Massive Calcified Cerebellar Pilocytic Astrocytoma with Rapid Recurrence : A Rare Case


Aydemir F., Kardes O., KAYASELÇUK F., Tufan K.

JOURNAL OF KOREAN NEUROSURGICAL SOCIETY, vol.59, no.5, pp.533-536, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

Abstract

Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) are World Heath Organization Grade I tumors and are most common in children. PA calcification is not a common finding and has been reported more frequently in the optic nerve, hypothalamic/thalamus and superficially located cerebral tumors. We present a cerebellar PA in a 3-year-old male patient with cystic components and massive calcification areas. The residual tumor grew rapidly after the first operation, and the patient was operated on again. A histopathological examination revealed polar spongioblastoma-like cells. Massive calcification is not a common feature in PAs and can lead to difficulties in radiological and pathological differential diagnoses.