bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HGGL-03 DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMA IN GHANA-AN ILL-FATED DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Adamaley Sedinam , Gbadamosi Hafisatu , Schandorf Ernestina , Dadzie Mary-ann , Bankah Patrick , Mensah Yaw Boateng , Adrah Henry , Tawiah JuliaEbo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) based on the updated WHO classification are pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas common in children and young adults. They are highly aggressive with dismal outcomes. Unfortunately, not much is known about these tumours in Ghana. This study seeks to provide initial data on the subject.

METHODS
A 2-year retrospective review of cases seen at the Pediatric Multidisciplinary Team and Radiotherapy Department yielded 9 cases. Their demographics, clinical presentation, radiologic features, and therapeutic outcomes were documented.

RESULTS
A total of nine cases, 55.6% males (n = 5), and 44.4% females (n = 4) were documented with a median age of 7 years. They presented with symptoms of vomiting in 44.4% of cases, multiple cranial nerve palsies (CN III, CN VI) in 55.6% of cases, and ataxia in 33.3 cases. None presented with paralysis. Imaging showed brainstem lesions in all 9 cases and thalamic involvement in 11.1%. Acute hydrocephalus was a feature in 44% of cases requiring CSF diversion. Up to 6 cases were lost to follow-up with 3 mortalities.

CONCLUSION
With DMG imaging is key for diagnosis due to the pathognomonic features, surgery plays a minimal role due to limited access to the lesion and related complications. In our series, the majority of lesions were localized within the brainstem with nearly half the number presenting with acute hydrocephalus. Overall, the outcomes were poor. Understanding the local picture is vital to addressing this devastating pathology.
MNGA-01 ÉPILEPSIE LIÉE AU MÉNINGIOME: À PROPOS DE DEUX CAS
Authors: Mala Zeus 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Meningiomas are the most common intracranial primary neoplasms. Seizures are a common manifestation of these tumors (10% to 50%).

PURPOSE
To present 2 cases of meningioma-related epilepsy and discuss the predictive factors for preoperative and postoperative seizures, their physiopathology and their management.

CASE REPORTS
The first patient is a 36-years-old male with a 16 years history of epilepsy revealing an underlying left frontoparietal meningioma which benefited from a Simpson grade 1 surgical resection with a seizure free postoperative outcome. The second patient is a 46-years-old man with a 6 months history of seizures revealing a right parieto-occipital meningioma requiring surgical removal with persistence of seizures on postoperative follow-up.

CONCLUSION
Seizures are a common occurrence both prior to and after meningioma resection, and can have a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. Further efforts are required for better understanding and predicting seizures in meningioma as well as plan their medical treatment.
MNGA-08 SKULL BASE TUMOR RESECTION IN LOW-RESOURCE SETTINGS: A REVIEW OF THREE CASES AT THE KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Nassozi Jalilarah , Kanja Simon , Boore John , Karanja Suzan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Skull-based tumors are challenging to treat surgically due to their proximity to vital structures and the risk of complications. In low-resource settings, the availability of advanced neurosurgical equipment and expertise is limited, which may affect the outcomes of these patients. We report the outcomes of three patients with skull base tumors who underwent surgery at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and followed up with three patients who underwent surgery for skull base tumors between October and November 2023. We collected data on their demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical procedures, histopathological diagnosis, and postoperative course. The three patients were male, aged 42, 40, and 36 years. The common presentation was with headache, but dizziness and other cerebellar deficits were common. Imaging revealed defined lesions in the posterior fossa, involving the cerebellum and brainstem. The differential diagnosis included hemangioblastoma and meningioma. The surgical approach with anatomically-specified craniotomy with resection of the tumor and decompression. The postoperative course was uneventful for the first and third patients, who showed improvement in their neurological symptoms and signs. The second patient had repeat surgery. Skull base tumor surgery in a low-resource setting can achieve favorable outcomes with careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and multidisciplinary care. However, the challenges of limited resources and high complication rates remain. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and quality of life of these patients.
OTHR-03 INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS OF ENDOSCOPIC ENDONASAL APPROACH: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW
Authors: DOSSOU Mèhomè Wilfried , COMPAORE Pascal , KAKOU Médard , PUGET Stéphanie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The innovative concept of rapid access to the sellar region was first demonstrated by Davide Giordano, an Italian anatomist, in 1897. In the 1990s, the introduction of rigid endoscopes gave rise to the trans-sphenoidal endonasal approach. This approach is always fraught with complications, the most frequent of which is CSF leakage. Infections on dural refection material in endonasal endoscopic surgery are rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of infection of the closure fat of a CSF breach after pituitary endonasal endoscopic surgery.

