Pediatric brain incidentalomas: management strategy and systematic review
https://doi.org/10.56618/2071-2693_2024_16_4_151
EDN: YZITDO
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The extensive application of various neuroimaging technologies has led to the identification of a significant number of pediatric incidental brain findings with unclear prognostic factors. Some of these findings exhibit radiological features consistent with neoplastic processes, presenting considerable challenges in clinical management.
AIM. This study aims to systematically review and assess current approaches to the management of pediatric patients with incidentally discovered brain lesions (incidentalomas).
MATERIALS AND METHODS. A systematic review was conducted using the eLibrary, PubMed, and Medline (NCBI) databases. The search focused on studies involving incidentally discovered brain tumors (incidentalomas) in children. The literature was analyzed in terms of the frequency of incidentalomas, diagnostic methods, management strategies, and the risk of malignant transformation, up to August 2024.
RESULTS. A total of 2,213 articles were reviewed, of which 78 were full-text articles. Ultimately, 42 articles were included in the final analysis. Incidentalomas of the brain were identified in 0.2 to 5.7 % of pediatric neuroimaging studies and were found to represent a heterogeneous group of lesions, with low-grade gliomas being the most commonly diagnosed.
CONCLUSION. While most pediatric brain incidentalomas exhibit a relatively benign course, some may progress, with rare cases of malignant transformation observed. As such, careful and ongoing monitoring of patients with these incidental findings is warranted.
About the Authors
D. A. Kozyrev
North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov; Children’s City Multidisciplinary Clinical Specialized Center of High Medical Technologies
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Danil A. Kozyrev – Neurosurgeon; Assistant at the Department of Pediatric neurology and neurosurgery
41 Kirochnaya street, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 191015
14 Avangardnaya street, lit. A., St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 198205
E. Yu. Krukov
North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov; Children’s City Multidisciplinary Clinical Specialized Center of High Medical Technologies
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Evgeniy Yu. Krukov – Dr. of Sci. (Med.), Neurosurgeon; Professor, Head at the Department of Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery
41 Kirochnaya street, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 191015
14 Avangardnaya street, lit. A., St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 198205
R. S. Kulieva
Children’s City Multidisciplinary Clinical Specialized Center of High Medical Technologies
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Rena S. Kulieva – Neurosurgeon
14 Avangardnaya street, lit. A., St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 198205
Yu. S. Dobrovenko
North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yurii S. Dobrovenko – Neurosurgeon, Postgraduate Student, Head of the Research Laboratory “Innovative Technologies of Medical Navigation”
41 Kirochnaya street, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 191015
A. S. Iova
North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov; Children’s City Multidisciplinary Clinical Specialized Center of High Medical Technologies
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexander S. Iova – Dr. of Sci. (Med.), Neurosurgeon, Scientific Director at the Neurosurgical Service; Professor at the Department of Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery
41 Kirochnaya street, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 191015
14 Avangardnaya street, lit. A., St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 198205
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Kozyrev D.A., Krukov E.Yu., Kulieva R.S., Dobrovenko Yu.S., Iova A.S. Pediatric brain incidentalomas: management strategy and systematic review. Russian Neurosurgical Journal named after Professor A. L. Polenov. 2024;16(4):151-160. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.56618/2071-2693_2024_16_4_151. EDN: YZITDO
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