial pressure is critical to preserve visual function.

ObjectivesNew diagnostic criteria for NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) were published in 2022. An updated UK prevalence was generated in accordance with these, with an emphasis on the rate of de novo NF2 (a 50% frequency is widely quoted in genetic counselling). The distribution of variant types among de novo and familial NF2 cases was also assessed.MethodsThe UK National NF2 database identifies patients meeting updated NF2 criteria from a highly ascertained population cared for by England’s specialised service. Diagnostic prevalence was assessed on 1 February 2023. Molecular analysis of blood and, where possible, tumour specimens for NF2, LZTR1 and SMARCB1 was performed.Results1084 living NF2 patients were identified on prevalence day (equivalent to 1 in 61 332). The proportion with NF2 inherited from an affected parent was only 23% in England. If people without a confirmed molecular diagnosis or bilateral vestibular schwannoma are excluded, the frequency of de novo NF2 remains high (72%). Of the identified de novo cases, almost half were mosaic. The most common variant type was nonsense variants, accounting for 173/697 (24.8%) of people with an established variant, but only 18/235 (7.7%) with an inherited NF2 pathogenic variant (p<0.0001). Missense variants had the highest proportion of familial association (56%). The prevalence of LZTR1-related schwannomatosis and SMARCB1-related schwannomatosis was 1 in 527 000 and 1 in 1.1M, respectively, 8.4–18.4 times lower than NF2.ConclusionsThis work confirms a much higher rate of de novo NF2 than previously reported and highlights the benefits of maintaining patient databases for accurate counselling.

We have evaluated deficiencies in existing diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). Two large databases of individuals fulfilling NF2 criteria (n=1361) and those tested for NF2 variants with criteria short of diagnosis (n=1416) were interrogated. We assessed the proportions meeting each diagnostic criterion with constitutional or mosaic NF2 variants and the positive predictive value (PPV) with regard to definite diagnosis. There was no evidence for usefulness of old criteria “glioma“ or “neurofibroma.” “Ependymoma” had 100% PPV and high levels of confirmed NF2 diagnosis (67.7%). Those with bilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS) alone aged ≥60 years had the lowest confirmation rate (6.6%) and reduced PPV (80%). Siblings as a first-degree relative, without an affected parent, had 0% PPV. All three individuals with unilateral VS and an affected sibling were proven not to have NF2. The biggest overlap was with LZTR1-associated schwannomatosis. In this category, seven individuals with unilateral VS plus ≥2 nondermal schwannomas reduced PPV to 67%. The present study confirms important deficiencies in NF2 diagnostic criteria. The term “glioma” should be dropped and replaced by “ependymoma.” Similarly “neurofibroma” should be removed. Dropping “sibling” from first-degree relatives should be considered and testing of LZTR1 should be recommended for unilateral VS.

Background Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours. Pathogenic variants have been identified in more than 15 susceptibility genes; associated tumours are grouped into three Clusters, reinforced by their transcriptional profiles. Cluster 1A PPGLs have pathogenic variants affecting enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, including succinate dehydrogenase. Within inherited PPGLs, these are the most common. PPGL tumours are known to undergo epigenetic reprograming, and here, we report on global histone post-translational modifications and DNA methylation levels, alongside clinical phenotypes. Results Out of the 25 histone post-translational modifications examined, Cluster 1A PPGLs were distinguished from other tumours by a decrease in hyper-acetylated peptides and an increase in H3K4me2. DNA methylation was compared between tumours from individuals who developed metastatic disease versus those that did not. The majority of differentially methylated sites identified tended to be completely methylated or unmethylated in non-metastatic tumours, with low inter-sample variance. Metastatic tumours by contrast consistently had an intermediate DNA methylation state, including the ephrin receptor EPHA4 and its ligand EFNA3 . Gene expression analyses performed to identify genes involved in metastatic tumour behaviour pin-pointed a number of genes previously described as mis-regulated in Cluster 1A tumours, as well as highlighting the tumour suppressor RGS22 and the pituitary tumour-transforming gene PTTG1 . Conclusions Combined transcriptomic and DNA methylation analyses revealed aberrant pathways, including ones that could be implicated in metastatic phenotypes and, for the first time, we report a decrease in hyper-acetylated histone marks in Cluster 1 PPGLs.

Abstract BACKGROUND The published literature suggests that malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) occur at increased frequency in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). A recent review based on incidence data in North America showed that 1 per 1000 cerebellopontine angle nerve sheath tumors were malignant. OBJECTIVE To determine whether MPNST occurred spontaneously in NF2 by reviewing our NF2 database. METHODS The prospective database consists of 1253 patients with NF2. One thousand and nine are known to be alive at last follow-up. The presence and laterality/pathology of vestibular schwannoma at diagnosis and last follow-up was sought. RESULTS There were no cases of spontaneous MPNST with 2114 proven (n = 1150) and presumed benign (n = 964) vestibular schwannomas found. Two patients had developed MPNST (1 presumed) after having previously undergone stereotactic radiosurgery for a vestibular schwannoma. CONCLUSION In this series, and from the literature, malignant transformation of a vestibular schwannoma was not a feature of NF2 in the unirradiated patient. NF2 patients should not be told that they have an increased risk of malignant change in a vestibular schwannoma unless they undergo radiation treatment. However, very much larger datasets are required before it can be determined whether there is any association between NF2 and MPNST in the unirradiated patient.

