title: Temporal and optic pathway pilomyxoid astrocytoma mimicking dural-based lesion: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Pilomyxoid astrocytomas (PMAs) are low-grade tumors that share many common traits with pilocytic astrocytomas. However, PMAs have a more worrisome clinical course, with a higher recurrence rate, lower survival rate, and higher risk of leptomeningeal spread compared to pilocytic tumors. These tumors tend to occur in younger children and are typically located in the area of the optic chiasm or hypothalamus. There are few studies examining the radiographic appearance of these lesions. In this case report, the authors present an unusual radiographic appearance of a PMA in an 11-year-old child. Preoperative images suggested a dural-based, homogenously enhancing lesion coupled with an enlarged optic nerve. Surgery revealed an intraparenchymal lesion of the right temporal lobe. There was hyperintensity on T2 MRI sequences, suggesting infiltration of the tumor along the optic tracts.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5200, USA.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Charles G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Kulwin
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Saul
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Chang Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Daniel H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Fulkerson
mesh_terms: D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013355:Subdural Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery