Intracranial pilocytic astrocytoma with spinal drop metastasis: A case review, discussion of its current management and related literature

Abstract

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a low grade benign tumor, commonly occurs in Cerebellum (42-60%), Optic & hypothalamic region (9-30%), Brain Stem (9%). They rarely spread. It rarely occurs within the ventricle. In this report, we described our experience with cranial pilocytic astrocytoma in a 14-year-old child, who initially treated with near total decompression of tumor. Four and half years later, recurrence of primary tumor with obstructive hydrocephalus occurred for which he underwent ventriculo-peritoneal shunt followed by re-excision. As further treatment was being evaluated for radiotherapy in view of recurrence at the primary site, he got detected to have significant spinal drop metastasis seen on MRI Spine. Finally, he underwent craniospinal irradiation (CSI).