CASE REPORT
A 50-year-old patient was treated for a pituitary adenoma. He presented with left temporal hemianopia, decreased visual acuity, and acute headache. MRI revealed a heterogeneous sellar lesion compressing the chiasma. Endonasal endoscopic resection was performed, followed by plasty using a bone pack and sealing the sellar turcica with the middle turbinate. The postoperative period was complicated by rhinorrhea, which required repeat surgery and plasty using fat and fascial grafts and an external lumbar bypass. A few weeks after the operation, the patient reported frontal discomfort. Cerebral MRI revealed filling of the right sphenoidal sinus with the appearance of retention. Intraoperatively, a purulent discharge from the sphenoidal meatus and a greenish pateous formation were found and removed. Anatomopathological examination revealed a lesion compatible with aspergillosis, with no signs of malignancy. Mycological examination revealed section flavi aspergillus.

CONCLUSION
The endoscopic endonasal approach is an essential component of modern minimally invasive surgery. Despite the advantages of this approach, complications are possible. Infection of the dural defect reconstruction material is rare and its risk of occurrence is correlated with the patient’s state of health and co-morbidity.
OTHR-04 PATIENT SATISIFACTION WITH NURSING CARE AMONG PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS ATTENDING UGANDA CANCER INSTITUTE MULAGO KAMPALA UGANDA
Authors: Rukundo Beatrice 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
To assess the level of patients’ satisfaction with nursing care among pediatric cancer patients attending Uganda Cancer Institute in order to improve the quality of oncology services provided by the nurses to the pediatric patients at UCI.

INTRODUCTION
Patient satisfaction is significant and usually used as an indicator for measuring the degree of excellence in health care. Patient satisfaction is the patient’s perception of care received compared with the care expected. A survey carried out by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in 2020 showed that more than half of the patients who visit Ugandan hospitals have to wait for more than an hour before they can see a health worker only to be told there’s no medicine or equipment to assist in their diagnosis. A number of studies have been conducted, however, there was little information on patients’ satisfaction with nursing care among pediatric cancer patients attending Uganda Cancer Institute and this left grey area for the researcher to conduct the study in this health facility.

METHODS
The study was done among sample size of fifty-six (56) respondents who were the caregivers of children between 0-17 years getting treatment at UCI. A cross sectional study design was used for this research, quantitative method of data collection using a questionnaire.

RESULTS
The study findings showed the respondents largely were satisfied with nursing care but problems of accessing clean water for drinking (52%), failure to give diagnostic talk (68%), no comfortable rooms for privacy (52%), nurse patient ratio at (63%) and nurses’ failure to give follow up calls (84%) were among the dissatisfactions.

