Multicentric glioblastoma multiforme occurring in the supra- and the infratentorial regions--case report

A 74-year-old male was admitted because of severe headache, vertigo, and vomiting. A computed tomographic scan showed heterogeneously enhanced tumors in the supra- and the infratentorial regions, apparently attached to the cerebellar tentorium. He died 2 months after the onset despite external decompression and a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. The autopsy showed both tumors were intra-axial and not attached to the dura mater including the cerebellar tentorium. The histological diagnosis of either tumor was glioblastoma multiforme. This case could be classified as multicentric gliomas. In the 23 reported cases, including our case, most died soon after the onset of symptoms. Some, however, with low grade tumors had a comparatively long life span after the onset. It is, therefore, important to investigate the histology of these tumors for correct prognosis.