Central Nervous System Pathology in Children: A Single-Institution Experience in South-South Nigeria

Neuropathology is fundamental to neurology, neurosurgery, and neuroscience practice in general. In parts of Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries, Neuropathology is just emerging, and more so Paediatric Neuropathology. Paediatric Neuropathology encompasses diseases of brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle, affecting infants, children and adolescents, many of which are surgically managed or biopsied for diagnosis.

To determine the pattern of neurosurgical lesions in children diagnosed in Benin-City, Nigeria.

A retrospective database study of biopsies from paediatric patients with neurosurgical lesions histologically evaluated at the Department of Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria, between January 2007 and December 2020 was done. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from Departmental Records; histopathological diagnoses confirmed; and data analyzed using SPSS 20.0.

A total of 178 biopsies reviewed. Ages ranged between 2 days and 16 years. Male: female ratio was 1.02:1. There were 87 spinal; 53 intracranial; 32 skull; and 9 scalp lesions. Commonest were Neural tube defects - 56.7% (mostly myelomeningoceles); Intracranial neoplasms - 20.22% (mostly pilocytic astrocytoma and embryonal tumors); Intracranial suppurative lesions -5.06% and dermoid/epidermoid cysts - 5.06%.

Most Paediatric neuropathological conditions encountered in our environment can be managed with good outcomes if correctly and promptly diagnosed. There is a need to channel resources into prevention and prenatal diagnoses of NTDs; early diagnosis and management of brain tumors and other intracranial lesions; and better management of otorhinolaryngologic and intracranial infections in children. Neuropathology training and capacity development is also needed.