CONCLUSION
The researcher concluded majority of respondents were satisfied with nursing care at UCI pediatrics nursing care. However, they expressed dissatisfactions in some crucial areas that need immediate attention of the hospital management.
OTHR-07 A DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BRAIN TUMOURS IN CAMEROON
Authors: Atemlefac Asong , Asonganyi Tateh , Fonkem Ekokobe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cancer is a significant threat to public health and a leading cause of morbidity across the globe. In low- and middle-income countries, the delay in diagnosis and access to treatment has contributed to the poor outcome of brain tumors. In Cameroon, epidemiological studies on brain tumors are scarce, which contributes to the lack of knowledge of the disease behavior in our local community. We conducted a descriptive epidemiological analysis based on review of patient’s records at the Cameroon Oncology Center in Douala from 1/1/2018 to 31/12/2023. A total of 2600 charts were reviewed, of which 1.9% of the patients carried a brain tumors diagnosis. Females accounted for 34(68.0%) of the cases and the mean age was 45.4 years (SD=17.9). The most recorded types of brain tumors were brain metastasis (n=25, 50.0%), glioblastoma (n=7, 14.0%), and gliomas (n=6, 12.0%). The most common clinical manifestation associated with brain tumors included headaches (n=32, 34.4%), visual disturbance (n=18, 19.4%), and motor deficit (n=15, 16.1%).In this oncology center, Adults represent the most affected population with brain tumors because most of the children were managed at specialized pediatric oncology centers, with a female: male ratio of 3:1. Brain metastasis was the common type of brain tumor, headache was the most frequent clinical presentation.
OTHR-10 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMORS IN LOME, TOGO
Authors: DOLEAGBENOU Agbéko Komlan , Komlan Doléagbenou Agbéko , Ablavi Adani – Ifè , Essosimna Kpélao , HKM Ahanogbé , Komi Egu , Kader Moumouni Abdel , Anthony Békéti Katanga 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Central nervous system (CNS) is a public health issue in Togo. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and the management of CNS tumors in Togo.

METHOD
We carried out a retrospective analysis of patients seen at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital, in Lomé, with histologically proven CNS tumors, between 2027 and 2022. The following parameters were analyzed: sex, age, symptoms, neurologic status, surgical procedure, and histopathological diagnosis.

RESULTS
There were 154 (130 intracranial tumors and 24 spinal tumors) patients operated. The mean age was 39.6 ± 28.2. for intracranial tumors, patients presented with headaches (46 %) and seizures (40 %). For spinal tumors, patients were admitted with paraparesis in 48 % of cases. Meningiomas (47 %) were the most frequent intracranial tumors.

CONCLUSION
Intracranial tumors are the most frequently managed of CNS tumors in Togo.
OTHR-12 INCIDENCE, CLINICAL PRESENTATION, MANAGEMENT AND ONE- AND TWO-YEAR SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS WITH MEDULLOBLASTOMA AT INKOSI ALBERT LUTHULI CENTRAL HOSPITAL, KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE: A TEN YEAR REVIEW
Authors: Serventi Furaha , Malloum Abba Aji , Schroeder Kristin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Epidemiology, clinical presentation, stage and multidisciplinary treatment modalities for Medulloblastoma (Mb) at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) for the 10 year period from 2003 to 2012. It also evaluated the 1 and 2 year survival rate. Methodology: Single center- retrospective study of Mb patients below the age of 18 years in a low and middle income country (LMIC) setting.

RESULTS
The 30 patients included in the study, median age was 9 years. Male to female ratio of 1.3:1. 70% were black race. Average incidence was 14 per 1000 children years. Headache was most common symptom in 70% of the patients. Majority presented with advanced non metastatic disease (T3b). All patients had shunt insertion prior to debulking surgery and 60% had gross total resection. More than half of the cases had reduced dose irradiation (30.6Gy) to the cranial and spinal compared to 36% who had 36Gy. 96% received concurrent vincristine with radiotherapy. 89.7% received adjuvant chemotherapy and 82.8% completed 6 cycles. There was not enough data to determine any trends in the different modalities of treatment offered over the period of 10 years. One year survival rate was 83.33% [95% CI 64.55; 93.70%] and probability of surviving two years was 80.00% [95% CI 60.87%; 91.60%].

