Occipital ganglio-neuroblastoma in an adult.
BACKGROUND
Ganglioneuroblastomas (GNBs) are embryonic neoplasms, whose behaviour are not well established; 80% of cases occur in the first decade, while only two cases in the adulthood had been reported.


METHODS
This 60-year-old female presented with a 2-month history of headache, vertigo, amnesia. A right brachio-crural hemiparesis, right homonymous hemianopsia and sensorial dysphasia was evident. A CT scan revealed a left occipital lesion. MRI scan was not performed because the patient had an anal sphincter stimulator. Three years before thyroidectomy for a follicular carcinoma was performed. A total body CT scan was negative. A left occipital craniotomy was carried out and a solid mass was totally excised. A diagnosis of GNB was made from histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. Post-operatively the patient recovered from the hemiparesis while the visual disturbances persisted. She underwent fractioned radiotherapy (60 Gy) and chemotherapy with Temozolomide. She remained disease free 18 months after diagnosis. A CT scan showed no evidence of recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent observations suggest that in spite of an embryonal appearance, these tumours are circumscribed and have a better prognosis than malignant gliomas.
Sabatino
Giovanni
G
Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University School of Medicine, Largo Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. giosaba@inwind.it
Lauriola
Libero
L
Sioletic
Stefano
S
Puca
Alfredo
A
D018263:Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D018305:Ganglioneuroblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009778:Occipital Lobe / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery