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.
Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd., N.W.,Washington, DC,20007, USA. boydd323@aol.com
David T
DT
Boyd
Mohammad R
MR
Hayeri
Pranav K
PK
Vyas
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*