[Diffuse bone marrow metastasis in cerebellar high-grade astrocytoma. A case report]
M R P Freitas1, S D C de Muzio, R C C Pessoa
1Departamento de Oncología, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Brasil. docfreitas@gmail.com
Revista De Neurologia
|March 6, 2009
Summary
High-grade astrocytoma rarely spreads outside the brain. A case of cerebellar anaplastic astrocytoma metastasizing to bone marrow highlights an extremely poor prognosis for brain glioma patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cerebellar high-grade astrocytoma is a rare brain tumor.
- Extracranial metastases are uncommon in both cerebellar and supratentorial malignant gliomas.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old male patient presented with cerebellar anaplastic astrocytoma.
- The patient developed pancytopenia secondary to extensive bone marrow metastases.
Findings:
- Extraneural metastases from brain gliomas are rare occurrences.
- Bone marrow metastasis in glioma patients indicates an extremely poor prognosis.
Implications:
- Improved glioma survival rates may increase the incidence of rare metastatic presentations.
- Rigorously monitoring systemic manifestations is crucial for patients with brain gliomas.
