MAKHACHKALA, July 6 – RIA "Dagestan". The Republican scientific and practical seminar titled "Neuroradiology: Diagnosis of Gliomas, Postoperative and Post-Radiation Management" has recently taken place in Makhachkala. Organized by Dagestani public movement "Healthy Caucasus" the event gathered diagnostic imaging physicians, radiotherapists, oncologists, neurosurgeons and neurologists from across Dagestan, alongside international experts.
A central focus of the seminar was the concept of "glioma as a chameleon" which refers to the ability of central nervous system tumors to mimic vascular diseases, demyelinating conditions or depressive disorders in their initial stages. Attendees also delved into evidence-based medical algorithms, the protocols for "early MRI" scans within 24 to 72 hours post-surgery, and the RANO criteria for distinguishing between tumor recurrence and radiation necrosis.
"Glioma is the most common tumor of neuroectodermal origin and represents an extremely serious disease. It covers a wide age range — from 9 to 50 years. The pathology is characterized by high aggressiveness and malignancy if time is lost. This is precisely why early expert MR diagnostics and timely referral to specialists are key factors in preventing severe complications and saving a person's life" Zoya Umakhanova, Head of the Department of Neurology of the Faculty of Advanced Training and Professional Retraining of Specialists at Dagestan State Medical University commented.
Highlighting the qualitative advancement of neuro-oncology in the region, Shamil Sadikov, Chief Neurosurgeon of Dagestan and Head of the Neurosurgery Department at the A.V. Vishnevsky Republican Clinical Hospital pointed out that Dagestani medicine gained modern world-class technologies making it possible to successfully operate on and treat brain tumors within the republic. Unfortunately, statistics show an annual increase in the number of such patients, making multidisciplinary expert discussions increasingly relevant. Holding such seminars is a critical step for the development of neurosurgery and a tangible help to the practical healthcare of Dagestan – Sadikov said.
Aishat Karaeva, President of the Association of Radiologists and Radiographers of the Republic of Dagestan and Assistant at DSMU Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Therapy, announced that the region achieved "technological sovereignty".
"Modern neuro-oncology demands from regional medicine not merely the presence of high-class equipment, but primarily — a powerful intellectual resource, expert personnel and specialized protocols at the level of federal institutes. The prescription of MR perfusion or spectroscopy must be strictly justified by clinical logic and directly influence treatment tactics. Today we can proudly speak of the region's technological sovereignty. Residents of Dagestan with verified gliomas no longer need to travel to Moscow or St. Petersburg for routine dynamic monitoring. The entire cycle — from the primary detection of the 'chameleon tumor' to the most complex post-radiation monitoring — is available in Makhachkala on the basis of expert protocols using the existing equipment in Dagestani medical centers" she noted.
According to the organizers, the seminar established a strong foundation for enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration in the region, ultimately streamlining and accelerating the patient's path from initial symptoms to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.