Gliomatosis cerebri presenting with optic nerve involvement: MRI

Neuroradiology. 1996 Nov;38(8):774-7. doi: 10.1007/s002340050345.

Abstract

Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare form of astrocytoma characterized by extreme infiltration of the brain structure in conjunction with a relative paucity of clinical findings. We describe the MRI findings in a patient with gliomatosis cerebri widely infiltrating the brain who presented with symptoms related to involvement of the optic nerves and chiasm. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed enlargement of the optic nerves and chiasm with pathological enhancement; T2-weighted images showed extensive infiltration of the brain by tumor. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed anaplastic astrocytoma with gemistocytic predominance and a diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri was reached.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / etiology
  • Female
  • Glioma / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Optic Chiasm / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*