Background: Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH) subunit pathogenic variants predispose to Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (PPGL). Functional imaging harnesses the innate receptor expression and the aberrant cellular pathways in PPGLs to improve diagnostic accuracy & guide treatments, including nuclear medicine therapies. Currently commonly available functional imaging modalities include 18F-FDG PET, 123I-MIBG and 68Ga-DOTATATE. Aims: To analyze the use of 123I-MIBG, 18F-FDG PET and 68Ga-DOTATATE in patients harboring SDHB & SDHD pathogenic variants and determine the detection rates for both primary tumors and metastatic sites of disease. Methods: Retrospective review of patient records and imaging reports allowed tumor characteristics and imaging features of 21 patients with SDH-related PPGL to be recorded. Contrast enhanced CT/MRI were used as control to calculate the sensitivity of each functional imaging modality. Avidity of the primary lesion and metastatic deposits were used to calculate detection rates. 123I-MIBG imaging was available for 22 primary tumors (8 SDHB, 14 SDHD), 18FDG-PET for 24 (9 SDHB, 15 SDHD) and 68Ga-DOTATATE for 6 (2 SDHB, 4 SDHD) respectively. Results: 29 PPGLs (primary and metastases, 13 SDHB, 16 SDHD) were identified in 21 patients. 123I-MIBG detected 14/22 (64%) primary tumors; 5/8 (63%) SDHB and 9/14 (64%) SDHD-related PPGL. According to tumor location, 3/3 PCCs, 6/8 HNPGLs and 4/11 non-HNPGLs demonstrated 123I-MIBG avidity. Both18F-FDG PET and 68Ga-DOTATATE detected all PPGLs imaged; 24 (9 SDHB, 15 SDHD) and 6 (2 SDHB, 4 SDHD) respectively, demonstrating 100% sensitivity in the detection of the primary PPGL in all the above locations. 6 metastatic deposits (located in bone, lungs, liver and local lymph nodes) in 4 patients were imaged using all 3 modalities (3 SDHB, 1 SDHD), all of which were avid on 18F-FDG PET and 68Ga-DOTATATE whereas only 50% demonstrated avidity on 123I-MIBG imaging. Discussion: Recent guidelines promote preferential use of 68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG PET as initial functional imaging modalities in SDHx-related disease over 123I-MIBG. The results from our patient cohort indicate superior sensitivity (100%) for detection of SDHx-related disease with FDG and Dotatate compared with MIBG. In contrast to the current literature, a high proportion (75%) of HNPGLs in our series demonstrated MIBG avidity. Further prospective studies are needed to further evaluate these and various other novel tracers to inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in PPGLs arising from SDHx and various other germline and somatic pathogenic variants.

Background: SDHB immunostaining can be used to functionally characterize SDH status in PCC and PGL. Assessing SDHB expression on tumors is inexpensive and can be used as an alternative to genetic testing. More importantly, assessment of SDHB expression can be of value in interpreting Variant of Unknown Significance (VUS) in SDH related genes. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of SDHB immunostaining as an initial screening tool in identifying germline SDH mutations and the value of SDHB assessment in the clinical characterization of our patient cohort. Design: Prospective and retrospective analysis of 57 randomly selected patients with PCC and PGL from the year 1997 to 2018. Setting: In our institution on patients referred from London and South East England including Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Patients: Predominant Caucasian Population with diverse ethnicities. 57 patients - 34 patients (14M & 20F) with PGL and 25 with PCC (15M &10F). Age (mean: 41years at diagnosis with range 9-80 years). 2 patients had both PCC & PGL and multifocal PGLs were identified in few patients with SDHD and SDHB mutation. There were 65 tumors in total included in this study. Intervention: Resected tumor SDHB immunostaining with Sigma prestige antibodies (HPA002868 100UL - Anti-SDHB Rabbit monoclonal antibody) at a dilution of 1:1000. Genetic testing performed on predominant candidate genes. Main outcome measures: Concordance of SDHB loss of expression with presence of pathogenic mutation in candidate SDH genes. Secondarily, to explore SDHB immunostaining in our patient cohort with VUS in candidate genes. Results: SDHB immunostaining was negative in 22/23 tumors in patients with confirmed SDH mutation (false negative = 1 SDHB PCC where it was weak (+)). The staining was positive in 23/24 sporadic tumors, 10/11 VUS (in SDH, MAX and TMEM genes - both PCCs & PGLs), 2/2 PCCs in MEN-2, 2/2 PCCs in NF-1 and 2/3 PCCs in VHL. The negative immunostaining in 1 PGL with VUS in SDHB may imply lack of SDH enzyme activity and hence suggestive of a pathological mutation. The sensitivity is 96% and the specificity approaches 93% if the weak positive SDHB immunostaining with SDHD and VHL tumors were to be considered concordant. The concordance was 95% in the PGL group alone. Conclusions: SDHB immunostaining is a cost effective addition to PGL and PCC tumor characterization and performs with high sensitivity and specificity. SDH functional characterization has an important role in the management of patients who do not satisfy the current criteria for genetic testing (UK genetics testing directory for PCC/PGL). 18% of patients had VUS in a SDH related gene and we have found that SDHB immunostaining provided helpful information to inform follow-up and cascade screening decisions in this group.