Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Published on: October 27, 2014
Case Report: H3K27M-Mutant Glioblastoma Simultaneously Present in the Brain and Long-Segment Spinal Cord Accompanied
Buajieerguli Maimaiti1, Salamaitiguli Mijiti1, Ting Jiang1
1Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Background:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant glioma that rarely presents as an infratentorial tumor. Multicentric (MC) gliomas involve lesions widely separated in space or time, and MC gliomas involving supra- and infratentorial brain regions are rare. In most cases, the infratentorial lesion is seen after surgical manipulation or radiation therapy; it is typically located in the cerebellum or the cervical region, manifesting as metastasis originating from the brain. Besides, venous thromboembolism in brain tumors is usually seen after craniotomy.
Case Presentation:
We present an uncommon adult case of symptomatic H3K27M-mutant MC glioblastoma simultaneously present in the brain, fourth ventricle, and cervical and lumbar spinal cord regions accompanied by acute pulmonary artery embolism in an adult woman who had not undergone previous therapeutic interventions. We also review the literature on this interesting presentation.
Conclusion:
Our report highlights that clinicians should be alert to the potential alarming presentation of GBM. The incidence of spinal metastasis of cerebral GBM is increasing. Patients with a prior diagnosis of GBM with or without any new onset in the spinal cord should undergo an early MRI of the spinal cord to confirm the diagnosis at an early stage. While management of GBM remains controversial, more research is needed to explore molecular features of GBM further and develop novel targeted therapies for these patients.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of multicentric glioblastoma (GBM) with simultaneous brain and spinal cord involvement and pulmonary embolism. Early MRI is crucial for diagnosing spinal metastasis in GBM patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Oncologic imaging and diagnostics
- Spinal oncology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare and aggressive primary brain tumor.
- Multicentric (MC) gliomas, with widely separated lesions, are uncommon.
- Simultaneous supra- and infratentorial MC gliomas are exceptionally rare, often occurring secondary to interventions.
Observation:
- An adult woman presented with symptomatic H3K27M-mutant multicentric glioblastoma.
- Tumor lesions were simultaneously present in the brain, fourth ventricle, and cervical and lumbar spinal cord.
- The patient experienced an acute pulmonary artery embolism without prior therapeutic interventions.
Findings:
- This case represents an extremely rare presentation of H3K27M-mutant multicentric glioblastoma.
- The simultaneous occurrence of supra- and infratentorial lesions, including extensive spinal cord involvement, is highly unusual.
- The presence of acute pulmonary artery embolism in this context is a critical and alarming finding.
Implications:
- Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for aggressive GBM presentations, including widespread disease.
- The increasing incidence of spinal metastasis in cerebral GBM necessitates early diagnostic spinal MRI.
- Further research into the molecular characteristics of GBM is essential for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.
