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BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have provided evidence for subtle deviations in brain morphology in children with psychiatric disorders, but much less is known about the onset and developmental trajectory of these deviations early in life. We sought to determine whether variances in cerebral ventricular size in fetuses and newborns are associated with temperamental difficulties in infants. METHODS: Within a population-based cohort study, we measured the size of the lateral ventricle of the fetus' brain twice during pregnancy. We used 3-dimensional cranial ultrasound to measure the cerebral ventricular volume of infants at age 6 weeks. We then related the size of the cerebral ventricular system to temperamental dimensions at age 3 months using the Mother and Baby Scales, and at age 6 months using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire for a total of 1028 infants. RESULTS: The size of the lateral ventricle of the fetuses in midpregnancy was not related to temperamental difficulties in infants; however, smaller lateral ventricles in late pregnancy were associated with higher activity levels at the age of 6 months. Infants with smaller ventricular volumes at age 6 weeks experienced higher activity levels, more anger or irritability and poorer orienting later in infancy. Children with the lowest ventricular volumes scored on average 0.15 (95% confidence interval 0.06-0.23, p = 0.001) points higher (23%) on activity levels than children with the highest ventricular volumes. CONCLUSION: Variations in ventricular size before and shortly after birth are associated with temperamental difficulties. Some of the morphologic differences between children with and without psychiatric disorders may develop very early in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction may increase the risk of developing renal disease at adult age. Renal function may already be impaired at young adult age. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Very premature individuals (gestational age < 32 weeks) recruited from Project on Premature and Small for Gestational Age Infants and full-term-born controls (37 to 42 weeks) recruited from a children's hospital in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. All individuals were 20 years of age at the time of study. PREDICTORS: Gestational age and birth weight: premature and small for gestational age (SGA; n = 23), premature and appropriate for gestational age (n = 29), and controls (n = 30). OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), and filtration fraction before and after renal stimulation with low-dose dopamine infusion and oral amino-acid intake. Urine albumin and renal ultrasound. RESULTS: Height, weight, kidney length and volume, GFR, and ERPF were significantly lower in the SGA group than in controls. After adjustment for body surface area, GFR did not differ significantly among groups. Mean ERPF was 71 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% confidence interval [CI], 3 to 139) less, but filtration fraction was only 1.3% (95% CI, -0.3 to 3.0) greater, in the SGA group than controls. Renal stimulation significantly increased GFR and ERPF and decreased filtration fraction in all groups. After renal stimulation, ERPF was 130 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% CI, 21 to 238) greater in the SGA group than controls, but GFR and filtration fraction did not differ significantly among groups. Microalbuminuria was present in 2 patients (8.7%) in the SGA group, but none in the appropriate-for-gestational-age group or controls. Renal function correlated with renal size. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not fully support the hypothesis that preterm birth in combination with intrauterine growth restriction contributes to renal function alterations at young adult age. Larger studies are needed to evaluate this hypothesis. Copyright © 2007 by Elsevier Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Low-dose radiation from computed tomography (CT) may increase the risk of certain cancers, especially in children. Objective: We sought to estimate the excess all-cause and cancer-specific mortality, which may be associated with repeated CT scanning of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: The radiation dose was calculated for a published CF surveillance CT scanning protocol of biennial CT scans, and the risk per scan was estimated using atom-bomb survivor data. A computational model was developed to calculate the excess mortality in a CF cohort associated with radiation from the CT scan and to evaluate the effects of background survival, scanning interval, and level of CT radiation used. The model assumed that there would be no survival benefits associated with repeated surveillance CT scanning. Results: The average radiation dose for the published CT protocol was 1 mSv. Survival reduction associated with annual scans from age 2 yr until death was approximately 1 mo and 2 yr for CF cohorts, with a median survival of 26 and 50 yr, respectively. Corresponding cumulative cancer mortality was approximately 2 and 13% at age 40 and 65 yr, respectively. Biennial CT scanning reduced all-cause and cumulative cancer mortality by half. Conclusion: Routine lifelong annual CT scans carry a low risk of radiation-induced mortality in CF. However, as the overall survival increases for patients with CF, the risk of radiation-induced mortality may modestly increase. These data indicate that radiation dose must be considered in routine CT imaging strategies for patients with CF, to ensure that benefits outweigh the risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess day-to-day variability of left ventricular (LV) volume and ejection fraction (EF) calculated from 3-dimensional echocardiography (3-DE) and to compare the reproducibility of the measurement with magnetic resonance imaging. Forty-six subjects were examined including 15 normal volunteers (group A) and 31 patients with LV dysfunction (group B). Precordial 3-DE acquisition was performed at 2 degrees rotational intervals and repeated 1 week later. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 0.5 T. End-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes were derived using Simpson's rule by manual endocardial tracing of 8 equidistant parallel LV short-axis slices with 3-DE, whereas 9-mm slices were used with magnetic resonance imaging. The mean +/- SD of end-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes (ml) and EF (%) from magnetic resonance imaging were 182 +/- 75, 121 +/- 76, and 39 +/- 18, whereas those from 3-DE were 182 +/- 76, 121 +/- 77, and 39 +/- 18 respectively. Day-to-day measurements of end-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes, and EF on 3-DE were not significantly different as assessed with SEE (2.7, 1.1, and 2.4, respectively). Intra- and interobserver SEE for calculating end-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes and EF for magnetic resonance imaging were 6.3, 4.7, and 2.1 and 13.6, 11.5, and 4.7, respectively, whereas those for 3-DE were 3.1, 4.4, and 2.2 and 6.2, 3.8, and 3.6, respectively. Day-to-day variability of LV volume and EF calculation on 3-DE were small and not significantly different for normal and dysfunctional left ventricles. Observer variabilities of 3-DE were fewer than those of magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, 3-DE is recommended for serial assessment of LV volume and EF in normal and abnormally shaped ventricles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: "Cerebellar mutis" and subsequent dysarthria (MSD) is a documented complication of posterior fossa surgery in children. In this prospective study the following risk factors for MSD were assessed: type, size and site of the tumour; hydrocephalus at presentation and after surgery, cerebellar incision site, postoperative infection, and cerebellar swelling.Methods: In a consecutive series of 42 children with a cerebellar tumour, speech and neuroradiological studies (CT and MRI) were systematically analysed preoperatively and postoperatively. Speech was assessed using the Mayo Clinic lists and the severity of dysarthria using the Michigan rating scale.Results: Twelve children (29%) developed MSD postoperatively. The type of tumour, midline localisation, and vermal incision were significant single independent risk factors. In addition, an interdependency of possible risk factors (tumour>5 cm, medulloblastoma) was found.Conclusion: MSD often occurs after paediatric cerebellar tumour removal and is most likely after removal of a medulloblastoma with a maximum lesion diameter>5 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Duplication of the pituitary gland is a rare developmental anomaly. Multiple associated craniofacial malformations have previously been reported with the largest series to date consisting of five patients. In this multi-institutional series