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Gliomatosis cerebri: a case report
M Gottesman1, H Laufer, M Patel
1Division of Neurology, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501.
Clinical Neuropathology
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Gliomatosis cerebri, a rare brain tumor, infiltrated the entire cerebral hemisphere in a 46-year-old woman. This case highlights the challenging diagnosis and controversial histopathology of this aggressive neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare primary brain tumor characterized by diffuse infiltration of the cerebral white matter.
- Early diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and normal neurological examinations between episodes.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman presented with a five-year history of seizures and psychiatric disturbances.
- She experienced episodes of lethargy, disorientation, and headache, responsive to Mannitol, with a fatal outcome after the third episode.
- Neurological examinations were normal between episodes, with the patient exhibiting anosognosia (denial of illness).
Findings:
- Postmortem examination revealed diffuse infiltration of the right cerebral hemisphere by neoplastic cells resembling astrocytes.
- The tumor infiltrated extensively, causing significant enlargement of the affected hemisphere.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic difficulties and aggressive nature of gliomatosis cerebri.
- Understanding the controversial histopathologic features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this rare entity.