The position of low grade gliomas and white matter tracts as a predictor of functional outcome after surgical treatment in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background. A large number of publications indicate the significant prognostic importance of total resection of brain tumors. Nevertheless, total removal of tumors from functionally significant areas still poses a certain difficulty. In this case, we are talking about the need to preserve not only the cortical centers, but also the interested tracts of white matter. At the same time, deterioration of the neurological status after surgery negatively affects the quality of life and is also associated with lower survival rates. Objective. To study the results of surgical treatment (functional status) of pediatric patients with low-grade gliomas, taking into account the relative location of the tumor and the affected tract. Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 13 pediatric patients (from 5 to 17 years old), 54 % boys and 46 % girls, were assessed. The main observation parameters are presented in tables 1 and 2. Data analysis was carried out using basic software. Key indicators are expressed as percentages. Results. Depending on the distance to the tract of interest, observations were divided into two groups: distance up to 5 mm. and more than 5 mm. In patients of the first group, deterioration of the neurological status after surgery was observed in 70 % of patients. In patients of the second group, there was no deterioration in the neurological status. In patients with infiltrated tracts, deterioration in neurological status was observed in 50 % of cases. In patients with contained tracts, no deterioration in neurological status was observed.