Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma/astrocytoma

Last revised by Ali Alsmair on 21 Dec 2021

Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma/astrocytoma is a rare intracranial tumor, which despite its aggressive appearances tend to have a good prognosis and are considered WHO grade 1 tumor. 

Previously considered separate entities, desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma and desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma are now grouped together in the current (2021) WHO classification of CNS tumor, recognizing the clinical, radiological and pathological similarities of the two entities 2

The vast majority occur in children below the age of 2 years, and males are more commonly affected with a M:F ratio of approximately 1.5-2:1 1,2. Only a handful of adult cases have been reported, again with a male predilection 2

A rapidly increasing head circumference is the most common presentation, with symptoms usually presenting in a short time (5 days to 3 months) 1.

Seizure activity is uncommon.

Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma and gangliogliomas are typically large predominantly cystic tumors with a peripheral solid component abutting and attached to the meninges 2

These tumors are heterogeneous, with the solid peripheral desmoplastic component composed of meningeal tumor cells, primarily a mixture of fibroblast-like cells and neuroepithelial cells embedded within a connective tissue background 2. In both desmoplastic infantile astrocytomas and desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas the dominant neuroepithelial component is composed of astrocytes, however, in the latter neoplastic neuronal elements are also identified 2.  

Leptomeningeal desmoplastic component: 

Neuroepithelial component: 

  • GFAP: positive
  • neuronal markers (e.g. synaptophysin): positive if ganglion cells present

Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma manifests as an exceptionally large cerebral hemispheric mass composed of both cystic and solid portions (usually more cystic plus a mural nodule) involving both cortex and meninges. The frontal and parietal lobes are the most common sites.

The solid portion of these large masses is typically slightly hyperattenuating and usually located along the cortical margin of the mass. Following administration of contrast, these masses usually enhance intensely and may demonstrate a dural tail 1.  

Calcification is variably reported, uncommon in some series and up to 50% in others 1,3.

The solid portions typically have the following signal intensity 1:

  • T1: isointense to brain parenchyma
  • T2: isointense to brain parenchyma
  • T1 C+ (Gd)

Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, however, because of the large size of these lesions and the firm attachment to the dura, complete resection is difficult and a significant rate of perioperative mortality can result from attempted surgical excision. If complete resection is achieved, however, excellent long-term disease-free survival can be expected 2

In cases of partial resection, adjunctive chemotherapy may be considered and have been reported to produced some reduction in tumor volume 1.

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