of ten patients, we present a detailed review of the imaging features and discuss a possible overarching pathogenesis that would explain most of the detected malformations., Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria for this retrospective imaging review were the presence of a pituitary stalk and gland duplication and the characteristic appearance of the hypothalamic ventral midline. In addition to the clinical presentation, we recorded the imaging findings of ten patients (9 female) through onsite and online reviews. Genetic analysis was available for six patients., Results: The duplicated pituitary stalk and gland showed normal imaging appearances in all patients. Mammillary bodies were clearly identified lateral to the characteristic prominence of the hypothalamic ventral midline. Strands of tissue extending to the anterior dura ("limited ventral myeloschisis") were noted at the medulla oblongata in 10, and at the cervical spinal cord in 7 patients. The medulla oblongata showed a "butterfly" appearance on axial images in 9 patients. Ten patients had cervical segmentation anomalies ("zipper"-like), 9 anterior-posterior brainstem patterning defects (small pons, elongated medulla), and corpus callosum measurements were abnormal in all patients. Three patients each presented with diencephalic-mesencephalic junction abnormalities and 4 with an anterior mesencephalic "cap". An oropharyngeal teratoma was present in four patients. Genetics was normal in three of the six patients studied; the remainder were found to have mutations in EFNB1 and a gene variant of GIT1 , two copies of 7. And 8. exon of SMN1 gene, and 2.126 megabase duplication at bands q11.1 and q11.2 of one chromosome 15, respectively., Conclusions: Duplication of the pituitary gland presents as well-defined craniofacial and cervical spine malformation phenotype. Axial mesoderm duplication generating an excess of Sonic Hedgehog may be the primary embryological driver leading to this condition., Abbreviations: CFNS＝ Craniofrontonasal Syndrome; DPG＝ Duplication of the Pituitary Gland; SHH＝ Sonic Hedgehog., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose regarding the subject of this article., (© 2024 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Objective: Children with a supratentorial midline low-grade glioma (LGG) may be at risk for impaired bone health due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, obesity, exposure to multiple treatment modalities, and/or decreased mobility. The presence of impaired bone health and/or its severity in this population has been understudied. We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for bone problems in children with supratentorial midline LGG., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed in children with supratentorial midline (suprasellar or thalamic) LGG between 1 January 2003 and 1 January 2022, visiting the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. Impaired bone health was defined as the presence of vertebral fractures and/or very low bone mineral density (BMD)., Results: In total, 161 children were included, with a median age at tumor diagnosis of 4.7 years (range: 0.1-17.9) and a median follow-up of 6.1 years (range: 0.1-19.9). Five patients (3.1%) had vertebral fractures. In 99 patients, BMD was assessed either by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (n = 12) or Bone Health Index (n = 95); 34 patients (34.3%) had a low BMD (≤ -2.0). Impaired visual capacity was associated with bone problems in multivariable analysis (OR: 6.63, 95% CI: 1.83-24.00, P = 0.004)., Conclusion: In this retrospective evaluation, decreased BMD was prevalent in 34.3% of children with supratentorial midline LGG. For the risk of developing bone problems, visual capacity seems highly relevant. Surveillance of bone health must be an aspect of awareness in the care and follow-up of children with a supratentorial midline LGG., Significance Statement: Patients with supratentorial midline LGG may encounter various risk factors for impaired bone health. Bone problems in survivors of childhood supratentorial midline LGG are, however, understudied. This is the first paper to address the prevalence of bone problems in this specific patient population, revealing visual problems as an important risk factor. Diencephalic syndrome historyand/or weight problems associated with hypothalamic dysfunction were related to bone problems in univariate analyses. The results of this study can be used in the development of guidelines to adequately screen and treat these patients to subsequently minimizing bone problems as one of the endocrine complications.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value and accuracy of navigated intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) in pediatric oncological neurosurgery as compared to intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI)., Methods: A total of 24 pediatric patients undergoing tumor debulking surgery with iUS, iMRI, and neuronavigation were included in this study. Prospective acquisition of iUS images was done at two time points during the surgical procedure: (1) before resection for tumor visualization and (2) after resection for residual tumor assessment. Dice similarity coefficients (DSC), Hausdorff distances 95th percentiles (HD95) and volume differences, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for iUS segmentations as compared to iMRI., Results: A high correlation (R = 0.99) was found for volume estimation as measured on iUS and iMRI before resection. A good spatial accuracy was demonstrated with a median DSC of 0.72 (IQR 0.14) and a median HD95 percentile of 4.98 mm (IQR 2.22 mm). The assessment after resection demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 84.6% for residual tumor detection with navigated iUS. A moderate accuracy was observed with a median DSC of 0.58 (IQR 0.27) and a median HD95 of 5.84 mm (IQR 4.04 mm) for residual tumor volumes., Conclusion: We found that iUS measurements of tumor volume before resection correlate well with those obtained from preoperative MRI. The accuracy of residual tumor detection was reliable as compared to iMRI, indicating the suitability of iUS for directing the surgeon's attention to areas suspect for residual tumor. Therefore, iUS is considered as a valuable addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium., Trial Registration Number and Date: PMCLAB2023.476, February 12th 2024., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Incomplete partition type II (IP-II) is characterized by specific histological features and radiological appearance. It may occur in isolation or in association with an enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). Among those with IP-II and EVA, a subset has a diagnosis of Pendred syndrome. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of isolated IP-II, IP-II with EVA, and cases with a genetic or syndromic basis in our cohort., Methods: From a large, multicentre database of dysplastic cochleae (446 patients, 892 temporal bones), those with imaging features of IP-II were examined in detail, including whether there was a genetic or syndromic association., Results: A total of 78 patients with IP-II were identified. Among these, 55 patients had bilateral IP-II and EVA (only 12 with typical Mondini triad), 8 with bilateral IP-II and normal VA, 2 with bilateral IP-II and unilateral EVA, and 13 with unilateral IP-II (9 with unilateral EVA). Among the group with bilateral IP-II and bilateral EVA in whom genetic analysis was available, 14 out of 29 (48%) had SLC26A4 mutations and a diagnosis of Pendred syndrome, 1 had a FOXI1 mutation, and a few other genetic abnormalities; none had KCNJ10 pathogenic variants., Conclusion: Bilateral IP-II-bilateral EVA may be seen in the context of Pendred syndrome (SLC26A4 or FOXI1 mutations) but, in the majority of our cohort, no genetic abnormalities were found, suggesting the possibility of unknown genetic associations. IP-II in isolation (without EVA) is favored to be genetic when bilateral, although the cause is often unknown., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Arachnoid granulations (AGs) are generally benign structures within the subarachnoid space that extend into the dural sinuses and calvarial bone. They can present in a variety of sizes but are termed 'giant' arachnoid granulations (GAGs) when they are larger than 1 cm in diameter or take up a significant portion of the dural sinus' lumen. Vermiform giant arachnoid granulations are a specific type of GAG that are known for their worm-like appearance. Specifically, these vermiform GAGs can be challenging to diagnose as they can mimic other pathologies like dural sinus thrombosis, sinus cavernomas, or brain tumors. In this case series, we present two cases of vermiform giant arachnoid granulations, discuss their imaging characteristics and highlight the diagnostic challenges to improve identification and prevent misdiagnoses.

