Intracranial dissemination of primary spinal cord anaplastic oligodendroglioma

Eur J Neurol. 2007 May;14(5):578-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01701.x.

Abstract

We report the first case of a 22-year-old man, with a previously neurosurgically treated intramedullary anaplastic oligodendroglioma (World Health Organization grade III), who developed 19 months later two histologically proven intracranial metastases. We support a hypothesis whereby the anaplastic parts of tumors have spread along the spinal cord and brainstem via the cerebrospinal fluid pathways, a process that could be promoted by surgical manipulation, although the relative contribution of the two factors remains speculative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / secondary
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus / physiopathology
  • Hydrocephalus / therapy
  • Lateral Ventricles / pathology
  • Lateral Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / pathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / physiopathology*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Oligodendroglioma / diagnosis
  • Oligodendroglioma / secondary*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery
  • Subarachnoid Space / pathology
  • Subarachnoid Space / physiopathology*