Abstract
BACKGROUND
Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a glial tumor that occurs predominantly in the hypothalamic-chiasmatic region and rarely in spinal cord. It has similar features as pilocytic astrocytomas, with some distinct histological characteristics and worse prognosis. The 2007 WHO recognized PMA as a Grade II glioma due to its aggressive behavior and dissemination tendency, but according to 2016 version grading of the pilomyxoid variant is under research. Here we report a case with a rare location, aggressive behavior and rapid progression. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-year-old boy presented with headache, nausea, vomiting. Imaging revealed an intramedullary tumor extending from C2 to C6 with hydrocephalus. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and complete surgical resection were performed with significant improvement in the patient’s condition. Histopathological findings were consistent with pilomyxoid variant of pilocytic astrocytoma, with negative BRAF V600E and MGMT. Three months later, the follow-up imaging revealed disease recurrence with leptomeningeal metastases, for which the patient received standard-dose craniospinal irradiation 35.2 Gy with boosts to tumor bed and metastatic sites 49.6 Gy and 54 Gy respectively. 11 months later tumor progression was revealed with new metastatic lesions in the bones. Patient received 6 cycles of chemotherapy with TMZ and Avastin, but continued to suffer disease progression on therapy and he succumbed to his disease at 24 months from diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
Given the rarity of documented patients with spinal pilomyxoid astrocytoma with rapid progression, as well as the lack of certain WHO classification and treatment guidelines, this case report might be useful for development of more efficient treatment strategies.
Isolated hemangioblastoma of the cervical spinal cord: A case report and literature review
