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Glioblastoma NOS (pseudoprogression)

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Patient Data

Age: Adult

Single post contrast T1 C+ image demonstrates a large heterogeneously enhancing mass in the right temporal lobe. 

The patient went on to have a craniotomy. 

Histology

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: Paraffin sections show a densely hypercellular glial tumor. This consists predominantly of astrocytic cells with marked nuclear and cellular pleomorphism. Markedly pleomorphic multinucleated tumor cells are noted in several areas. There are frequent mitotic figures with some atypical mitoses noted and there is prominent vascular endothelial cell hyperplasia. Areas of both pallisaded and confluent necrosis are also identified. Some of these incorporate thin-walled necrotic and thrombosed blood vessels. A minor oligodendroglial component is identified.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS:  glioblastoma

Note: IDH mutation status is not provided in this case and according to the current (2016) WHO classification of CNS tumors, this tumor would, therefore, be designated as a glioblastoma NOS

Treatment

Following resection, the patient undertook a course of combined chemo and radiotherapy. 

Day 1 post op

mri

Day 1 post op scan demonstrates complete resection of enhancing tumor. 

4mt later 1mth post chemorad

mri

Enhancing nodule posterior to the resection cavity has reduced CBV and a flat MRS trace. 

Follow up MRI scans

mri

Selected images from follow scans demonstrate gradual reduction in enhancement with no evidence of progression. Features are those of pseudoprogression. 

Case Discussion

Tumor pseudoprogression corresponds to an increase of lesion area related to treatment simulating a progressive disease. The term is largely used in brain tumors imaging follow-up, especially for high grade gliomas, like in this case, when observed after chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment or after just radiotherapy treatment. 

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