Glioblastoma simulating an arteriovenous malformation: a case report

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. It is enhanced by the abnormal proliferation of central nervous system cells called astrocytes. Microvascular endothelial proliferation is one of the criteria for a histological diagnosis. Hypervascular glioblastoma simulating an arteriovenous malformation is an involuntary manifestation and constitutes a rare entity.

The authors report a case of a 44-year-old patient with no history followed. Symptoms began 6 months ago with the gradual onset of headaches without vomiting or seizures associated with a drop in normal visual acuity without neurological deficit. Cerebral imaging including cerebral angiography concluding with a right parieto-occipital cerebral process probably associated with an arteriovenous malformation.

The management was surgical by biopsy after a right parieto-occipital bone flap concluding in glioblastoma. The patient needs chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions with good clinical evolution.

The coexistence of an arteriovenous malformation and glioblastoma remains an association whose pathophysiology still remains to be explored.