Multicentric cerebellopontine angle glioblastoma multiforme

Area of Science:

• Pediatric neuro-oncology
• Neurosurgery
• Neuroradiology

Background:

• Posterior fossa glioblastoma multiforme (PF-GBM) is an exceptionally rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor.
• Primary cerebellar glioblastoma is infrequently documented, with even fewer cases reported in the literature.
• No prior reports exist of pediatric primary cerebellar glioblastoma manifesting radiologically as a cerebellopontine angle mass.

Observation:

• The case involves an 11-year-old child with a multicentric glioblastoma multiforme.
• The tumor predominantly presented as a cerebellopontine angle mass lesion on radiological imaging.
• The patient's clinical course was rapid, with expiration occurring 2 months post-surgery.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination was crucial for definitive diagnosis, revealing a complex glioblastoma multiforme.
• The unusual presentation as a cerebellopontine angle mass in a pediatric posterior fossa glioblastoma is a key finding.
• The aggressive nature of this tumor subtype is underscored by the rapid disease progression and poor outcome.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of clinical and radiological presentations for pediatric posterior fossa glioblastomas.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering rare diagnoses even with atypical presentations in pediatric neuro-oncology.
• Further research into the specific biology and treatment strategies for such rare pediatric brain tumors is warranted.