Tomislav Felbabić

Introduction: Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) and craniopharyngiomas are clinically, radiologically and histopathologically similar lesions that are difficult to distinguish and require different surgical treatments. Many authors support the hypothesis that these represent two spectra of the same pathology. Case report: We present the case of a 53-year-old man who, because of general malaise, was examined by an endocrinologist and found to have partial hypopituitarism and indirect hyperprolactinemia. Consequently, he underwent a head MRI, which revealed an intra-suprasellar cystic lesion. Surgical fenestration of the cyst was performed, and tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination, which confirmed a diagnosis of RCC. Over the years, follow-up imaging revealed a recurrent, enlarging cyst; therefore, the patient underwent reoperation 7.5 years later. This time, histology revealed a papillary craniopharyngioma (PC). Re-examination of the specimen from the first surgery also confirmed presence of PC on the same specimen section as RCC, with the initial false-negative result attributed to suboptimal staining. Conclusion: Apparent progression from RCC to craniopharyngioma should prompt re-examination of the original pathology before it is interpreted as true transformation. In our patient, conservative fenestration was followed by recovery of corticotroph function that lasted seven years, whereas subsequent radical surgery resulted in new corticotroph and thyrotroph deficiency without complete resection, highlighting the need for caution with early aggressive surgery in cystic sellar lesions of uncertain histology.

Background: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically begins in childhood, subsides during puberty, and may reappear in adolescence. Treatment is primarily conservative, involving psychological and pharmacological therapy. Patients who do not respond to conservative therapy may be treated with deep brain stimulation, although this remains an experimental treatment. Methods: In this two-case report we present the first two cases of patients with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome in Slovenia treated with deep brain stimulation of the anteromedial globus pallidus internus. Results: Over an 18-month follow-up period, we observed an improvement in both cases. In the first case, the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score decreased from 71 (17 for motor tics, 14 for phonic tics, and 40 on the impairment scale) to 44 points (12 motor, 12 phonic, and 20 impairment). In the second case, the score decreased from 72 (16 motor, 16 phonic, and 40 impairment) to 38 points (8 motor, 10 phonic, and 20 impairment). Conclusions: Deep brain stimulation could be a promising treatment for this disorder. However, further research is needed to determine the most suitable patients and targets.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the liver. It metastasizes mainly to local lymph nodes, lungs, adrenal glands, vertebrae, pelvis, ribs and long bones. Metastasis to the clivus is extremely rare. Only a few cases have been described in the literature. Therefore, there is currently no clear consensus on the optimal treatment: biopsy only or maximum safe removal. Case report: We present a 68-year-old lady who presented with dysfunction of the 6th and 12th cranial nerves. Imaging showed tumor formation in the clivus, most likely a metastasis. Further diagnostics revealed no clear primary tumor. The patient therefore underwent surgery for local decompression and simultaneous biopsy for pathohistologic examinations. These showed that the most likely metastasis was a hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequent diagnostics revealed highly elevated alpha-feto protein levels and liver MR revealed a suspected multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma only after correlation with the pathohistologic findings. One month after surgery, the condition suddenly worsened due to severe local recurrence and hemorrhage. This was followed by palliative oncological treatment with whole head irradiation. Conclusion: In the case of a suspected clivus metastasis of unknown origin, it is reasonable to take tumor markers. This increases the likelihood of an appropriate diagnosis and avoids unnecessary and risky surgery. If all tests are inconclusive, a biopsy of the lesion is the diagnostic gold standard. The treatment of metastatic disease in the clivus (in our case a hepatocellular carcinoma) remains palliative.

(1) Background: Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors comprising about 18% of all intracranial tumors, and they often require surgical intervention. Differentiating pituitary tissue from adenoma during surgery is crucial to minimize complications. We hypothesized that using ICG dye would reduce the hormonal complication rates. (2) Methods: A prospective randomized study (February 2019–October 2023) included 34 patients with non-functional macroadenomas of the pituitary gland randomly assigned to receive intraoperative ICG or be in the control group. All underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Pituitary function was assessed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 3–6 months postoperatively. Adenohypophysis function was evaluated with hormonal tests (Cosyntropin stimulation test, TSH, fT3, fT4, prolactin, IGF-1, FSH, LH, and testosterone in men) and neurohypophysis function with fluid balance, plasma and urine osmolality, and serum and urinary sodium. (3) Results: Of the 34 patients (23 men, 11 women; average age 60.9 years), 5.9% in the ICG group developed diabetes insipidus postoperatively, compared to 23.5% in the control group. Adenohypophysis function worsened in 52.9% of the ICG group and in 35.3% of the control group. (4) Conclusions: Our study did not confirm the benefits of using ICG in these surgeries. Further research with a larger sample is needed.

The skull base is the area where various cancerous and non-cancerous diseases occur and represents the intersection of several medical fields. The key is an integrated treatment by specialists of multiple disciplines. We prospectively analysed patients with a skull base disease between August 2022 and 2023 and presented to the Multidisciplinary Skull Base Board (MDT-SB), which takes place once a month hybridly (in-person and remotely). Thirty-nine patients (median age of 58.2 years) were included, of which twelve (30.8%) had a benign tumour, twelve (30.8%) had a malignant tumour, five had an infection (12.8%), and ten (25.6%) had other diseases. For each patient, at least two otorhinolaryngologists, a neurosurgeon, and a neuroradiologist, as well as an infectious disease specialist, a paediatrician, an oculoplastic surgeon, a maxillofacial surgeon, and a pathologist were involved in 10%, 8%, 8%, 3%, and 3% of cases, respectively. In fifteen patients (38%), the MDT-SB suggested surgical treatment; in fourteen (36%), radiological follow-ups; in five (13%), non-surgical treatments; in two, conservative treatments (5%); in two (5%), surgical and conservative treatments; and in one (3%), a biopsy. Non-cancerous and cancerous diseases of the skull base in adults and children should be presented to the MDT-SB, which consists of at least an otolaryngologist, a neurosurgeon, and a neuroradiologist.