Pediatric midbrain tectal glioneuronal tumor with intratumoral hemorrhage: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION

Glioneuronal tumors (GNTs) are benign mixed brain tumors composed of differentiated glial and neuronal cells. We report the first case of intratumoral hemorrhage in pediatric tectal glioneuronal tumor.

CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 5-year-old boy who presented with intermittent headaches and vomiting. Imaging studies revealed a tectal tumor with ventricular dilatations due to aqueductal stenosis. The patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and tumor biopsy, which revealed a pathological diagnosis of GNT. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was closely monitored with an imaging study. After 6 months, the patient developed sudden drowsiness, headache, and vomiting. A head CT scan showed intratumoral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension. He gradually recovered with conservative management of blood pressure control and administration of hemostatic agents. The patient underwent open craniotomy for tumor resection 2 months after the hemorrhage in order to prevent another hemorrhagic event. The postoperative course was favorable, and he was discharged home without new neurological symptoms. The pathological diagnosis confirmed GNT.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of close follow-up in patients with tectal GNT, as intratumoral hemorrhage can occur even in tumors of low malignancy.