Gangliogliomas in childhood.
Ganglioglioma is a tumour of the central nervous system composed of an admixture of dysplastic nerve cells resembling pleomorphic ganglion cells, and glial elements, which may be astrocytic and/or oligodendroglial in appearance. A series of 12 patients aged between 9 months and 15 years 9 months, all of whom had suffered epilepsy refractory to medical treatment for up to 8 years, is presented. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance scans were of prime use in localisation of the tumours. Calcification was noted preoperatively in 4 of 12 cases. The majority of patients obtained at least partial relief from symptoms after complete or partial resection. Histologically, 11 of the tumours included grade 1 astrocytic elements and the remaining one exhibited grade 2 areas. The diagnosis of ganglioglioma should be suspected in a child with refractory, long-standing epilepsy. Prognosis of these tumours is determined by the astrocytic component; if this is of low grade, surgical excision may result in marked symptomatic improvement or cure.
Smith
N M
NM
Department of Histopathology, Adelaide Children's Hospital, South Australia.
Carli
M M
MM
Hanieh
A
A
Clark
B
B
Bourne
A J
AJ
Byard
R W
RW
D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed