Search Results (7)

Bats are mammals with high biodiversity and wide geographical range. In Brazil, three haematophagous bat species are found. Desmodus rotundus is the most documented due to its role as a primary host of rabies virus in Latin America. Bats are known to harbor various emerging viruses causing severe human diseases. Beyond zoonotic viruses, these animals also harbor a diversity of non-zoonotic viruses. Papillomaviruses are circular double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) viruses that infect the epithelial and mucosal cells of many vertebrates, occasionally causing malignant lesions. High-throughput sequencing has enabled papillomaviruses discovery in different bat species. Here, 22 D. rotundus samples were collected through the rabies eradication program in Rio Grande do Sul. The DNA extracted from pooled intestines was amplified by the rolling-circle amplification (RCA) method and sequenced using the Illumina^® MiSeq platform (San Diego, CA, USA).Analysis revealed three contigs corresponding to the Papillomaviridae family, representing three novel viruses named DrPV-1, DrPV-2, and DrPV-3. Phylogenetic analysis suggests DrPV-1 may constitute a new species within the Dyophipapillomavirus genus, while DrPV-2 and DrPV-3 may represent different types within the same species from a novel genus. This is the first description of a papillomavirus in the D. rotundus species, contributing to the characterization of PVs in the Chiropteran order. Full article

Background: Bone hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors, comprising less than 1% of all bone tumors. They are predominantly found in the vertebral body or skull; rib hemangiomas are particularly rare and are often misdiagnosed as malignant tumors. Given the high malignancy rate of primary rib tumors, understanding rib hemangiomas is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA standards. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical presentation were analyzed using STATA/SE 17. Results: From 306 articles, 40 studies including 43 patients met the inclusion criteria. Rib hemangiomas showed a bimodal age distribution, with peaks in patients younger than 30 years (mean age 21.43 ± 5.60 years) and ≥30 years (mean age 59.96 ± 9.70 years). Females were more affected (62.79%) than males (37.21%), with a ratio of 1.69:1. The tumors were most frequently located in mid-thoracic ribs (4–8) and predominantly on the left side of the thorax. The mean tumor size was 7.27 cm, with 76.19% exhibiting osteolytic changes. Clinically, 63.41% of cases were asymptomatic, while symptomatic cases mainly presented with pain. Conclusions: Rib hemangiomas, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of thoracic tumors. They present as well-demarcated lytic lesions with distinct imaging features, and they typically require complete surgical excision, which may be aided with preoperative embolization. Their accurate diagnosis involves a combination of radiologic and clinical evaluation. Further studies are needed to understand the disease’s pathophysiology and to refine diagnostic and treatment protocols. Full article

Benign tumours comprise the majority of primary vertebral tumours, and these are often found incidentally on imaging. Nonetheless, accurate diagnosis of these benign lesions is crucial, in order to avoid misdiagnosis as more ominous malignant lesions or infection. Furthermore, some of these tumours, despite their benign nature, can have localised effects on the spine including neural compromise, or can be locally aggressive, thus necessitating active management. Haemangiomas and osteomas (enostosis) are the commonest benign tumours encountered. Others include osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondroma, chondroblastoma, haemangioma, simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, giant cell tumours, eosinophilic granuloma and notochordal rests. The majority of lesions are asymptomatic; however, locally aggressive lesions (such as aneurysmal bone cysts or giant cell tumours) can present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurological deficits and spinal instability, which may be indistinguishable from more commonly encountered mechanical back pain or malignant lesions including metastases. Hence, imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays a critical role in diagnosis. Generally, most incidental or asymptomatic regions are conservatively managed or may not require any follow-up, while symptomatic or locally aggressive lesions warrant active interventions, which include surgical resection or percutaneous treatment techniques. Due to advances in interventional radiology techniques in recent years, percutaneous minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy and cryoablation have played an increasing role in the management of these tumours with favourable outcomes. The different types of primary benign vertebral tumours will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on pertinent imaging features. Full article

