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Pilocytic astrocytoma

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Headaches and ataxia.

Patient Data

Age: 12 years
Gender: Male

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

MRI brain

mri

Selected images from an MRI of the posterior fossa demonstrates a large cystic mass with peripheral nodular enhancement. It appears to be arising from the left hemisphere, displacing and compressing the fourth ventricle. Given the patients age, the ventricles appear enlarged in keeping with hydrocephalus. 

Case Discussion

These are fairly typical appearances of a pilocytic astrocytoma - a cystic mass with mural enhancing nodule in a child. 

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