[Multiple gliomas: clinical studies and pathophysiological hypothesis].
BACKGROUND
Although a rare entity, multiple gliomas must be recognized and distinguished from other causes of multiple brain lesions.


METHODS
Clinical and radiological features of 33 multiple gliomas were reviewed, including 20 synchronous cases and 13 metachronous cases.


RESULTS
In 17 patients, radiological features were highly suggestive of spread from a primary site (multifocal gliomas). No apparent dissemination route was identified in the other cases which were presumed to be multicentric gliomas. For nine patients (27 percent), a second neoplasia or cancer was found in first degree relatives suggesting a genetic predisposition. Overall median survival was 79 weeks (64 weeks for glioblastomas). The age at onset was the main prognostic factor.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple gliomas represent a heterogeneous entity, probably corresponding to different mechanisms. In our group, survival was comparable to unique glioma.
Auré
K
K
Service de Neurologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris.
Laigle-Donadey
F
F
Kaloshi
G
G
Amiel-Benouaich
A
A
Sanson
M
M
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography