Pontine Glioma
Findings:
Coronal and sagittal MR images show a large, expansile
mass in the pons, with central hypointensity and moderate surrounding signal
abnormality.
Differential Diagnosis:
glioma, met, ADEM less likely
Discussion:
-brainstem glioma
-15% of all ped CNS neoplasms, peak 3-10
yrs.
-clinical: CN palsies, pyramidal tract
-recur after chemo/rad- 10-30% 5ys
-exophytic growth, expanded pons with displacement/encasement
of basilar artery
-enhancement poor correlation with grade
-25% cystic or hemorrhagic