May 1999--16 year old male with an unexpected MRI finding

Brain Pathol. 1999 Oct;9(4):743-4.

Abstract

Four years after resection of a supratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma this 16-year-old boy displayed widespread leptomeningeal seeding. Although the primary tumor lacked contrast enhancement, the multiple metastatic nodules were markedly contrast enhancing. Both the initial and disseminated tumor were consistent with a pilocytic astrocytoma. He was treated with vincristin and carboplatinum and the tumor was stable up to Dec. 1998. Dissemination of low-grade intracranial astrocytoma in children occurs in only 4%. It is not a sign of malignancy. The present case is similar to previously published cases. The prognosis of these patients might be quite favorable when treated with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Astrocytoma / pathology*
  • Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lateral Ventricles / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male