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Neuropediatrics 2008; 39(4): 243-245
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1103273
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma of the Spinal Cord with Cerebrospinal Fluid and Peritoneal Metastasis

S. Arulrajah 1 , T. A. G. M. Huisman 1
  • 1Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
Further Information

Publication History

received 21.07.2008 revised 01.10.2008

accepted 23.10.2008

Publication Date:
22 January 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently described rare tumor which is a variant of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). It exhibits a more aggressive behavior than PA. Spinal cord PMA has been reported in two articles in the past and none of the reported case had extraneural metastasis. We report on a female child with cervical cord PMA with diffuse leptomeningeal metastasis involving the brain and spinal cord. Two years later she presented with peritoneal carcinomatoses which was consistent with metastatic tumor via a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. This case confirms the aggressive behavior of PMA and makes clinicians aware of the possibility of extraneural, peritoneal metastasis through a VP shunt.

Key words

astrocytoma - pilomyxoid - spinal cord - brain - metastases - peritoneal cavity - shunt - ventriculoperitoneal

References

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Correspondence

S. Arulrajah

Division of Pediatric Radiology

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

600 N Wolfe Street

Nelson B-173

Baltimore

21287-0842 MD

USA

Phone: +1/410/955 61 40

Fax: +1/410/502 36 33

Email: sahayini@gmail.com