Background and Purpose: T2-FLAIR mismatch is a highly specific imaging biomarker of IDH -mutant diffuse astrocytoma in adults. It has however also been described in MYB/MYBL1 -altered low grade tumors. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic power of the T2-FLAIR mismatch in IDH -mutant astrocytoma and MYB/MYBL1 -altered low-grade tumors in children and correlate this mismatch with histology., Materials and Methods: We evaluated MR imaging examinations of all pediatric patients, performed at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology and the University Medical Center Utrecht between January 2012 and January 2023, with the histomolecular diagnosis of IDH -mutant astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma MYB/MYBL1 -altered, or angiocentric glioma, and the presence of T2-FLAIR mismatch was assessed. Histologically, the presence of microcysts in the tumor (a phenomenon suggested to be correlated with T2-FLAIR mismatch in IDH -mutant astrocytomas in adults) was evaluated., Results: Nineteen pediatric patients were diagnosed with either IDH -mutant astrocytoma ( n  = 8) or MYB/MYBL1 -altered tumor ( n  = 11: diffuse astrocytoma , MYB- or MYBL1 -altered n  = 8; or angiocentric glioma n  = 3). T2-FLAIR mismatch was present in 11 patients, 3 (38%) in the IDH -mutant group and 8 (73%) in the MYB/MYBL1 group. No correlation was found between T2-FLAIR mismatch and the presence of microcysts or an enlarged intercellular space in either IDH -mutant astrocytoma ( P  = .38 and P  = .56, respectively) or MYB/MYBL1 -altered tumors ( P  = .36 and P  = .90, respectively)., Conclusions: In our pediatric population, T2-FLAIR mismatch was more often found in MYB/MYBL1 -altered tumors than in IDH -mutant astrocytomas. In contrast to what has been reported for IDH -mutant astrocytomas in adults, no correlation was found with microcystic changes in the tumor tissue. This finding challenges the hypothesis that such microcystic changes and/or enlarged intercellular spaces in the tissue of these tumors are an important part of explaining the occurrence of the T2-FLAIR mismatch., (© 2024 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Advanced intraoperative MR images (ioMRI) acquired during the resection of pediatric brain tumors could offer additional physiological information to preserve healthy tissue. With this work, we aimed to develop a protocol for ioMRI with increased sensitivity for arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion MRI (dMRI), optimized for patient positioning regularly used in the pediatric neurosurgery setting. For ethical reasons, ASL images were acquired in healthy adult subjects that were imaged in the prone and supine position. After this, the ASL cerebral blood flow (CBF) was quantified and compared between both positions. To evaluate the impact of the RF coils setups on image quality, we compared different setups (two vs. four RF coils) by looking at T1-weighted (T1w) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), as well as undertaking a qualitative evaluation of T1w, T2w, ASL, and dMR images. Mean ASL CBF did not differ between the surgical prone and supine positions in any of the investigated regions of interest or the whole brain. T1w SNR (gray matter: p = 0.016, 34% increase; white matter: p = 0.016, 32% increase) and CNR were higher (p = 0.016) in the four versus two RF coils setups (18.0 ± 1.8 vs. 13.9 ± 1.8). Qualitative evaluation of T1w, T2w, ASL, and dMR images resulted in acceptable to good image quality and did not differ statistically significantly between setups. Only the nonweighted diffusion image maps and corticospinal tract reconstructions yielded higher image quality and reduced susceptibility artifacts with four RF coils. Advanced ioMRI metrics were more precise with four RF coils as the standard deviation decreased. Taken together, we have investigated the practical use of advanced ioMRI during pediatric neurosurgery. We conclude that ASL CBF quantification in the surgical prone position is valid and that ASL and dMRI acquisition with two RF coils can be performed adequately for clinical use. With four versus two RF coils, the SNR of the images increases, and the sensitivity to artifacts reduces., (© 2024 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) imaging enables in vivo assessment of tissue-bound mobile proteins and peptides through the detection of chemical exchange saturation transfer. Promising applications of APTw imaging have been shown in adult brain tumors. As pediatric brain tumors differ from their adult counterparts, we investigate the radiological appearance of pediatric brain tumors on APTw imaging. APTw imaging was conducted at 3 T. APTw maps were calculated using magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry at 3.5 ppm. First, the repeatability of APTw imaging was assessed in a phantom and in five healthy volunteers by calculating the within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV). APTw images of pediatric brain tumor patients were analyzed retrospectively. APTw levels were compared between solid tumor tissue and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and between pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG) using t-tests. APTw maps were repeatable in supratentorial and infratentorial brain regions (wCV ranged from 11% to 39%), except those from the pontine region (wCV between 39% and 50%). APTw images of 23 children with brain tumor were analyzed (mean age 12 years ± 5, 12 male). Significantly higher APTw values are present in tumor compared with NAWM for both pHGG and pLGG (p < 0.05). APTw values were higher in pLGG subtype pilocytic astrocytoma compared with other pLGG subtypes (p < 0.05). Non-invasive characterization of pediatric brain tumor biology with APTw imaging could aid the radiologist in clinical decision-making., (© 2024 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: The goal of our study was to determine the incidence of cerebellar atrophy, assess the imaging findings in the posterior fossa and determine the incidence of hippocampal sclerosis in a cohort of pediatric patients with confirmed tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Material and methods: MRI studies of 98 TSC pediatric patients (mean age 7.67 years) were evaluated for cerebellar atrophy, cerebral/cerebellar tubers, white matter lesions, subependymal nodules, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, ventriculomegaly, and hippocampal sclerosis. Clinical charts were revisited for clinical symptoms suggesting cerebellar involvement, for seizures and treatment for seizures, behavioral disorders and autism. Results: Cerebral tubers were present in 97/98 cases. In total, 97/98 had subependymal nodules, 15/98 had SEGA, 8/98 had ventriculomegaly and 4/98 had hippocampal sclerosis. Cerebellar tubers were found in 8/98 patients (8.2%), whereas cerebellar atrophy was described in 38/98 cases (38.8%). In 37/38 patients, cerebellar volume loss was mild and diffuse, and only one case presented with left hemi-atrophy. Briefly, 32/38 presented with seizures and were treated with anti-seizure drugs. In total, 8/38 (21%) presented with behavioral disorders, 10/38 had autism and 2/38 presented with seizures and behavioral disorders and autism. Conclusions: Several studies have demonstrated cerebellar involvement in patients with TSC. Cerebellar tubers differ in shape compared with cerebral tubers and are associated with cerebellar volume loss. Cerebellar atrophy may be focal and diffuse and one of the primary cerebellar manifestations of TSC, especially if a TSC2 mutation is present. Cerebellar degeneration may, however, also be secondary/acquired due to cellular damage resulting from seizure activity, the effects of anti-seizure drugs and anoxic-ischemic injury from severe seizure activity/status epilepticus. Further, prospective studies are required to identify and establish the pathogenic mechanism of cerebellar atrophy in patients with TSC.

