Articles

Spinal dissemination of glial tumours: Two case reports and review of the literature

BJMO - volume 15, issue 7, november 2021

A. Balland MD, P-A. Poncelet MD, L. Renard MD, N. Whenham MD

SUMMARY

Glioblastoma rarely metastasise outside the brain. Mechanisms of distant dissemination are unclear, therapeutic options limited and prognosis poor. Here we report two cases of glial tumour with a secondary spinal spread. During their follow-up, patients developed neurological symptoms suggestive of a medullary affection. Diagnosis was based on spine MRI with demonstration of intramedullary or leptomeningeal enhancing lesions. Disease rapidly developed with an unfavourable outcome, despite oncological and best supportive treatments. We present a review of the literature focused on spinal dissemination of primary intracranial glioblastoma. We analyse the pathogenesis and the genetic mutations which might be involved. Finally, we discuss symptoms and possible treatments.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2021;15(7):374-9)

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