Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor metastasis to the abdomen via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) include a heterogeneous group that originate from primitive neuroepithelial cells. PNETs are prone to cerebrospinal fluid seeding and central nervous system spread. Infratentorial PNET, or medulloblastoma, is a common brain tumor in children and metastatic spread to the abdomen via a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt has been described. Supratentorial PNETs are much less common. We present a rare case of a predominantly supratentorial PNET metastasizing to the abdomen via a VP shunt and discuss the radiological findings. This case demonstrates the small but real risk of metastatic spread, which should be weighed when considering VP shunt placement.
Boyd
David T
DT
Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd., N.W.,Washington, DC,20007, USA. boydd323@aol.com
Hayeri
Mohammad R
MR
Vyas
Pranav K
PK
D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / Q000473:pathology*; D018241:Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary*; D015173:Supratentorial Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000009:adverse effects*