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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
Glioblastoma multiforme at the corpus callosum with spinal leptomeningeal metastasis
Pirada Witoonpanich1, Krittika Bamrungrak, Artit Jinawath
1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) often occurs in the supratentorial white matter including corpus callosum. However, spinal leptomeningeal metastasis in cases of supratentorial GBM has been reported to be rare and there is usually a long interval between the cerebral lesion and the spinal seeding. We report here a case of GBM at the corpus callosum and other parts of the brain with simultaneous manifestation of spinal leptomeningeal seeding. The patient exhibited an abnormal motor behavior of the left hand as mirror movement when the right hand was performing a unimanual task (diagonistic dyspraxia) which is a sign of lesion of the posterior part and splenium of the corpus callosum. There were also signs of peripheral nerve or nerve root involvement suggestive of spinal metastasis without any sensory symptoms. He died 3 months after the onset of the symptoms confirming the poor prognosis and short survival time in cases with spinal leptomeningeal metastasis reported previously. The cerebral GBM with spinal seeding was disclosed at autopsy.
Insights
This study presents a rare case of simultaneous spinal leptomeningeal seeding in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) of the corpus callosum. The findings highlight the rapid progression and poor prognosis associated with this aggressive brain cancer complication.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) typically affects the supratentorial white matter.
- Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis from supratentorial GBM is uncommon, usually occurring after a significant delay.
Observation:
- A patient presented with glioblastoma multiforme involving the corpus callosum and simultaneous spinal leptomeningeal seeding.
- Clinical signs included mirror movements (diagnistic dyspraxia) indicating corpus callosum involvement and peripheral nerve symptoms suggesting spinal metastasis.
- The patient experienced rapid symptom onset and succumbed to the disease within three months.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates the rare simultaneous occurrence of cerebral GBM and spinal leptomeningeal metastasis.
- Autopsy confirmed the presence of both primary brain tumor and metastatic seeding in the spinal leptomeninges.
- The clinical presentation included specific neurological deficits related to corpus callosum and spinal nerve root compromise.
Implications:
- Simultaneous spinal leptomeningeal metastasis in GBM, though rare, signifies an aggressive disease course with a very short survival time.
- Early recognition of spinal involvement may be crucial for patient management, despite the poor prognosis.
- This case underscores the importance of considering leptomeningeal spread in GBM patients presenting with atypical neurological symptoms.
