Intramedullary Metastasis of Medulloblastoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant brain tumor with a usual potential for leptomeningeal spread. Intramedullary metastases of MB are rare and there are very few cases reported in the literature. Here, we report the case of an 18-year-old man with intramedullary spinal cord metastasis of MB occurring 9 years after the first diagnosis. The patient presented a 2-month history of progressive weakness in both lower limbs associated with urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a large intramedullary spinal cord tumor extending from T10 to L1. The patient underwent surgical decompression and adjuvant therapy. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of classic MB metastasis. Postoperatively, the neurological status was stationary. Intramedullary metastasis of medulloblastoma is rare and difficult to manage with a poor prognosis. Comprehensive studies on the medulloblastoma dissemination mechanisms and clinical trials are needed to assess combined therapeutic approaches on metastases of MB.

Microsurgical Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Medulloblastoma, Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Medulloblastoma may grow to occupy CPA through two pathways, lateral extension from the fourth ventricle through the foramen of loschka, or direct exophytic growth from the site of origin at the surface of cerebellum or pons [12] [13] [14] [15].…”

“…Gross-total resection of MB is vital when it is possible, because residual tumor is associated with a worse progression free survival. In case of an extra-axial tumor the surgeon can choose to accomplish a subtotal resection in order to avoid neurological deficit and to treat residual tumor with radio surgery [6] [7] [14] [15].…”