Purpose: Molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD) classically presents shortly after birth, with neurological symptoms ascribed to postnatal toxicity of accumulating sulphite. Case reports suggest that cerebral damage associated with MoCD may have a prenatal onset., Methods: A meta-analysis of case reports was performed on individuals with genetically proven MoCD retrieved through a systematic review and in-house search. Cases were categorized as classical or late-onset, based on the time of onset of symptoms. Available cerebral images were scored for the presence of restricted diffusion, pathological signal, subcortical cysts, and atrophy. Estimated onset of each event and the minimal number of events needed to explain the observed imaging abnormalities were deduced by combining age at imaging, type of imaging abnormality, and known natural evolution of the imaging abnormalities., Results: Of a total of 30 retrieved cases, 21 were classical. Prenatal origin of damage was possible in all classical cases and certain in 11 of 21 (52%). Multiple events were deduced in 5/21 classical cases based on imaging data alone and in 11 of 21 cases when presuming that a postnatal onset of symptoms signifies a recent event. Multiple, but postnatal, events were also described in 3 of 9 late-onset cases., Conclusion: Prenatal onset of cerebral damage in patients with classical MoCD is more frequently encountered than anticipated. It may have been overlooked by the overwhelming postnatal symptoms erroneously pointing to a single culprit. This insight is important when counseling for prognosis, particularly in the context of considering the timing and anticipated prospects of therapeutic intervention., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: Pediatric brain tumor patients are at risk of developing neurocognitive impairments and associated white matter alterations. In other populations, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) impact cognition and white matter. This study aims to investigate the effect of PTSS on neurocognitive functioning and limbic white matter in pediatric brain tumor patients., Methods: Sixty-six patients (6-16 years) completed neuropsychological assessment and brain MRI (1-year post-diagnosis) and parents completed PTSS proxy questionnaires (CRIES-13; 1-3 months and 1-year post-diagnosis). Mean Z -scores and percentage impaired (>1SD) for attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and memory were compared to normscores ( t -tests, chi-square tests). Multi-shell diffusion MRI data were analyzed for white matter tractography (fractional anisotropy/axial diffusivity). Effects of PTSS on neurocognition and white matter were explored with linear regression models (FDR correction for multiple testing), including age at diagnosis, treatment intensity, and tumor location as covariates. Neurocognition and limbic white matter associations were explored with correlations., Results: Attention ( M  = -0.49, 33% impaired; P  < .05) and processing speed ( M  = -0.57, 34% impaired; P  < .05) were significantly lower than healthy peers. PTSS was associated with poorer processing speed ( β  = -0.64, P  < .01). Treatment intensity, age at diagnosis, and tumor location, but not PTSS, were associated with limbic white matter metrics. Neurocognition and white matter metrics were not associated., Conclusions: Higher PTSS was associated with poorer processing speed, highlighting the need for monitoring, and timely referrals to optimize psychological well-being and neurocognitive functioning. Future research should focus on longitudinal follow-up and explore the impact of PTSS interventions on neurocognitive performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press, the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology.)

Introduction: Brain injury patterns of preterm infants with perinatal asphyxia (PA) are underreported. We aimed to explore brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and associated neurodevelopmental outcomes in these newborns., Methods: Retrospective multicenter study included infants with gestational age (GA) 24.0-36.0 weeks and PA, defined as ≥2 of the following: (1) umbilical cord pH ≤7.0, (2) 5-min Apgar score ≤5, and (3) fetal distress or systemic effects of PA. Findings were compared between GA &lt;28.0 (group 1), 28.0-31.9 (group 2), and 32.0-36.0 weeks (group 3). Early MRI (&lt;36 weeks postmenstrual age or &lt;10 postnatal days) was categorized according to predominant injury pattern, and MRI around term-equivalent age (TEA, 36.0-44.0 weeks and ≥10 postnatal days) using the Kidokoro score. Adverse outcomes included death, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, severe hearing/visual impairment, or neurodevelopment &lt;-1 SD at 18-24 months corrected age., Results: One hundred nineteen infants with early MRI (n = 94) and/or MRI around TEA (n = 66) were included. Early MRI showed predominantly hemorrhagic injury in groups 1 (56%) and 2 (45%), and white matter (WM)/watershed injury in group 3 (43%). Around TEA, WM scores were highest in groups 2 and 3. Deep gray matter (DGM) (aOR 15.0, 95% CI: 3.8-58.9) and hemorrhagic injury on early MRI (aOR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.6) and Kidokoro WM (aOR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.6) and DGM sub-scores (aOR 4.8, 95% CI: 1.1-21.7) around TEA were associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes., Conclusion: The brain injury patterns following PA in preterm infants differ across GA. Particularly DGM abnormalities are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging within seven days after birth is widely used to obtain prognostic information in neonatal encephalopathy (NE) following perinatal asphyxia. Later MRI could be useful for infants without a neonatal MRI or in the case of clinical concerns during follow-up. Therefore, this review evaluates the association between cranial MRI beyond the neonatal period and neurodevelopmental outcomes following NE., Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Embase on cranial MRI between 2 and 24 months after birth and neurodevelopmental outcomes following NE due to perinatal asphyxia. Two independent researchers performed the study selection and risk of bias analysis. Results were separately described for MRI before and after 18 months., Results: Twelve studies were included (high-quality n = 2, moderate-quality n = 6, low-quality n = 4). All reported on MRI at 2-18 months: seven studies demonstrated a significant association between the pattern and/or severity of injury and overall neurodevelopmental outcomes and three showed a significant association with motor outcome. There were insufficient data on non-motor outcomes and the association between MRI at 18-24 months and neurodevelopmental outcomes., Conclusions: Cranial MRI performed between 2 and 18 months after birth is associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in NE following perinatal asphyxia. However, more data on the association with non-motor outcomes are needed.

We present the case of a 15-year-old girl, with a fifth cystic progression of an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma after multiple surgeries and previous local radiotherapy. She had severe visual impairment, panhypopituitarism including diabetes insipidus, and several components of hypothalamic damage, including morbid obesity and severe fatigue. To prevent further late effects hampering her quality of survival, she was treated biweekly with intravenous tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 agent, which stabilized the cyst for a prolonged time. Based on the biology of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma, this immune-modulating treatment seems promising for the treatment of this cystic tumor in order to reduce surgery and delay or omit radiotherapy., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 de Vos-Kerkhof, Buis, Lequin, Bennebroek, Aronica, Hulleman, Zwaveling-Soonawala, van Santen and Schouten-van Meeteren.)

