[Recurrent High-grade Astroblastoma Treated with Stereotactic Radiotherapy:A Case Report]

Astroblastoma is a rare, supratentorial glial tumor, occurring predominantly in children and young adults. However, treatment strategies have not yet been established for this rare disease.

A 6-year-old boy presented with headache and nausea. CT and MRI revealed a left frontal mass lesion with slight edema and macrocalcifications. Gross tumor resection was performed. Histological examination found neoplastic cells with astroblastic characteristics, and a striking perivascular array of pseudorosettes. The final diagnosis was high-grade astroblastoma. MRI 13 months after surgery suggested local recurrence, and an enlargement was found 3 months later. Stereotactic radiotherapy(SRT)was performed. MRI after SRT showed enhanced cyst formation around the tumor bed, suggesting tumor recurrence. However, ¹¹C-methionine positron emission tomography(PET)revealed radiation necrosis. The last follow-up MRI 15 months after SRT showed no further recurrence.

Astroblastoma is rare, therefore, no optimal management is known. SRT may be effective to treat recurrent astroblastomas. ¹¹C-methionine PET/CT was useful to differentiate metastatic disease from radiation necrosis.