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Intracranial Orthotopic Allografting of Medulloblastoma Cells in Immunocompromised Mice
Published on: October 3, 2010
Adult medulloblastoma: review of 13 cases with emphasis on MRI
R L Becker1, A D Becker, D F Sobel
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, CA 90505, USA.
Abstract:
Medulloblastomas are generally associated with childhood, but 14-30% occur in adults, accounting for 1% of adult central nervous system tumors. While approximately one third of adult medulloblastomas present as vermian tumors similar to those seen in childhood, the majority differ substantially from the childhood variety. In this series of 13 patients, 5 had lateral, seemingly extra-axial masses in the cerebellopontine angle or at the tentorium, simulating meningiomas or acoustic neuromas, but angiographic hypovascularity in 2 of the latter suggested a diagnosis other than meningioma. Of 4 paramedian tumors, 3 diffusely infiltrated the cerebellar white matter, showed little or no gadolinium enhancement and were not associated with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus was present in less than half of our patients; in childhood the reported incidence is 85-100%. A possible association with pregnancy was noted.
Insights
Adult medulloblastomas present differently than childhood types, often appearing as lateral masses. This study highlights unique characteristics of adult medulloblastomas, differing from pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric and Adult Oncology
Background:
- Medulloblastomas are predominantly childhood tumors, but 14-30% occur in adults, representing 1% of adult CNS tumors.
- Adult medulloblastomas often present with distinct radiological and clinical features compared to pediatric medulloblastomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the varied clinical and radiological presentations of adult medulloblastomas.
- To differentiate adult medulloblastomas from typical childhood presentations and other adult brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 adult medulloblastoma cases.
- Review of clinical data, imaging (including angiography and gadolinium enhancement), and presenting symptoms.
Main Results:
- One-third presented as vermian tumors, similar to childhood cases.
- The majority showed atypical presentations: 5 lateral, extra-axial masses mimicking meningiomas/neuromas, and 4 paramedian tumors with diffuse infiltration and minimal enhancement.
- Hydrocephalus was less common (less than half) than in childhood (85-100%).
- A potential association with pregnancy was observed.
Conclusions:
- Adult medulloblastomas exhibit significant heterogeneity, often differing from childhood medulloblastomas.
- Lateral, extra-axial presentations and diffuse infiltration without hydrocephalus are characteristic of some adult medulloblastomas.
- Radiological features like hypovascularity can aid in differentiating these tumors from mimics such as meningiomas.
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