Osteoblastic metastases from astrocytomas: a report of two cases

Med Pediatr Oncol. 1991;19(4):318-24. doi: 10.1002/mpo.2950190419.

Abstract

The spread of primary central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms beyond the confines of the neuraxis is a relatively uncommon observation. Extraneural metastases involving bone are quite rare, and have been observed almost exclusively in cases of medulloblastoma, high-grade (III-IV) astrocytoma, and glioblastoma multiforme. To date there has been only one case reported of bone metastasis from a "well-differentiated" astrocytoma. We now report two cases of astrocytoma in children with diffuse osteoblastic metastases and a fulminant clinical course. These cases demonstrate that due to the potential morphologic heterogeneity of these neoplasms, an initial biopsy diagnosis of low-grade astrocytoma does not always imply a benign clinical course.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis
  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Astrocytoma / secondary*
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / secondary