ABSTRACT

Background:

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common glial cell tumor of the adult brain. However, primary GB of the spinal cord is a rare condition.

Case Description:

A 41-year-old male patient was operated for the T6-T8 intramedullary lesion in October/2009, and histopathology turned out to be peripheral gliosis around necrosis and inflamation areas. When his symptoms are progressed; subtotal resection was performed for recurrent spinal lesion in February/2011 and it was reported as spinal giant cell GB. After subtotal resection; external beam radiotherapy and concomitant temozolamid were performed. Leptomeningeal dissemination to the brain and acute ventricular hydrocephalia were detected in the first follow up control after completion of chemoradition. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed and the patient was followed up with supportive care and subsequently died due to disease progression three months later.

Conclusion:

Spinal GB is an extremely rare and aggressive disease. Leptomeningeal dissemination and intracranial metastases is frequently observed in spinal GB. When amenable postoperative craniospinal RT can be an efficient treatment method for disease control.