Overview

My research focuses on how medical imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans can help doctors detect and accurately diagnose rare pediatric diseases early on. A specific area of my work involves studying the long-term effects of cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, and how these can sometimes lead to new brain tumors years after the initial treatment. I also explore rare vascular conditions like spontaneous brain aneurysms in children, aiming to improve early recognition and treatment through detailed imaging analysis. Additionally, I work on developing methods to differentiate cystic masses under the jaw in children, combining clinical and imaging findings to reduce the need for invasive tests. Overall, my goal is to use advanced imaging to provide clearer insights that guide safer, more personalized care for children.

Publications

Imaging approach to pediatric calvarial bulges
Pediatric Radiology
Emily C. M. Hughes and Daniel G. Rosenbaum and Helen M. Branson and Makabongwe Tshuma and Eman Marie and Cassidy S. Frayn and Heena Rajani and Samantha K. Gerrie
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05967-9
06/2024

Piriform fossa sinus tract — a 15-year retrospective review with a focus on atypical neonatal presentations
Pediatric Radiology
Makabongwe Tshuma and Neil K. Chadha and Anna F. Lee and Heather Bray
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-021-05245-y
05/2022

Volumetric Analysis of Hearing-Related Structures of Brain in Children with GJB2-Related Congenital Deafness
Children
Matthias W. Wagner and Sharon L. Cushing and Makabongwe Tshuma and Karen A. Gordon and Birgit B. Ertl-Wagner and Logi Vidarsson
DOI: 10.3390/children9060800
05/2022

An unusual case of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return with gastric varices
Cardiology in the Young
Makabongwe Tshuma and Gordon Culham and Sanjay Maroo
DOI: 10.1017/S1047951120003479
02/2021

Abdominal wall ectopic testis torsion mimicking a Spigelian hernia in an adult.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Natarajan M and Alnajjar HM and Woodward CI and Tshuma M and Marshall T and Rochester M
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0335
PubMed: 27917664
12/2016

Unsuspected radiolucent partial denture impaction in the sigmoid colon mimicking malignancy.
BJR case reports
Tshuma M and Velchuru V and Waters GA
DOI: 10.1259/bjrcr.20160074
PubMed: 30363211
12/2016

Experience with pandemic infuenza A/H1N1 2009 at Tygerberg Children’ Hospital, South Africa
Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection
A. Dramowski and M. Tshuma and H. Finlayson and M F Cotton and H. Rabie
DOI: 10.1080/10158782.2011.11441434
01/2011

Research

Radiation-induced pediatric CNS Tumors
Radiation induced tumors are a rare but profound complication of cancer treatment. These are even rarer in the pediatric population due to the length of time it takes from exposure for the stochastic effects to manifest which can take years to decades. This study reviews the imaging appearances of radiation induced tumors occurring in pediatric patients previously treated for a CNS tumor. Our aim is to understand the types of tumors frequently induced and relate that to the initial diagnosis and therapeutic regimen the patient previously had and understand long term implications.

Spontaneous Pediatric Aneurysms
The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive pictorial review of spontaneous brain aneurysms in pediatric patients, with the goal of expanding current understanding of the prevalence, characteristics, and unique radiologic features of these rare conditions. Spontaneous brain aneurysms are uncommon in the pediatric population, accounting for less than 2% of all cerebral aneurysms. Their rarity and distinctive presentation, often with subarachnoid haemorrhage, make them a significant clinical concern, as they tend to occur with complex features, such as giant or dissecting aneurysms. This project seeks to build on findings from prior studies, like those by Huang et al. (2005) and Kim et al. (2017), which underscore the importance of early intervention, long-term follow-up, and advancing techniques to improve patient outcomes. However, these studies are based on data that is now somewhat outdated, covering cases only up to 2017. This project incorporates more recent imaging cases from 2014 to 2024, providing updated insights. The project’s main aims are to analyze and document imaging findings, particularly from MRI sequences such as T1, T2, DWI, and SWI, to discern patterns and potential causes of aneurysms in children. By focusing on specific radiologic features, such as aneurysm size, shape, and location, we aim to shed light on their unique characteristics in pediatric cases compared to adult populations. This visual study will generate high-resolution images and an analysis of these findings to assist in diagnosing, managing, and monitoring pediatric aneurysms more effectively.

Clinical and radiologic features for differentiating submandibular cystic masses in pediatric patients
Submandibular cystic masses in pediatric patients can arise from several different causes including plunging ranulas, lymphatic malformations, or vascular malformations. The aim of this study is to propose an algorithm for differentiating causes for submandibular cystic masses in children using radiologic and clinical findings. Since treatment differs based on the diagnosis, patients are often required to undergo further invasive studies (i.e. biopsy, angiography etc.) before surgical resection or sclerotherapy is provided. Therefore, the findings of this study will be relevant to help improve clinical decision-making and reduce unnecessary interventions.

Pediatric HIE
Correlating early brain volumetric changes and multiparametric imaging findings in neonatal brain MRI as predictor of long-term neurodevelopment outcome between the different grades of neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

Grants

Co-Investigator. Brain Maturation and Neurodevelopment in Moderate-Late Preterm Infants. Funding Source: CIHR

Co-Investigator. Brain health in adolescents with critical congenital heart disease. Funding Source: Heart & Stroke Foundation Grant-in-Aid

Co-Investigator. Brain Maturation and Neurodevelopment in Moderate-Late Preterm Infants, Surveillance in High School to Reduce Concussions and Consequences of Concussions. Funding Source: CIHR