CONCLUSION
Children present with advanced stages requiring multi-level surgeries. Dedicated multi-disciplinary approach to treatment conferred decent survival outcomes despite the advanced stages at presentation. Similar successes were reflected in the only other study on the subject in Cape Town in a 3 decade retrospective study between the years 1985-2005. These studies highlight the importance of implementing multidisciplinary team management in parallel with modern radiotherapy techniques to improve survival for children with medulloblastoma. Current training programs like Access to Care Capetown could further improve the outcome in countries establishing or transitioning to new radiotherapy techniques.
OTHR-16 UNVEILING THE GAMUT OF SKULL TUMORS: A CALL FOR COLLABORATIVE ONCOLOGICAL CARE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Koko Aliyu Muhammad , Lasseini Ali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Primary and metastatic tumours of the skull are relatively rare and have variable histological characteristics. They have been reported to represent 0.8 to 1% of all bone tumours and majority were malignant with attendant morbidity and mortality. With the current advances in neurosurgical techniques, neuroimaging and improvement in histopathological diagnosis more cases are expected to be diagnosed and treated successfully. Only few studies in literature focused on the profile and outcome of skull tumours especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to unravel the spectrum of skull tumors and describe the profile and outcome of management of skull tumours in our centre.

METHODOLOGY
We retrospectively reviewed cases of skull tumours managed in our centre between July 2015 to March 2024. Clinical parameters and histological diagnoses were noted. Data analysed using spss version 25.0 IBM.

RESULTS
We found 69 cases of skull tumours, 21 (30.4%) were benign and 48 (69.6%) were malignant. Majority (54/69, 78.2%) were males, the mean age of presentation was 28 and 50 years for benign and malignant tumours respectively. 95.6% of cases were adults. All benign tumours were osteoma, the commonest primary malignant tumour was osteosarcoma (9/48) followed by fibrosarcoma (6/48), while the most common histological subtype of metastatic tumours was adenocarcinoma. There were 4 cases of malignant sino-nasal tumours invading the frontal skull. Tumours were mostly located in the vault (66/69). All benign tumour had good post-operative recovery and malignant were managed in conjunction with plastic surgeons and radio-oncologist. No post-operative mortality recorded.

CONCLUSION
Majority of skull tumours were malignant and were seen in adult males, cranial vault was more affected compared to skull base. Synergy in oncological care will improve outcomes of care of malignant skull tumors.
PADV-01 CHALLENGES OF NEURO-ONCOLOGY CARE IN ZIMBABWE
Authors: Simemeza Tinotenda 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Due to the advent of covid 19 coupled with the socio-economic crisis in Zimbabwe, this has resulted in numerous challenges in terms of health care access and resultant diagnostic and treatment barriers for neuro-oncology cases. A retrospective analysis of the burden of neuro-oncology cases which have been seen at a single center in Zimbabwe over the past 5 years and the resultant diagnostic and treatment barriers that have incurred.

METHODS
An audit of brain tumor cases was done through the analysis of Outpatient department records, Neurosurgery Admission records, and Neurosurgery theatre records at Sally Mugabe Central hospital.

RESULTS
Total number of cases recorded for the period were 71. Meningiomas 11 (15,5%), Posterior fossa tumors 12 (17%), Gliomas 6 (0.08%), Craniopharyngiomas 6(0.08%), Metastasis 5(0.07%), Pituitary tumors 4(0.06%), choroid plexus papilloma 3(0.04%), Lymphoma 2(0.03%), Pineal region tumor 1(0.01%). 21(30%) tumors were unclassified. Posterior fossa tumors were most common in the pediatric population less than 10years of age. Meningiomas had a female to male ratio of 1.75: 1. 9 (12%) patients were operated on during the same period mostly pediatric tumors.