Malignant primary vertebral tumours comprise an uncommon group of primary bone malignancies that can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The most frequently encountered malignant primary vertebral tumours include chordoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. These tumours often present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurologic deficits and spinal instability, which can be confused for the more commonly encountered mechanical back pain and may delay their diagnosis and treatment. Imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and follow-up. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for malignant primary vertebral tumours, but adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be necessary for achieving complete tumour control depending on the type of tumour. In recent years, advances in imaging techniques and surgical approaches, such as en-bloc resection and spinal reconstruction, have improved the outcomes for patients with malignant primary vertebral tumours. However, the management can be complex due to the anatomy involved and the high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. The different types of malignant primary vertebral lesions will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on the imaging features. Full article

The assessment and treatment of vertebral primary bone lesions continue to pose a unique yet significant challenge. Indeed, there exists little in the literature in the way of compiling and overviewing the various types of vertebral lesions, which can often have complicated intervention strategies. Given the severe consequences of mismanaged vertebral bone tumors—including the extreme loss of motor function—it is clear that such an overview of spinal lesion care is needed. Thus, in the following paper, we aim to address the assessment of various vertebral primary bone lesions, outlining the relevant nonsurgical and surgical interventional methods. We describe examples of primary benign and malignant tumors, comparing and contrasting their differences. We also highlight emerging treatments and approaches for these tumors, like cryoablation and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Ultimately, we aim to emphasize the need for further guidelines in regard to correlating lesion type with proper therapy, underscoring the innate diversity of vertebral primary bone lesions in the literature. Full article

Background: Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that develop in the presacral space. As they can potentially conceal primary neuroendocrine tumors, surgical excision is suggested as the treatment of choice. However, specific management guidelines have yet to be developed. A posterior approach is usually preferred for cysts extending to the third sacral vertebral body. Conversely, a transabdominal approach is preferred for lesions extending upward to achieve an optimal view of the surgical field and avoid injuries. Case report: Here, we report a case of a 48-year-old man suffering from perianal pain and constipation. Digital rectal examination and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a presacral mass below the third sacral vertebral body. A laparoscopic transabdominal presacral tumor excision was performed. The final histological diagnosis was a rare primary neuroendocrine tumor arising from a tailgut cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no signs of recurrence were observed at the six-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study may help establish more well-grounded recommendations for the surgical management of rectal tumors, demonstrating that the laparoscopic transabdominal technique is safe and feasible, even for lesions below the third sacral vertebral body. This approach provided an adequate view of the presacral space, facilitating the preservation of cyst integrity, which is essential in cases of malignant pathologies. Full article

Neoplastic cervical spine lesions are seen infrequently by the spinal surgeon. The surgical management of these tumors, particularly with associated neurovascular compromise, is challenging in terms of achieving proper resection and spinal stabilization and ensuring no subsequent recurrence or failure of fixation. In this report we highlight some of the problems encountered in the surgical management of tumors involving the cervical spine with techniques applied for gross total resection of the tumor without compromising the vertebral arteries. Ten patients with neoplastic cervical spine lesions were managed in our study. The common cardinal presentation was neck and arm pain with progressive cervical radiculo-myelopathy. All patients had plain X-rays, computer tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine. Digital subtraction or magnetic resonance angiograms were performed on both vertebral arteries when the pathology was found to be in proximity to the vertebral artery. When a tumor blush with feeders was evident, endovascular embolization to minimize intraoperative bleeding was also considered. A single approach or a combined anterior cervical approach for corpectomy and cage-with-plate fixation and posterior decompression for resection of the rest of the tumor with spinal fixation was then accomplished as indicated. All cases made a good neurological recovery and had no neural or vascular complications. On the long-term follow-up of the survivors there was no local recurrence or surgical failure. Only three patients died: two from the primary malignancy and one from pulmonary embolism. This report documents a safe and reliable way to deal with neoplastic cervical spine lesions in proximity to vertebral arteries with preservation of both arteries. Full article