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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2022; 20(02): 129-132
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736556
Case Report

Partial Regression of Congenital Brain Stem Glioma and Its Outcome

Sandeep Kadam
1   Department of Pediatrics, KEM Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India
,
Rajendra Chavan
1   Department of Pediatrics, KEM Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India
,
Archana Kadam
1   Department of Pediatrics, KEM Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India
,
Sanjay Patole
2   Department of Neonatal Pediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women and University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Abstract

Congenital brain stem gliomas are rare in neonates and are difficult to diagnose given their subtle clinical presentation. They are usually associated with poor prognosis by their location and behavior. However, there are few reports of spontaneous regression of brain stem glioma with favorable long-term outcome. In this article, we reported a case of congenital brain stem glioma with a normal long-term outcome where a wait and watch approach allowed observation of spontaneous partial regression of the tumor with normal neurodevelopmental outcome at 40 months of age. The optimal approach to the management of children with brain stem glioma is difficult to define as, in general, the prognosis is considered poor. Selecting an “early intervention” or “wait and watch” approach depends on the nature, size, and progression of the lesion, and the risk versus benefits of early intervention. The clinical course of our case suggests that a conservative approach may be justified in selected cases as long as the parents have been counselled and regular frequent follow-up is assured.

Keywords

neonate - congenital - brain tumor - outcome


Publication History

Received: 20 July 2021

Accepted: 18 September 2021

Article published online:
29 October 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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