Uncal decompression in gliomatosis cerebri

Gliomatosis cerebri is defined as an infiltration, by an infiltrative glioma, of more than two cerebral lobes. Depending on response to treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), clinical course may prolong over several months. Surgical excision has a very limited role in the management of this diagnosis. We present the case of a 48 year-old woman in whom a decompressive temporal lobectomy was performed in the context of a gliomatosis. Relief of intracranial hypertension allowed further treatment and a survival of 23 months. Relevant literature on the subject has been reviewed. There is the possibility of offering a decompressive lobectomy in selected cases of gliomatosis, allowing to undergo other treatment modalities.