CONCLUSION
There is a great deal of institutional as well as patient related factors affecting the diagnosing and treatment of neuro-oncology care in Zimbabwe. This includes lack of operating time, inadequate intensive care facilities, a general unavailability of medical imaging services, delay in pathological reporting, unavailability and costly adjuvant treatment. This is leading to late diagnosis and suboptimal treatment of the various tumors. Although brain tumors are rare, they are not uncommon and there is thus need to improve service delivery to ensure early diagnosis and treatment to have good outcomes.
PDOC-05 MULTIPLE ISOCENTRE VMAT PLANNING FOR PAEDIATRIC CRANIOSPINAL IRRADIATION USING THE HALCYON LINEAR ACCELERATOR
Authors: Burger Hester , Groenewald Annemari , Naiker Thurandri , Parkes Jeannette 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Paediatric brain tumours constitute the leading cause of cancer specific deaths worldwide. Many patients require craniospinal irradiation (CSI), one of the most technically demanding techniques in radiotherapy. Many LMIC centres have installed Varian Halcyon® linear accelerators and require a technique to execute CSI safely. This study evaluates a multiple isocentre VMAT planning strategy for CSI. The Halcyon is a ring based linac with a single 6MV flattening filter free (FFF) photon beam, a stacked and staggered double MLC for beam shaping and modulation, and no movable collimator jaws. Multiple isocentres are required for treatment fields longer than 28 cm. Paediatric CSI requires dose to be delivered to the entire thecal sac incorporating whole brain as well as entire spinal cord, resulting in long planning target volumes. In addition to the length of the treatment field, CSI treatments are complex due to the change in geometry of the target and the patient body over the length of the treatment field. Traditional 3D conformal radiotherapy techniques (3DCRT) require multiple isocentres with field matching and junction feathering. VMAT offers an alternative, but also require multiple fields to achieve coverage. A Halcyon based three isocentre VMAT technique was investigated and evaluated according to the QUANTEC criteria. Portal dosimetry quality assurance was performed on all fields to ensure they were clinically deliverable. High quality paediatric CSI VMAT treatments can be delivered on the Halcyon, using three isocentres with automatic feathering applied in field overlap regions. Two full arcs and one support arc were used for the brain area, with two posterior partial arcs per spine isocentre, each covering a total of 140 degrees posteriorly to limit integral dose and dose to the lungs and kidneys. Imaging and setup is required for every isocentre further than 8cm/10cm (Halcyon V2/V3 respectively) from the previous isocentre.
PDOC-06 LES DÉFIS DE LA PRISE EN CHARGE DES TUMEURS CÉRÉBRALES DE L’ENFANT AU NIGER À TRAVERS 3 OBSERVATIONS
Authors: HABIBOU Mahamane Laminou , HABIBOU Djaffar , KADRE Alio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
les progrès réalisés dans la prise en charge des tumeurs cérébrales restent insuffisants au Niger et beaucoup de défis restent à surmonter. Le but de ce travail est de montrer les obstacles dans l’amélioration de la prise en charge neuro-oncologique. Materiels, méthodes et resultats: nous apportons 03 cas de tumeurs cérébrales pediatriques prises en charge dans notre formation au courant de l’année 2023. Les âges de nos patients sont de 3,4 et 7 ans. 2 de nos patients étaient issus de niveau socio-économique bas. Les délais de diagnostique radiologique va riaient d’un an à 2 mois.tous nos patients ont bénéficié d’une prise en charge chirurgicale consistant à une exerese complète. Les délais d’obtention de l’histologie variait d’un à 2 mois. Il s’agissait de meningiome meningothelial de la base du crâne avec extension endo-sinusal maxillaire, de géant lipo-sarcome et d’astrocytome pilocytique de la fosse cérébrale postérieure. Un patient nécessitant une prise en charge complémentaire a abandonné le protocole.

CONCLUSION
les défis restent multiplent ne sont pas forcément liés aux ressources économiques. Le perfectionnement de tous les praticiens de la chaîne et la création des staffs multidisciplinaires peuvent être des ébauches dans les efforts dans ce combat.