While the frontal cortices and medial temporal lobe are well associated with schizophrenia, the involvement of wider limbic areas is less clear. The mammillary bodies are important for both complex memory formation and anxiety and are implicated in several neurological disorders that present with memory impairments. However, little is known about their role in schizophrenia. Post-mortem studies have reported a loss of neurons in the mammillary bodies but there are also reports of increased mammillary body volume. The findings from in vivo MRI studies have also been mixed, but studies have typically only involved small sample sizes. To address this, we acquired mammillary body volumes from the open-source COBRE dataset, where we were able to manually measure the mammillary bodies in 72 individuals with a schizophrenia diagnosis and 74 controls. Participant age ranged from 18 to 65. We found the mammillary bodies to be smaller in the patient group, across both hemispheres, after accounting for the effects of total brain volume and gender. Hippocampal volumes, but not subiculum or total grey matter volumes, were also significantly lower in patients. Given the importance of the mammillary bodies for both memory and anxiety, this atrophy could contribute to the symptomology in schizophrenia., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: To assess the evolution of neonatal brain injury noted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), develop a score to assess brain injury on 3-month MRI, and determine the association of 3-month MRI with neurodevelopmental outcome in neonatal encephalopathy (NE) following perinatal asphyxia., Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study including 63 infants with perinatal asphyxia and NE (n = 28 cooled) with cranial MRI <2 weeks and 2-4 months after birth. Both scans were assessed using biometrics, a validated injury score for neonatal MRI, and a new score for 3-month MRI, with a white matter (WM), deep gray matter (DGM), and cerebellum subscore. The evolution of brain lesions was assessed, and both scans were related to 18- to 24-month composite outcome. Adverse outcome included cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental delay, hearing/visual impairment, and epilepsy., Results: Neonatal DGM injury generally evolved into DGM atrophy and focal signal abnormalities, and WM/watershed injury evolved into WM and/or cortical atrophy. Although the neonatal total and DGM scores were associated with composite adverse outcomes, the 3-month DGM score (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.0) and WM score (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.3) also were associated with composite adverse outcomes (occurring in n = 23). The 3-month multivariable model (including the DGM and WM subscores) had higher positive (0.88 vs 0.83) but lower negative predictive value (0.83 vs 0.84) than neonatal MRI. Inter-rater agreement for the total, WM, and DGM 3-month score was 0.93, 0.86, and 0.59., Conclusions: In particular, DGM abnormalities on 3-month MRI, preceded by DGM abnormalities on the neonatal MRI, were associated with 18- to 24-month outcome, indicating the utility of 3-month MRI for treatment evaluation in neuroprotective trials. However, the clinical usefulness of 3-month MRI seems limited compared with neonatal MRI., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Brain MRI in infants at ultra-high-field scanners might improve diagnostic quality, but safety should be evaluated first. In our previous study, we reported simulated specific absorption rates and acoustic noise data at 7 Tesla., Methods: In this study, we included twenty infants between term-equivalent age and three months of age. The infants were scanned on a 7 Tesla MRI directly after their clinically indicated 3 Tesla brain MRI scan. Vital parameters, temperature, and comfort were monitored throughout the process. Brain temperature was estimated during the MRI scans using proton MR spectroscopy., Results: We found no significant differences in vital parameters, temperature, and comfort during and after 7 Tesla MRI scans, compared to 3 Tesla MRI scans., Conclusions: These data confirm our hypothesis that scanning infants at 7 Tesla MRI appears to be safe and we identified no additional risks from scanning at 3 Tesla MRI., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: F. Visser has a partial employment with a commercial organization (Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands) and F. Groenendaal is an expert witness in medicolegal cases. The other authors report no disclosures., (© 2023 University Medical Centre Utrecht.)

Aim: To evaluate mammillary body abnormalities in school-age children without cerebral palsy treated with therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (cases) and matched controls, and associations with cognitive outcome, hippocampal volume, and diffusivity in the mammillothalamic tract (MTT) and fornix., Method: Mammillary body abnormalities were scored from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 32 cases and 35 controls (median age [interquartile range] 7 years [6 years 7 months-7 years 7 months] and 7 years 4 months [6 years 7 months-7 years 7 months] respectively). Cognition was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition. Hippocampal volume (normalized by total brain volume) was measured from T1-weighted MRI. Radial diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were measured in the MTT and fornix, from diffusion-weighted MRI using deterministic tractography., Results: More cases than controls had mammillary body abnormalities (34% vs 0%; p < 0.001). Cases with abnormal mammillary bodies had lower processing speed (p = 0.016) and full-scale IQ (p = 0.028) than cases without abnormal mammillary bodies, and lower scores than controls in all cognitive domains (p < 0.05). Cases with abnormal mammillary bodies had smaller hippocampi (left p = 0.016; right p = 0.004) and increased radial diffusivity in the right MTT (p = 0.004) compared with cases without mammillary body abnormalities., Interpretation: Cooled children with mammillary body abnormalities at school-age have reduced cognitive scores, smaller hippocampi, and altered MTT microstructure compared with those without mammillary body abnormalities, and matched controls., What This Paper Adds: Cooled children are at higher risk of mammillary body abnormalities than controls. Abnormal mammillary bodies are associated with reduced cognitive scores and smaller hippocampi. Abnormal mammillary bodies are associated with altered mammillothalamic tract diffusivity., (© 2022 The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Mac Keith Press.)

Introduction: In the pediatric brain tumor surgery setting, intraoperative MRI (ioMRI) provides "real-time" imaging, allowing for evaluation of the extent of resection and detection of complications. The use of advanced MRI sequences could potentially provide additional physiological information that may aid in the preservation of healthy brain regions. This review aims to determine the added value of advanced imaging in ioMRI for pediatric brain tumor surgery compared to conventional imaging. Methods: Our systematic literature search identified relevant articles on PubMed using keywords associated with pediatrics, ioMRI, and brain tumors. The literature search was extended using the snowball technique to gather more information on advanced MRI techniques, their technical background, their use in adult ioMRI, and their use in routine pediatric brain tumor care. Results: The available literature was sparse and demonstrated that advanced sequences were used to reconstruct fibers to prevent damage to important structures, provide information on relative cerebral blood flow or abnormal metabolites, or to indicate the onset of hemorrhage or ischemic infarcts. The explorative literature search revealed developments within each advanced MRI field, such as multi-shell diffusion MRI, arterial spin labeling, and amide-proton transfer-weighted imaging, that have been studied in adult ioMRI but have not yet been applied in pediatrics. These techniques could have the potential to provide more accurate fiber tractography, information on intraoperative cerebral perfusion, and to match gadolinium-based T1w images without using a contrast agent. Conclusion: The potential added value of advanced MRI in the intraoperative setting for pediatric brain tumors is to prevent damage to important structures, to provide additional physiological or metabolic information, or to indicate the onset of postoperative changes. Current developments within various advanced ioMRI sequences are promising with regard to providing in-depth tissue information., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Jellema, Wijnen, De Luca, Mutsaerts, Obdeijn, van Baarsen, Lequin and Hoving.)

