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Primary bulbo-medullary glioblastoma in a child: case report
F Lakhdar1, M Benzagmout2, K Chakour2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hassan II Hospital, University Medical School Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco. lakhdar.faycal@gmail.com.
Insights
Pediatric spinal cord glioblastoma, a rare CNS cancer, is discussed in a 5-year-old girl with brainstem extension. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing this aggressive childhood brain tumor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancers
Background:
- Spinal cord glioblastoma (GBM) is exceptionally rare in children, comprising less than 1% of pediatric CNS tumors.
- Limited data exists on the unique biology, localization, and treatment of pediatric spinal cord GBM.
- This report focuses on a unique case to contribute to understanding this rare entity.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with torticollis and bilateral brachial paresis due to a primary spinal cord glioblastoma.
- The glioblastoma uniquely extended to the brainstem, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- The patient underwent subtotal tumor resection but unfortunately succumbed to complications.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of primary spinal cord glioblastoma with brainstem extension in a pediatric patient.
- The tumor's histological type and extensive spread to the brainstem are highly unusual.
- The dismal prognosis associated with such rare pediatric tumors is underscored.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for further research into rare pediatric spinal cord glioblastomas.
- Understanding the peculiar characteristics and management strategies for this rare tumor is crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric oncology.
- The findings emphasize the aggressive nature and poor prognosis of spinal cord glioblastomas in children, particularly with brainstem involvement.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GBM) of the spinal cord represents a rare entity in children and account for less than 1% of all central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Their biology, localization, and controversial treatment options have been discussed in a few pediatric cases. Here, we report a case of primary spinal cord glioblastoma in a 5-year-old girl having the particularity to be extended to the brainstem. This tumor has been revealed by torticollis and bilateral brachial paresis. The patient underwent subtotal resection; unfortunately, she died in reanimation 1 week later by severe pneumopathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature reporting this particular localization in a child. Beyond their dismal prognosis, we discuss the rarity of the disease and describe the peculiar characteristics, management, and prognosis of this rare tumor in pediatric oncology. This case appears to be unusual for both the histological type and the extension to brain stern.
