Diffuse brainstem glioma

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Cerebellar signs

Patient Data

Age: 5 years
Gender: Male
mri

There is a relatively ill-defined mass enlarging the brainstem (centered on the pons), with encasement and anterior displacement of the basilar artery against the clivus, mass effect on the 4th ventricle which is laminated and displaced posteriorly with tonsillar herniation. It is of low signal on T1, heterogeneous high signal on FLAIR/T2 with small punctate areas of enhancement on postcontrast sequences. No restricted diffusion is seen on DWI/ADC. Dilated 3rd and lateral ventricles indicating obstructive hydrocephalus.

Case Discussion

MRI features are most consistent with a diffuse brainstem glioma.

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