Primary Intracranial Sarcoma Presenting as Chronic Subdural Fluid Collections in a Child.
BACKGROUND
Chronic subdural hematoma in the pediatric population often results from trauma. Asymptomatic and benign-appearing subdural collections are generally managed conservatively without operative intervention. Primary intracranial sarcomas are uncommon entities. Diagnosis of sarcoma can be difficult because these lesions often manifest as apparent hematoma.


METHODS
Presented is the case of a primary intracranial mucoid spindle cell sarcoma that arose in a child with a history of benign-appearing bilateral subdural fluid collections in the setting of nonaccidental trauma. The patient was initially managed conservatively because her neurological examination result was normal and her subdural collections decreased in size on repeated imaging. The collections did not resolve completely. Years later, she exhibited weakness, seizure, and an increase in the size of her subdural fluid collection. Subdural drainage was attempted without significant effect. Cytologic assessment of fluid was negative for malignant cells. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple enhancing masses along the subdural collection. The patient eventually underwent craniotomy in which a diagnosis of sarcoma was obtained. Pathological and radiographic findings as well as oncological management are reviewed. The authors also review the natural history and treatment of primary intracranial sarcoma in the pediatric population.


CONCLUSIONS
Early contrasted magnetic resonance imaging should be obtained in patients with subdural fluid collections that appear asymmetric or do not resolve in the expected time course, despite having a normal neurologic examination result. Negative cytologic assessment does not exclude sarcoma diagnosis.
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. Electronic address: chad-glenn@ouhsc.edu.
Chad A
CA
Glenn
Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Kar-Ming
KM
Fung
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Hurtis J
HJ
Tullos
Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Rene Y
RY
McNall-Knapp
Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Divya
D
Gunda
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Timothy B
TB
Mapstone
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D020200:Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery
Hematoma; Intracranial; Pediatric; Sarcoma; Subdural