A Rare Presentation of Multifocal Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Neuroradiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Multifocal brain tumors typically spread within a single cerebral hemisphere along white matter tracts.
• Anaplastic oligodendroglioma is an aggressive primary brain tumor.

Observation:

• A 28-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of brain lesions.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated three discrete, heterogeneously enhancing lesions in the left frontoparietal lobes.
• The lesions were cortical-based, indicating a superficial location within the brain's outer layer.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination of a biopsy obtained via left frontal craniotomy confirmed the diagnosis of anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
• The imaging and pathological findings were consistent with a multifocal presentation of this specific glioma subtype.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering multifocal anaplastic oligodendroglioma in the differential diagnosis of multiple brain lesions, even with unusual distribution.
• Understanding the MRI characteristics of such presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Further research into the dissemination patterns of anaplastic oligodendroglioma may improve patient outcomes.