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Gliomatosis cerebri--an appropriate diagnosis? Case reports
E Fallentin1, E Skriver, M Herning
1Department of Radiology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Gliomatosis cerebri may not be a distinct entity. Diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas exhibit significant infiltration potential, suggesting a re-evaluation of current diagnostic criteria for these brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neuropathology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare primary brain tumor characterized by diffuse infiltration of the brain.
- Distinguishing gliomatosis cerebri from diffuse astrocytomas can be challenging clinically, radiologically, and pathologically.
Observation:
- This study assessed four patients with diffusely infiltrating astrocytic tumors exhibiting features consistent with gliomatosis cerebri.
- Diagnostic methods included computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and pathological analyses.
Findings:
- The findings suggest that some diffuse astrocytomas possess a remarkable capacity for widespread infiltration.
- The distinctiveness of gliomatosis cerebri as a separate diagnostic entity is questioned based on these observations.
Implications:
- A diagnosis of diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma may be more appropriate for cases previously classified as gliomatosis cerebri.
- This could lead to revised diagnostic criteria and potentially alter treatment strategies for these brain tumors.