Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma: Case Report

Abstract

The pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a rare glioma recently described as a separate entity, which is generally located on the hypothalamic area. The PMA was previously described as pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) due to similarities shared between them. Recent studies provided a deeper understanding of PMA, setting it as a separate entity, though PMA is still considered by many authors a variant of PA. The PMA is considered to be more aggressive than PA; however, further studies are necessary for a better comprehension of its behavior and, hence, for neurosurgeons and neurologists to get to a consensus about its management.This study presents a 16-year-old female patient who looked for medical assistance complaining of headaches of over 6 months and vomiting for 2 weeks prior to the visit to the doctor. She presented no other symptoms. The physical examination displayed only bilateral papilledema. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed an intraventricular and thalamic lesion composed of solid and cystic material associated with peritumoral edema. The patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt and subtotal resection of the lesion. The histological and immunohistochemical studies showed typical features of PMA. The patient started adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy and radiosurgery. She has been asymptomatic for 9 months and has shown no signs of progression of the disease on the follow-up scans.