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[Ganglioglioma in a child--report of a case]
Insights
A young boy with intractable epilepsy underwent surgery for a parietal lobe ganglioglioma. Successful tumor removal improved seizure control and reduced medication needs.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Surgical Neurology
Background:
- Intractable epilepsy in children necessitates advanced treatment strategies.
- Gangliogliomas are rare tumors often associated with epilepsy.
- Surgical intervention is considered for refractory cases.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with refractory seizures since age 4.
- CT imaging revealed a low-density lesion in the left parietal lobe.
- Surgical exploration showed a poorly demarcated tumor with protruding cerebral cortex.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed a ganglioglioma.
- Complete tumor resection was not feasible due to unclear tissue boundaries.
- Post-operatively, the patient experienced no neurological deficits.
Implications:
- Surgical management of pediatric ganglioglioma can alleviate intractable epilepsy.
- Despite incomplete resection, significant clinical improvement was observed.
- This case highlights the importance of surgical consideration for drug-resistant epilepsy in children.
Abstract:
A seven-year-old boy who was admitted for surgical treatment for intractable epilepsy was found to have a ganglioglioma in his left parietal lobe. Since four years old, he had been suffering from the seizure and treated with various anticonvulsants without satisfactory effects. As its frequency increased, the dose had to be increased. Thus, it was sought for the possible surgical approach. On the CT scans, an egg size low density zone without contrast enhancement was observed in the subcortical region of his parietal lobe. There was marked thinning on inner table of the skull immediately above the zone. He was operated under fronto-temporo-parietal craniotomy. When the dura matter was opened, pale cerebral cortex protruded. Complete removal of the tumor was not possible, since there was not clear boundary between the mass and normal tissue. Based on histological study, it was diagnosed as ganglioglioma, because its main body contained increased number of glia which had deeply stained ununiform size nuclei. After the operation, he showed neither motor paralysis nor sensory disturbance and was able to sustain his activity with less amount of anticonvulsant.