Background and Purpose: Medullary tegmental cap dysplasia is a rare brainstem malformation, first described and defined by James Barkovich in his book Pediatric Neuroimaging from 2005 as an anomalous mass protruding from the posterior medullary surface. We describe the neuroimaging, clinical, postmortem, and genetic findings defining this unique malformation., Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter, international, retrospective study. We assessed the patients' medical records, prenatal ultrasounds, MR images, genetic findings, and postmortem results. We reviewed the medical literature for all studies depicting medullary malformations and evaluated cases in which a dorsal medullary protuberance was described., Results: We collected 13 patients: 3 fetuses and 10 children. The medullary caps had multiple characteristics. Associated brain findings were a rotated position of the medulla, a small and flat pons, cerebellar anomalies, a molar tooth sign, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. Systemic findings included the following: polydactyly, hallux valgus, large ears, and coarse facies. Postmortem analysis in 3 patients revealed that the cap contained either neurons or white matter tracts. We found 8 publications describing a dorsal medullary protuberance in 27 patients. The syndromic diagnosis was Joubert-Boltshauser syndrome in 11 and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in 14 patients., Conclusions: This is the first study to describe a series of 13 patients with medullary tegmental cap dysplasia. The cap has different shapes: distinct in Joubert-Boltshauser syndrome and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive. Due to the variations in the clinical, imaging, and postmortem findings, we conclude that there are multiple etiologies and pathophysiology. We suggest that in some patients, the pathophysiology might be abnormal axonal guidance., (© 2023 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Neddylation has been implicated in various cellular pathways and in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. We identified four individuals with bi-allelic variants in NAE1, which encodes the neddylation E1 enzyme. Pathogenicity was supported by decreased NAE1 abundance and overlapping clinical and cellular phenotypes. To delineate how cellular consequences of NAE1 deficiency would lead to the clinical phenotype, we focused primarily on the rarest phenotypic features, based on the assumption that these would best reflect the pathophysiology at stake. Two of the rarest features, neuronal loss and lymphopenia worsening during infections, suggest that NAE1 is required during cellular stress caused by infections to protect against cell death. In support, we found that stressing the proteasome system with MG132-requiring upregulation of neddylation to restore proteasomal function and proteasomal stress-led to increased cell death in fibroblasts of individuals with NAE1 genetic variants. Additionally, we found decreased lymphocyte counts after CD3/CD28 stimulation and decreased NF-κB translocation in individuals with NAE1 variants. The rarest phenotypic feature-delayed closure of the ischiopubic rami-correlated with significant downregulation of RUN2X and SOX9 expression in transcriptomic data of fibroblasts. Both genes are involved in the pathophysiology of ischiopubic hypoplasia. Thus, we show that NAE1 plays a major role in (skeletal) development and cellular homeostasis during stress. Our approach suggests that a focus on rare phenotypic features is able to provide significant pathophysiological insights in diseases caused by mutations in genes with pleiotropic effects., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 American Society of Human Genetics. All rights reserved.)

Backgrounds: Bevacizumab (BVZ) is used as a subsequent line of treatment for pediatric optic pathway glioma (OPG) in the case of progression. Data on the treatment effect concerning tumor progression and visual function are scarce and nationwide studies are lacking., Methods: We performed a retrospective, nationwide, multicentre cohort study including all pediatric patients with OPG treated with BVZ in the Netherlands (2009-2021). Progression-free survival, change in visual acuity and visual field, MRI-based radiologic response, and toxicity were evaluated., Results: In total, 33 pediatric patients with OPG were treated with BVZ (median 12 months). Visual acuity improved in 20.5%, remained stable in 74.4%, and decreased in 5.1% of 39 of all analysed eyes. The monocular visual field improved in 73.1%, remained stable in 15.4%, and decreased in 7.7% of 25 analysed eyes. Radiologic response at the end of therapy showed a partial response in 7 patients (21.9%), minor response in 7 (21.9%), stable disease in 15 (46.9%), and progressive disease in 3 (9.3%). Progression-free survival at 18 and 36 months after the start of BVZ reduced from 70.9% to 38.0%. Toxicity (≥grade 3 CTCAE) during treatment was observed in five patients (15.2%)., Conclusion: Treatment of BVZ in pediatric patients with OPG revealed stabilisation in the majority of patients, but was followed by progression at a later time point in more than 60% of patients. This profile seems relatively acceptable given the benefits of visual field improvement in more than 70% of analysed eyes and visual acuity improvement in more than 20% of eyes at the cessation of BVZ.

The mammillary bodies may be small, but they have an important role in encoding complex memories. Mammillary body pathology often occurs following thiamine deficiency but there is increasing evidence that the mammillary bodies are also compromised in other neurological conditions and in younger ages groups. For example, the mammillary bodies are frequently affected in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. At present, there is no normative data for the mammillary bodies in younger groups making it difficult to identify abnormalities in neurological disorders. To address this, the present study set out to develop a normative dataset for neonates and for children to young adult. A further aim was to determine whether there were laterality or sex differences in mammillary body volumes. Mammillary body volumes were obtained from MRI scans from 506 participants across two datasets. Measures for neonates were acquired from the Developing Human Connectome Project database (156 male; 100 female); volumes for individuals aged 6-24 were acquired from the NICHE database (166 males; 84 females). Volume measurements were acquired using a semi-automated multi-atlas segmentation approach. Mammillary body volumes increased up to approximately 15 years-of-age. The left mammillary body was marginally, but significantly, larger than the right in the neonates with a similar pattern in older children/young adults. In neonates, the mammillary bodies in males were slightly bigger than females but no sex differences were present in older children/young adults. Given the increasing presentation of mammillary body pathology in neonates and children, these normative data will enable better assessment of the mammillary bodies in healthy and at-risk populations., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Purpose: In 7 to 15-year-old operated syndromic craniosynostosis patients, we have shown the presence of microstructural anomalies in brain white matter by using DTI. To learn more about the cause of these anomalies, the aim of the study is to determine diffusivity values in white matter tracts in non-operated syndromic craniosynostosis patients aged 0-2 years compared to healthy controls., Methods: DTI datasets of 51 non-operated patients with syndromic craniosynostosis with a median [IQR] age of 0.40 [0.25] years were compared with 17 control subjects with a median of 1.20 [0.85] years. Major white matter tract pathways were reconstructed with ExploreDTI from MRI brain datasets acquired on a 1.5 T MRI system. Eigenvalues of these tract data were examined, with subsequent assessment of the affected tracts. Having syndromic craniosynostosis (versus control), gender, age, frontal occipital horn ratio (FOHR), and tract volume were treated as independent variables., Results: ʎ 2 and ʎ 3 of the tracts genu of the corpus callosum and the hippocampal segment of the cingulum bundle show a ƞ 2  > 0.14 in the comparison of patients vs controls, which indicates a large effect on radial diffusivity. Subsequent linear regressions on radial diffusivity of these tracts show that age and FOHR are significantly associated interacting factors on radial diffusivity (p < 0.025)., Conclusion: Syndromic craniosynostosis shows not to be a significant factor influencing the major white matter tracts. Enlargement of the ventricles show to be a significant factor on radial diffusivity in the tracts corpus callosum genu and the hippocampal segment of the cingulate bundle., Clinical Trial Registration: MEC-2014-461., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background and Purpose: The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of CNS tumors defines the CNS neuroblastoma FOXR2 in the group of embryonal tumors. Published clinical outcomes tend to suggest a favorable outcome after resection, craniospinal irradiation, and chemotherapy. This multicenter study aimed to describe imaging features of CNS neuroblastoma- FOXR2 , which have been poorly characterized thus far., Materials and Methods: On the basis of a previously published cohort of tumors molecularly classified as CNS neuroblastoma- FOXR2 , patients with available imaging data were identified. The imaging features on preoperative MR imaging and CT data were recorded by 8 experienced pediatric neuroradiologists in consensus review meetings., Results: Twenty-five patients were evaluated (13 girls; median age, 4.5 years). The tumors were often large (mean, 115 [ SD, 83] mL), showed no (24%) or limited (60%) perilesional edema, demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement, were often calcified and/or hemorrhagic (52%), were always T2WI-hyperintense to GM, and commonly had cystic and/or necrotic components (96%). The mean ADC values were low (687.8 [SD 136.3] × 10 -6 mm 2 /s). The tumors were always supratentorial. Metastases were infrequent (20%) and, when present, were of nodular appearance and leptomeningeal., Conclusions: In our cohort, CNS neuroblastoma FOXR2 tumors showed imaging features suggesting high-grade malignancy and, at the same time, showed characteristics of less aggressive behavior. There are important differential diagnoses, but the results of this study may assist in considering this diagnosis preoperatively., (© 2022 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Objective: Children with suprasellar brain damage are at risk of hypothalamic dysfunction (HD). HD may lead to decreased resting energy expenditure (REE). Decreased REE, however, is not present in all children with HD. Our aim was to assess which children suspect for HD have low REE, and its association with clinical severity of HD or radiological hypothalamic damage., Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Measured REE (mREE) of children at risk of HD was compared to predicted REE (pREE). Low REE was defined as mREE <90% of predicted. The mREE/pREE quotient was associated to a clinical score for HD symptoms and to radiological hypothalamic damage., Results: In total, 67 children at risk of HD (96% brain tumor diagnosis) with a mean BMI SDS of +2.3 ± 1.0 were included. Of these, 45 (67.2%) had low mREE. Children with severe HD had a significant lower mean mREE/pREE quotient compared to children with no, mild, or moderate HD. Mean mREE/pREE quotient of children with posterior hypothalamic damage was significantly lower compared to children with no or anterior damage. Tumor progression or tumor recurrence, severe clinical HD, and panhypopituitarism with diabetes insipidus (DI) were significant risk factors for reduced REE., Conclusion: REE may be lowered in children with hypothalamic damage and is associated to the degree of clinical HD. REE is, however, not lowered in all children suspect for HD. For children with mild or moderate clinical HD symptoms, REE measurements may be useful to distinguish between those who may benefit from obesity treatment that increases REE from those who would be better helped using other obesity interventions.

