Browsing by Author "Nikolic, Igor (23474764900)"

Aim: Brainstem gliomas (BSG) constitute less than 2% of brain tumors in adults. Therapeutic options are limited and BSG are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Material and Methods: We reviewed the records of 51 patients with BSG treated at the Institute of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade between 1998 and 2012. We recorded demographic and clinical variables as well as radiological findings and survival. Results: Of the 51 patients, 62.7% were male and 37.3% were female. The mean age was 30.6±19.3 years. High grade glioma (Astrocytoma grade III and IV) was most common at the age of 38.2±17.9 years (t=.481, p=0.017) while low grade glioma (Astrocytoma grade I and II) was common in younger age as 25.4±17.4 years (X2=4.013; p=0.045), with localization in the pons (X2=5.299; p=0.021) and exophytic presentation (X2=3.862; p=0.049). Ataxia, as initial symptom, was a predictor of poor outcome (HR:5.546, p=0.012). Conclusion: Due to its specific localization, BSG present a major challenge for neurosurgery, because of the necessity of safe approach for radical resection. Histological verification of BSG determines the need for additional therapeutic procedures such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Benefit from correct diagnosis is reflected in the avoidance of potentially adverse effects of treatment.

Background and Objectives: Partially thrombosed aneurysms represent a subset primarily found within large and giant aneurysms. The presence of an intraluminal thrombus can cause an aneurysm to present in different shapes upon angiographic examination. We present a series of five cases of “donut-shaped” aneurysms observed over the past decade at the Clinic for Neurosurgery in the University Clinical Centre of Serbia. Materials and Methods: The management of “donut-shaped” aneurysms was accomplished through endovascular interventions, employing techniques such as the deployment of flow-diverting stents or a combination of stent placement and coil embolization. Results: Four out of five patients underwent endovascular treatment, yielding positive outcomes with complete thrombosis of the aneurysms during follow-up. The fifth patient was successfully diagnosed; however, due to their deteriorating condition, treatment was not feasible. Conclusions: Given the potential life-threatening complications associated with this entity, accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial. In our cohort, endovascular interventions demonstrated efficacy in the majority of cases, underscoring the significance of this approach in treating “donut-shaped” aneurysms. Nevertheless, considering the rarity of this condition, further research is justified to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these complex intracranial vascular anomalies. © 2024 by the authors.

AIM: Intracranial aneurysm rupture is followed by high mortality and morbidity. In order to understand the aneurysm's natural course, it is necessary to recognize the predisposing factors for the rupture. MATERIAL and METHODS: Analysis included 142 operated aneurysms (94 hemorrhaging and 48 unruptured) in the period from 2008 to 2010. RESULTS: The ratio between the width of the aneurysm neck and diameter of the carrying blood vessel - artery in ruptured aneurysms (OR) was 1.58±0.61, and in unruptured aneurysms 1.14±0.52 (p<0.01). Aspect ratio of ruptured aneurysm was 1.89 ± 0.59, and in unruptured 1:33 ± 0.17. The angle of inclination of ruptured aneurysms was 139.22 ±21.53, while in unruptured aneurysms it was 101.73 ±21.26. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our research, a predictive model of morphometric characteristics of the vessel bearing the aneurysm to rupture can be identified: an irregular shape of the aneurysm, AR> 1.6, OR> 1.5 and inclination angle > 135 deg.

Purpose: Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal adult brain tumor. Despite current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the median survival of glioblastoma patients is 15 months. The development of this tumor depends on a sub-population of glioblastoma stem cells governing tumor propagation and therapy resistance. SOX3 plays a role in both normal neural development and carcinogenesis. However, little is known about its role in glioblastoma. Thus, the aim of this work was to elucidate the role of SOX3 in glioblastoma. Methods: SOX3 expression was assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. MTT, immunocytochemistry and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the effects of exogenous SOX3 overexpression on the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells, respectively. The expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway components and autophagy markers was assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. Results: Higher levels of SOX3 expression were detected in a subset of primary glioblastoma samples compared to those in non-tumoral brain tissues. Exogenous overexpression of this gene was found to increase the proliferation, viability, migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells. We also found that SOX3 up-regulation was accompanied by an enhanced activity of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and by suppression of autophagy in glioblastoma cells. Additionally, we found that SOX3 expression was elevated in patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells, as well as in oncospheres derived from glioblastoma cell lines, compared to their differentiated counterparts, implying that SOX3 expression is associated with the undifferentiated state of glioblastoma cells. Conclusion: From our data we conclude that SOX3 can promote the malignant behavior of glioblastoma cells. © 2018, International Society for Cellular Oncology.

Purpose: Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal adult brain tumor. Despite current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the median survival of glioblastoma patients is 15 months. The development of this tumor depends on a sub-population of glioblastoma stem cells governing tumor propagation and therapy resistance. SOX3 plays a role in both normal neural development and carcinogenesis. However, little is known about its role in glioblastoma. Thus, the aim of this work was to elucidate the role of SOX3 in glioblastoma. Methods: SOX3 expression was assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. MTT, immunocytochemistry and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the effects of exogenous SOX3 overexpression on the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells, respectively. The expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway components and autophagy markers was assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. Results: Higher levels of SOX3 expression were detected in a subset of primary glioblastoma samples compared to those in non-tumoral brain tissues. Exogenous overexpression of this gene was found to increase the proliferation, viability, migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells. We also found that SOX3 up-regulation was accompanied by an enhanced activity of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and by suppression of autophagy in glioblastoma cells. Additionally, we found that SOX3 expression was elevated in patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells, as well as in oncospheres derived from glioblastoma cell lines, compared to their differentiated counterparts, implying that SOX3 expression is associated with the undifferentiated state of glioblastoma cells. Conclusion: From our data we conclude that SOX3 can promote the malignant behavior of glioblastoma cells. © 2018, International Society for Cellular Oncology.

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate method of surgical treatment of hydrocephalus in preterm infants that is caused by spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and to identify predictive factors of poor perioperative outcomes. Ma terIal and Methods: We present a series of 60 patients with IVH and hydrocephalus, to whom a VP shunt or subcutaneous (Omaya) reservoir was placed, during the period from March 2006 to March 2011. Results: Predictors of poor outcome with VP shunt placement were: gestational age (t=2.323, p=0.024), head circumference at birth (t=2.072, p=0.043), birth weight (t=2.832, p=0.006), Apgar score at birth (t=5.026, p<0.01), number of days on assisted ventilation (Z=6.203, p <0.001), peripartal asphyxia (χ2 =17.376, p<0.01), respiratory distress (χ2=9.176 p=0.002). Predictors of poor outcome in getting Omaya reservoir are: low birth weight (t=2.560, p=0.016), low Apgar scores (t=3.059, p=0.005), an extended number of days on assisted ventilation (Z=4.404, p<0.001), presence of peripartal asphyxia (χ2=9.977, p=0.002) and cardio-respiratory arrest (χ2=12.804, p<0.001). ConclusIon: The outcome of hydrocephalus caused by IVH in premature born children is the worst in perinatology. Our results suggest that the main predictive factor is preoperative condition of the child and that the VP shunt and Omaya reservoir are complementary methods of surgical treatment.