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Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma Masquerading as an Arachnoid Cyst
Pankaj Nepal1, Vijayanadh Ojili2, Narendra Adhikari3
1Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Connecticut, USA.
Insights
Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG) is a rare pediatric brain tumor. This case report details imaging findings that aided in its diagnosis, highlighting its favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG) is a rare supratentorial tumor diagnosed in infants.
- DIG typically presents with a favorable prognosis.
Observation:
- A three-month-old boy presented with decreased activity and excessive crying.
- Initial non-contrast CT scans mimicked an extra-axial arachnoid cyst.
Findings:
- MRI with contrast administration revealed characteristic findings of DIG.
- This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare pediatric brain tumors.
Implications:
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of DIG is crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Radiological findings, particularly post-contrast MRI, are key to differentiating DIG from other pediatric brain lesions.
Abstract:
Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG) is a rare supratentorial brain tumor, which is usually diagnosed before the age of two and has a favorable prognosis. To date, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of DIG in a three-month-old boy who presented to our pediatric emergency department with decreased activity and excessive crying. This case report highlights the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of this rare tumor. Non-contrast CT scan findings in our case initially masqueraded as an extra-axial arachnoid cyst; however, the MRI findings after contrast agent administration were typical for the diagnosis of DIG.

