Vein of Galen Malformation

Vein of Galen Malformation

Vein of Galen malformation is a very rare disorder known as cerebral vascular malformation which affect the blood vessels in the brain. The irregularity occurs during embryonic development when there is flaw in the connection between arteries and the deep draining veins. Capillaries which allows the blood to send oxygen and nutrients slowly to the brain is lacking in the connection which makes the blood run too fast which prompts the heart to work to hard. Too much blood accumulates in a deep draining vein causing it to expand which can cause heart failure. Heart failure is the most standard concern in newborns.

Sometimes a Vein of Galen malformation may be diagnosed by an ultrasound before a baby is born, yet it may not be found until after the baby is born and it undergoes heart failure. Every so often, children with Vein of Galen malformation never develop heart failure but because of the miscommunication between the arteries and veins, the water inside the brain cannot be completely consumed. The baby's head expands but over time the baby will grow into it.

To determine if the baby symptoms or heart failure is caused by Vein of Galen malformation, some test may be performed such as an Angiogram, CT or MRI. Embolization may be required as treatment which decreases blood flow by cutting off encompassing blood vessels.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is one of the most frequently diagnosed chronic conditions. Chronic sinusitis is a common recurring inflammation of the air filled cavities in and around the nose that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose, which obstructs drainage and causes mucus to build up.

Some of the symptoms of chronic sinusitis may involve trouble breathing through the nose, tenderness in the cheeks, headaches, eyes and face may feel swollen and painful, nasal discharge, or sinus congestion.

Chronic sinusitis is a long-term infection that can last longer than 12 weeks. Most occurrences start with the common cold causes by a viral or bacterial infection and some originate from allergies, upper respiratory tract infection or deviated septum.

To diagnose chronic sinusitis, the healthcare provider will need to do an in-depth medical history and physical examination focusing on the sinuses and nose. If the physician suspects that the chronic sinusitis is causes by allergies, a person should be referred to an allergy specialist. Imaging of the sinuses may involve an X-ray or CT to decide the severity of the infection.

Treatment of chronic sinusitis depends on the patients medical history, whether there are complications and the severity of the symptoms. Non-medical treatments include using a humidifier to dampen and release nasal discharge and to keep the head elevated while sleeping to reduce pressure. Medical treatments include medications such as decongestants, saline nasal spray or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If these treatments do not work, surgery may be an option to enlarge the nasal passage of the infected sinus.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a fast growing malignant tumor of the retina. This cancer mainly affects children under the age of 6 and is more often than not diagnosed in children ages 1-2 years.

Symptoms and signs of Retinoblastoma range from the most apparent sign such as a peculiar appearance (white glow) of the pupil to less specific or common signs such as a red and irritated eye, degeneration of vision, the iris may be a different color in each eye, or stalled growth or delayed maturation. The eyes of some children with Retinoblastoma can become cross-eyed.

Retinoblastoma happens when a cell of a developing retina forms an anomaly and grows out of control and becomes cancerous. This cancer can be a genetic, inherited form or non-genetic, non-inherited form and can affect one or both eyes.

To diagnose a child, an eye examination with dilation of the pupil is needed along with an ultrasound of the eye. A CT scan or MRI of the head should also be done to assess the tumor and the risk of the cancer spreading.

Almost all patients can be cured if the cancer has not extended beyond the eye. In the case of a tumor spreading past the eye, such as the brain, lungs and bones, the possibility of a cure is reduced. The course of action in treating Retinoblastoma will be contingent on each individual case. Options include chemotherapy laser therapy, radioactive plaques, cryotherapy, surgery or a collaboration of any of these treatments.

Craniopharyngioma

(T1 wt coronal-enhanced MRI)

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma can be diagnosed at any age, however it is usually found in children and young adults. This type of brain tumor derives from pituitary gland embryonic tissue called Rathke's pouch. The Rathke's pouch begins in the throat area and moves upward to the brain where the tumor develops from the remnants of Rathke's pouch. Craniopharyngiomas are also known as Rathke's pouch tumors, adamantinomas, or hypophyseal duct tumors.

Because Craniopharyngiomas are almost invariably benign, the tumors are not detected until they becomes rather large which then causes symptoms as they start to apply pressure to other parts of the brain surrounding them. Craniopharyngiomas can range from one, to more than four inches in diameter. The symptoms presented by this brain tumor vary depending on where it is and what part of the brain it is pressing on. If it includes the hypothalamus, a person may have drowsiness, weight gain, mood changes and depression, or problems with temperature control. Loss of peripheral vision can occur when pressure is applied on the nerves that regulate vision. If the pituitary stalk or pituitary gland is compressed it can halt production of part of the pituitary hormones causes symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, unexplained weight gain, irregular periods, delayed puberty, etc.

There are several test that are done to assess whether or not a person has craniopharyngioma. A blood test is performed to check hormone level along with a complete Pituitary Function test to gauge all the major pituitary hormones and a Visual field test to check if there is any compression of the nerves managing vision. An MRI is used to see the size of the tumor and where the pressure is being applied on the brain. Craniopharyngiomas consist of fluid and sometimes calcium which gives it a distinct look. When scanned, this brain tumors unusual appearance helps differentiate it from other pituitary tumors.

If suspected, craniopharyngioma can be treated largely by surgery, however, even with surgery the tumor may not be able to be entirely removed. Sometimes the tumor will have to be treated with radiation combined with surgery to help destroy it.