This course is designed as a case-based overview of diagnostic and therapeutic issues involved in interpreting intra-operative neurosurgical specimens. The course begins by discussion of the uses and limitations of the different techniques available in evaluation of these specimens. A practical approach to the major categories of lesions including 1) metastatic and primary tumors in adults and children; 2) abscesses and identifiable infections; 3) infarcts; 4) radiation necrosis; 5) and demyelinating lesions is discussed. The instructive microscopic features of these lesions as observed in frozen sections and cytologic preparations are compared to the findings in the subsequent permanent sections. The specific cases provide branch points for discussion of basic concepts and related topics. For example, the pathologist may be called upon to distinguish recurrent glioma from radiation and chemotherapy effect, so that reservoirs for therapy may be inserted into the tumor intra-operatively. Other topics include the usefulness of clinical information to the pathologist, the information critical to the neurosurgeon intra-operatively (and what can wait for permanent sections), pattern recognition essential for frozen section diagnosis, and frequently encountered artifacts and pitfalls. The participant will attain enhanced understanding of intra-operative neurosurgical specimens by the end of the course.

This course is designed for surgical pathologists at all levels of training from junior residents to practicing pathologists. Pre-registrants will receive a website address where they can view case studies with clinical information and selected photomicrographs prior to the meeting. A detailed syllabus will be given at the course, and after the meeting all registrants will be mailed a CD of pertinent images from the presentation.

(Last Scheduled Presentation) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM's credits.