Presentation
Referred with a headache and intractable vomiting and ataxia.
Patient Data
Evidence of pons swelling and enlargement replaced by large ill-defined mass with some foci of hemorrhage is noted which is extended caudally. This mass has minimal enhancement after gadolinium injection. Compression effect on 4th ventricle caused obstructive hydrocephalus. Encasement of the basilar artery is noted in some parts without narrowing or occlusion.
Case Discussion
The pons is the most common location for brainstem glioma. Brainstem gliomas account for about 25% of all posterior fossa tumors and are most common in children between 7 and 9 years of age 1. No gender or racial predilection is seen. Prognosis of diffuse brain stem glioma is terrible with 90-100% die within 2 years after diagnosis 2.