Background: The mammillary bodies (MBs) have repeatedly been shown to be critical for memory, yet little is known about their involvement in numerous neurological conditions linked to memory impairments, including neonatal encephalopathy., Methods: We implemented a multicentre retrospective study, assessing magnetic resonance scans of 219 infants with neonatal encephalopathy who had undergone hypothermia treatment in neonatal intensive care units located in the Netherlands and Italy., Results: Abnormal MB signal was observed in ~40% of infants scanned; in half of these cases, the brain appeared otherwise normal. MB involvement was not related to the severity of encephalopathy or the pattern/severity of hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. Follow-up scans were available for 18 cases with abnormal MB signal; in eight of these cases, the MBs appeared severely atrophic., Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of assessing the status of the MBs in neonatal encephalopathy; this may require changes to scanning protocols to ensure that the slices are sufficiently thin to capture the MBs. Furthermore, long-term follow-up of infants with abnormal MB signal is needed to determine the effects on cognition, which may enable the use of early intervention strategies. Further research is needed to assess the role of therapeutic hypothermia in MB involvement in neonatal encephalopathy., Impact: The MBs are particularly sensitive to hypoxia in neonates. Current hypothermia treatment provides incomplete protection against MB injury. MB involvement is likely overlooked as it can often occur when the rest of the brain appears normal. Given the importance of the MBs for memory, it is necessary that this region is properly assessed in neonatal encephalopathy. This may require improvements in scanning protocols., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

A dilated atonic stomach as part of neuromuscular or syndromic disorders can have devastating results after scoliosis surgery. Patients can be asymptomatic preoperatively and non-clinical signs can be easily overlooked. Awareness of the condition, however, can prevent severe complications such as aspiration., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Scoliosis Research Society.)

Objective: To determine the incidence of hypoglycemia among infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who received therapeutic hypothermia, and to assess whether infants with hypoglycemia had more brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or differences in neurodevelopmental outcome., Study Design: Single-center, retrospective cohort study including infants cooled for HIE. Hypoglycemia (blood glucose <36.0 mg/dL <2 hours and <46.8 mg/dL ≥2 hours after birth) was analyzed in the period before brain MRI. Brain injury was graded using a validated score. Motor and neurocognitive outcomes were assessed at 2 years for all survivors, and 5.5 years for a subset who had reached this age., Results: Of 223 infants analyzed, 79 (35.4%) had hypoglycemia. MRI was performed in 187 infants. Infants with hypoglycemia (n = 65) had higher brain injury scores (P = .018). After adjustment for HIE severity, hypoglycemia remained associated with higher injury scores (3.6 points higher; 95% CI, 0.8-6.4). Hyperglycemia did not affect MRI scores. In survivors at 2 years (n = 154) and 5.5 years (n = 102), a univariable analysis showed lower 2-year motor scores and lower motor and cognitive scores at preschool age in infants with hypoglycemia. After adjustment for HIE severity, infants with hypoglycemia had 9 points lower IQs (P = .023) and higher odds of adverse outcomes at preschool age (3.6; 95% CI, 1.4-9.0)., Conclusions: More than one-third of infants cooled for HIE had hypoglycemia. These infants had a higher degree of brain injury on MRI and lower cognitive function at preschool age. Strategies to avoid hypoglycemia should be optimized in this setting., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Despite their small size, the mammillary bodies play an important role in supporting recollective memory. However, they have typically been overlooked when assessing neurologic conditions that present with memory impairment. While there is increasing evidence of mammillary body involvement in a wide range of neurologic disorders in adults, very little attention has been given to infants and children. Literature searches of PubMed and EMBASE were performed to identify articles that describe mammillary body pathology on brain MR imaging in children. Mammillary body pathology is present in the pediatric population in several conditions, indicated by signal change and/or atrophy on MR imaging. The main causes of mammillary body pathology are thiamine deficiency, hypoxia-ischemia, direct damage due to masses or hydrocephalus, or deafferentation resulting from pathology within the wider Papez circuit. Optimizing scanning protocols and assessing mammillary body status as a standard procedure are critical, given their role in memory processes., (© 2022 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Radiotherapy (RT) is a cornerstone treatment strategy for brain tumours. Besides cytotoxicity, RT can cause disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in an increased permeability into the surrounding brain parenchyma. Although this effect is generally acknowledged, it remains unclear how and to what extent different radiation schemes affect BBB integrity. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of photon RT regimens on BBB permeability, including its reversibility, in clinical and preclinical studies. We systematically reviewed relevant clinical and preclinical literature in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane search engines. A total of 69 included studies (20 clinical, 49 preclinical) were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by meta-analysis and evaluated on key determinants of RT-induced BBB permeability in different disease types and RT protocols. Qualitative data synthesis showed that 35% of the included clinical studies reported BBB disruption following RT, whereas 30% were inconclusive. Interestingly, no compelling differences were observed between studies with different calculated biological effective doses based on the fractionation schemes and cumulative doses; however, increased BBB disruption was noted during patient follow-up after treatment. Qualitative analysis of preclinical studies showed RT BBB disruption in 78% of the included studies, which was significantly confirmed by meta-analysis (p < 0.01). Of note, a high risk of bias, publication bias and a high heterogeneity across the studies was observed. This systematic review and meta-analysis sheds light on the impact of RT protocols on BBB integrity and opens the discussion for integrating this factor in the decision-making process of future RT, with better study of its occurrence and influence on concomitant or adjuvant therapies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Background and Objectives: Multiple factors have been found to contribute to the high risk of epilepsy in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), including evolution of EEG abnormalities, TSC gene variant, and MRI characteristics. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to identify early MRI biomarkers of epilepsy in infants with TSC aged <6 months and before seizure onset, and associate these MRI biomarkers with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age. The study was part of the EPISTOP project., Methods: We evaluated brain MRIs performed in infants younger than 6 months with TSC. We used harmonized MRI protocols across centers and children were monitored closely with neuropsychological evaluation and serial video EEG. MRI characteristics, defined as tubers, radial migration lines, white matter abnormalities, cysts, calcifications, subependymal nodules (SEN), and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), were visually evaluated and lesions were detected semiautomatically. Lesion to brain volume ratios were calculated and associated with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years., Results: Lesions were assessed on MRIs from 77 infants with TSC; 62 MRIs were sufficient for volume analysis. The presence of tubers and higher tuber-brain ratios were associated with the development of clinical seizures, independently of TSC gene variation and preventive treatment. Furthermore, higher tuber-brain ratios were associated with lower cognitive and motor development quotients at 2 years, independently of TSC gene variation and presence of epilepsy., Discussion: In infants with TSC, there is a significant association between characteristic TSC lesions detected on early brain MRI and development of clinical seizures, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes in the first 2 years of life. According to our results, early brain MRI findings may guide clinical care for young children with TSC., Classification of Evidence: This study provides Class I evidence that in infants with TSC, there is a significant association between characteristic TSC lesions on early brain MRI and the development of clinical seizures and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the first 2 years of life., (© 2022 American Academy of Neurology.)

