title: Spontaneous regression of multicentric pilocytic astrocytoma with CSF dissemination in an adult.
abstract: We present a case of spontaneous regression of multicentric pilocytic astrocytoma with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination without neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) in an adult, the first such case reported. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple low signal intensity lesions on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity areas on T2-weighted images in the bilateral thalamus, basal ganglia and midbrain. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed that small, enhanced lesions were seen in the basal ganglia and the pineal region. Neuroendoscopic biopsy and third ventriculostomy were performed. Intraoperative findings demonstrated CSF dissemination. Histologically, the specimens showed pilocytic astrocytoma. Serial MRIs showed regression of the tumor without any additional treatment. The clinical features of spontaneous regression of pilocytic astrocytoma are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan. skeiichi@shinshu-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sakai
authors.forename: Takahiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Miyahara
authors.forename: Keiji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsutsumi
authors.forename: Tomoki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kaneko
authors.forename: Mana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fukushima
authors.forename: Yuichiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Kazuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hongo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000473:pathology; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000473:pathology*; D013788:Thalamus / Q000473:pathology