Cerebral astroblastoma.
BACKGROUND
Astroblastoma is a rare glial tumour about which little is known.


METHODS
We report a case of cerebral high grade astroblastoma and discuss the clinical, histopathological, surgical, radiological and prognostic features of this tumour, in the light of the pertinent literature.


RESULTS
Present patient had an initial histological diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. Three years later an histological reevaluation was performed and revealed a high grade astroblastoma. Our patient underwent surgical removal and radiotherapy; five years after the operation he is alive and without evidence of recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Classification and histogenesis of this tumour is still debated. The lack of a clinicopathological correlation makes the prognosis of this tumour unpredictable. The optimal management is not defined, but total resection and post-operative radiotherapy seem to be the effective means to treat the astroblastoma.
Caroli
E
E
Ospedale S. Andrea, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy. manucarol2000@yahoo.it
Salvati
M
M
Esposito
V
V
Orlando
E R
ER
Giangaspero
F
F
D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D018302:Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed