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Pilocytic astrocytoma

Case contributed by Abdallah Al Khateeb
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Ataxia, vomiting and papilledema.

Patient Data

Age: 20 months
Gender: Male

MRI Brain

mri

Large cystic mass in the right cerebellar hemisphere with peripheral thick nodular enhancement. 

Significant mass effect on the cerebellum and the fourth ventricle, crowded foramen magnum, signs of obstructive hydrocephalus and transependymal edema. 

Case Discussion

The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor.

HISTOPATHOLOGY

Microscopic description: Bi-phasic growth pattern of alternating microcystic and more compact cellular areas. The cells exhibit hair-like processes embedded in a fibrillary background. No evidence of atypia, nuclear pleomorphism, necrosis or increased mitosis is seen. Those glial cells are strongly positive for GFAP immunostatins, Ki-67 proliferative index is estimated at 3%.

Diagnosis: Pilocytic astrocytoma - WHO grade I.

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