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Basilar invagination associated with brainstem tumor opposite the odontoid process
Abhidha Shah1,2,3, Ravikiran Vutha2,3, Atul Goel2,4,5,6
1Department of Neurosurgery, KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Journal of Craniovertebral Junction & Spine
|July 14, 2023
Summary
A rare case of a pilocytic astrocytoma brainstem tumor co-occurring with severe basilar invagination in an 8-year-old girl presented diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Basilar invagination is a rare congenital or acquired condition affecting the craniovertebral junction.
- Brainstem tumors, while uncommon, pose significant surgical and neurological challenges.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old girl presented with nasal regurgitation and hoarseness, indicative of neurological compromise.
- Imaging revealed severe basilar invagination and a large brainstem tumor (pons-medulla) adjacent to the odontoid process.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included atlantoaxial fixation and craniovertebral junction realignment.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the brainstem tumor as a pilocytic astrocytoma.
Implications:
- The simultaneous occurrence of brainstem tumors and basilar invagination is exceptionally rare.
- This case highlights the complex management strategies required for such combined pathologies.
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