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Isolated subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in the absence of clinical tuberous sclerosis: two case reports and literature review

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Abstract

Purpose

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a WHO grade I pediatric glioma arising in 5–15% of patients with tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Rare cases of isolated SEGA without TSC have been described. The etiology, genetic mechanisms, natural history, and response to treatment of these lesions are currently unknown. We describe two such cases of isolated SEGA with follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective review was performed at a single institution to describe the clinical course of pathology-confirmed SEGA in patients with germline testing negative for TSC mutations.

Results

Two cases of isolated SEGA were identified. Genetic analysis of the tumor specimen was available for one, which revealed an 18 base pair deletion in TSC1. Both cases were managed with surgical resection, one with preoperative embolization. In spite of a gross total resection, one patient experienced recurrence after three years. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor led to a significant interval reduction of the mass on follow-up MRI. The patient tolerated the medication well for 6 years and is now off of treatment for 2 years with a stable lesion.

Conclusion

Cases of SEGA outside of the context of TSC are exceedingly rare, with only 48 cases previously described. The genetic mechanisms and treatment response of these lesions are poorly understood. To date, these lesions appear to respond well to mTOR inhibitors and may behave similarly to SEGAs associated with TSC. However, given that experience is extremely limited, these cases should be followed long term to better understand their natural history and treatment response.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA

    Kelsey D. Cobourn, Kelsi M. Chesney, Kyle Mueller, Islam Fayed, Deki Tsering & Robert F. Keating

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  1. Kelsey D. Cobourn
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  2. Kelsi M. Chesney
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  3. Kyle Mueller
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  4. Islam Fayed
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  5. Deki Tsering
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Contributions

Kelsey Cobourn and Kelsi Chesney wrote the main manuscript text and prepared Table 1. Kelsey Cobourn prepared Figures 1, 2, 3. Islam Fayed collected patient data. Deki Tsering wrote the institutional review board proposal. Kyle Mueller and Robert Keating edited the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Robert F. Keating.

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Cobourn, K.D., Chesney, K.M., Mueller, K. et al. Isolated subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in the absence of clinical tuberous sclerosis: two case reports and literature review. Childs Nerv Syst 40, 73–78 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-06105-w

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