Background: The SIOP-Renal Tumor Study Group (RTSG) does not advocate invasive procedures to determine histology before the start of therapy. This may induce misdiagnosis-based treatment initiation, but only for a relatively small percentage of approximately 10% of non-Wilms tumors (non-WTs). MRI could be useful for reducing misdiagnosis, but there is no global consensus on differentiating characteristics., Purpose: To identify MRI characteristics that may be used for discrimination of newly diagnosed pediatric renal tumors., Study Type: Consensus process using a Delphi method., Population: Not applicable., Field Strength/sequence: Abdominal MRI including T1- and T2-weighted imaging, contrast-enhanced MRI, and diffusion-weighted imaging at 1.5 or 3 T., Assessment: Twenty-three radiologists from the SIOP-RTSG radiology panel with ≥5 years of experience in MRI of pediatric renal tumors and/or who had assessed ≥50 MRI scans of pediatric renal tumors in the past 5 years identified potentially discriminatory characteristics in the first questionnaire. These characteristics were scored in the subsequent second round, consisting of 5-point Likert scales, ranking- and multiple choice questions., Statistical Tests: The cut-off value for consensus and agreement among the majority was ≥75% and ≥60%, respectively, with a median of ≥4 on the Likert scale., Results: Consensus on specific characteristics mainly concerned the discrimination between WTs and non-WTs, and WTs and nephrogenic rest(s) (NR)/nephroblastomatosis. The presence of bilateral lesions (75.0%) and NR/nephroblastomatosis (65.0%) were MRI characteristics indicated as specific for the diagnosis of a WT, and 91.3% of the participants agreed that MRI is useful to distinguish NR/nephroblastomatosis from WT. Furthermore, all participants agreed that age influenced their prediction in the discrimination of pediatric renal tumors., Data Conclusion: Although the discrimination of pediatric renal tumors based on MRI remains challenging, this study identified some specific characteristics for tumor subtypes, based on the shared opinion of experts. These results may guide future validation studies and innovative efforts., Level of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, also known as veno-occlusive disease, can occur as a complication of myeloablative chemotherapy, as a result of low-intensity chemotherapy-related liver toxicity or radiotherapy of the liver. Symptoms of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome can range from asymptomatic to liver dysfunction or severe disease with life-threatening acute multi-organ failure. Imaging features can suggest or support this clinical diagnosis. Familiarity with the imaging spectrum of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is therefore important for both radiologists and clinical oncologists. Here, multi-modality radiologic appearances of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in pediatric patients are illustrated, including outcome after follow-up., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Refractory stage M neuroblastoma (NB) is associated with a poor prognosis and a progressive course of disease. Here, we describe a unique group of patients with a discrepant clinical course. Seven histologically confirmed ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) (n=6) and differentiating NB (n=1) patients were identified who were diagnosed with stage M disease based on iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine avid bone metastases. Six patients started on high-risk treatment, without tumor response (stable disease). Treatment was discontinued before the start of consolidation treatment because of refractory response in all patients. Unexpectedly, after cessation of treatment no progression of disease occurred. In 2 patients, the primary tumors expanded (>25%) very slowly during 1.5 and 3 years, and remained stable thereafter. Metabolically, a slow decrease of urinary homovanillic acid and vanillylmandelic acid levels and iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine avidity was observed. All patients are alive with presence of metastatic disease after a median follow-up of 17 years (range: 6.7 to 27 y). Interestingly, at diagnosis, 6 patients were asymptomatic, 6 patients had GNB morphology, and 5 patients had meningeal metastases. These are all features seen in only a small minority of stage M patients. This GNB entity illustrates the clinical heterogeneity of neuroblastic tumors and can be used to further study the developmental origin of different NB subtypes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Although bone fragility may already be present at diagnosis of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), routine performance of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in every child is not universally feasible. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a risk prediction model for low lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS BMD Z-score ≤ -2.0) at diagnosis, as an important indicator for fracture risk and further treatment-related BMD aggravation. Children with ALL (4-18 years), treated according to the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group protocol (DCOG-ALL9; model development; n = 249) and children from the Canadian Steroid-Associated Osteoporosis in the Pediatric Population cohort (STOPP; validation; n = 99) were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to develop the prediction model and to confirm the association of low LS BMD at diagnosis with symptomatic fractures during and shortly after cessation of ALL treatment. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess model performance. The prediction model for low LS BMD at diagnosis using weight (β = -0.70) and age (β = -0.10) at diagnosis revealed an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.63-0.78) in DCOG-ALL9 and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.63-0.84) in STOPP, and resulted in correct identification of 71% of the patients with low LS BMD. We confirmed that low LS BMD at diagnosis is associated with LS BMD at treatment cessation (OR 5.9; 95% CI, 3.2-10.9) and with symptomatic fractures (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4) that occurred between diagnosis and 12 months following treatment cessation. In meta-analysis, LS BMD at diagnosis (OR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4) and the 6-month cumulative glucocorticoid dose (OR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2) were associated with fractures that occurred in the first year of treatment. In summary, a prediction model for identifying pediatric ALL patients with low LS BMD at diagnosis, as an important indicator for bone fragility, was successfully developed and validated. This can facilitate identification of future bone fragility in individual pediatric ALL patients. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)., (© 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).)