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Diffuse astrocytoma initially presenting as a massive intracerebral hemorrhage: case report
Takao Nozaki1, Haruhiko Sato, Tomohiro Yamazoe
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine.
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|January 15, 2014
Summary
A rare case of low-grade astrocytoma presented as sudden intracranial hemorrhage. This emphasizes considering brain tumors in patients with unexplained hemorrhage, even without typical risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Low-grade astrocytomas are typically slow-growing brain tumors.
- Intracranial hemorrhage is an uncommon initial presentation for astrocytoma.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old woman presented with a massive intracranial hemorrhage, leading to coma.
- Emergency craniotomy revealed tumor-like tissue consistent with diffuse astrocytoma (WHO grade II) within the hematoma cavity.
Findings:
- The patient underwent complete tumor resection in a second operation 3 years later, with histology confirming diffuse astrocytoma (WHO grade II).
- This case highlights that brain tumors, including low-grade astrocytoma, can manifest as subcortical hemorrhage in individuals lacking conventional risk factors.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider brain tumors in the differential diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage, particularly in patients without established risk factors.
- Early recognition and appropriate management of astrocytoma presenting as hemorrhage are crucial for patient outcomes.
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