Gliosarcomas: magnetic resonance imaging findings / Gliossarcomas: achados de ressonância magnética

Abstract Background: Central nervous system (CNS) gliosarcoma (GSM) is a rare primary neoplasm characterized by the presence of glial and sarcomatous components. Objective: In this report, we describe the clinical and neuroimaging aspects of three cases of GSM and correlate these aspects with pathological findings. We also provide a brief review of relevant literature. Methods: Three patients were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of primary GSM, without previous radiotherapy. Results: The analysis of conventional sequences (T1, T1 after contrast injection, T2, Fluid attenuation inversion recovery, SWI and DWI/ADC map) and advanced (proton 1H MR spectroscopy and perfusion) revealed an irregular, necrotic aspect of the lesion, peritumoral edema/infiltration and isointensity of the solid component on a T2-weighted image. These features were associated with irregular and peripheral contrast enhancement, lipid and lactate peaks, increased choline and creatine levels in proton spectroscopy, increased relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in perfusion, multifocality and drop metastasis in one of the cases. Conclusion: These findings are discussed in relation to the general characteristics of GSM reported in the literature.

Resumo Introdução: O gliossarcoma (GSM) do sistema nervoso central (SNC) é uma neoplasia primária rara, caracterizada pela presença de componentes gliais e sarcomatosos. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo é descrever os aspectos clínicos e de neuroimagem de três casos com este diagnóstico e correlacioná-los com os achados patológicos. Também foi realizada uma breve revisão da literatura relevante. Métodos: Três pacientes foram avaliados por ressonância magnética (RM), e biópsias confirmaram o diagnóstico de GSM primário, sem radioterapia prévia. Resultados: Foram analisadas as sequências convencionais (T1, T1 após injeção de contraste, T2, FLAIR-fluid attenuation inversion recovery, SWI, DWI/mapa ADC) e as sequências avançadas (espectroscopia de prótons 1H e perfusão), observando-se aspecto necrótico e irregular da lesão, edema/infiltração peritumoral, isointensidade do componente sólido em T2, associada a realce irregular e periférico pelo meio de contraste, pico de lípides e de lactato e aumento dos níveis de colina e creatina na espectroscopia de prótons, aumento do volume sanguíneo cerebral relativo (rCBV) na perfusão, multifocalidade e "drop" mestástase em um dos casos. Conclusão: O presente estudo descreve características do GSM, discutindo as informações na literatura científica, ilustrando algumas particularidades desses tumores.

Gliosarcoma: presentación de un caso y hallazgos por tomografía y resonancia magnética convencional y tractografía / Gliosarcoma: Case Report and Findings by Tomography and Conventional and DTI Magnetic Resonance Imaging

El gliosarcoma es un tumor raro del sistema nervioso central y de alto grado de malignidad. La OMS lo clasifica como variante del glioblastoma (grado IV) y es de mal pronóstico. Histológicamente se caracteriza por tener componentes gliales y mesenquimatosos. El cuadro clínico varía dependiendo de su localización y tamaño, los signos y síntomas más frecuentes son convulsiones, cefalea y déficit neurológico focal. El acercamiento diagnóstico inicial es la tomografía computarizada que aporta datos de sospecha; sin embargo, la resonancia magnética constituye el pilar diagnóstico, con importantes elementos de diagnóstico que se vuelven más significativos con el uso de secuencias funcionales como la tractografía. Se presenta un caso clínico con revisión de la literatura y los hallazgos más significativos en los estudios de imagen.

Gliosarcoma is a rare and highly malignant central nervous system tumor. It is classified by the WHO as a variant of glioblastoma (grade IV) and has a poor prognosis. Histologically it is characterized by having both glial and mesenchymal components. Clinically, it varies depending on the location and size of the tumor, the most frequent symptoms being seizures, headaches and focal neurological deficit. The initial diagnostic approach is computed tomography, which provides suspicionus data; however, magnetic resonance is the diagnostic pillar, providing important data that becomes more significant with the use of functional sequences such as tractography. A clinical case is presented with a literature review and the most significant findings in the imaging studies.

Extensive Pachymeningeal Dissemination of Glioblastoma Mimicking Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Case Report

Meningeal dissemination (MDS) of glioblastoma is rare, although its incidence might have been underestimated. MDS of glioblastoma has a fatal course. Thus, rapid and precise diagnosis of MDS is important for further palliative treatment. Unfortunately, MDS of glioblastoma could be diagnosed at a delayed time, causing failure to treat patient optimally. Herein, we present a case of a 56-year-old male with MDS of glioblastoma mimicking chronic subdural hemorrhage (CSDH) after head trauma due to slip down. During treatment for CSDH, MDS of glioblastoma was not controlled appropriately. The patient succumbed to MDS of glioblastoma at 9 weeks after the date of diagnosis of CSDH which could be an MDS.

Gliosarcoma of Cerebello-Pontine Angle: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gliosarcoma (GS), known as variant of glioblastoma multiforme, is aggressive and very rare primary central nervous system malignant neoplasm. They are usually located in the supratentorial area with possible direct dural invasion or only reactive dural thickening. However, in this case, GS was located in lateral side of left posterior cranial fossa. A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with 3 month history of continuous dizziness and gait disturbance without past medical history. A gadolinium-enhanced MRI demonstrated 5.6×4.8×3.2 cm sized mass lesion in left posterior cranial fossa, heterogeneously enhanced. The patient underwent left retrosigmoid craniotomy with navigation system. The tumor was combined with 2 components, whitish firm mass and gray colored soft & suckable mass. On pathologic report, the final diagnosis was GS of WHO grade IV. In spite of successful gross total resection of tumor, we were no longer able to treat because of the patient's rejection of adjuvant treatment. The patient survived for nine months without receiving any special treatment from the hospital.

Gliosarcoma in a young patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder that has variable phenotypic expressivity, with manifestations ranging from cutaneous lesions to functional compromise. It manifests clinically during childhood and adolescence. The NF-1 gene encodes a protein, neurofibromin gene, which acts as a tumor suppressor under normal conditions by regulating another protein that stimulates cell growth and proliferation. In case of alteration, different tumor processes may occur, such as the one seen in a small number of cases. Case presentation: 20-year-old male patient with NF1, who presented café-au-lait spots and developed a glioblastoma, which happens infrequently. Discussion: Immunohistochemistry methods that contribute greatly to prognosis are included to achieve the confirmed diagnosis since the median overall survival of glioblastoma patients is higher in patients with NF1 than in those without said pathological entity. Conclusion: The early diagnosis of the lesions favors a timely management of NF1. These patients require a comprehensive and interdisciplinary management to achieve full rehabilitation.

RESUMEN Introducción. La neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1) es una condición autosómica dominante que presenta una expresividad fenotípica variable, con manifestaciones que van desde lesiones cutáneas hasta compromiso funcional. Se manifiesta clínicamente durante la infancia y la adolescencia; su gen codifica una proteína, la neurofibromina, que actúa como un supresor tumoral en condiciones normales regulando, a su vez, otra proteína que estimula el crecimiento y proliferación celular. En caso de alteración se podrían presentar diferentes procesos tumorales como el que se evidencia en un reducido número de casos. Presentación de caso. Paciente masculino de 20 años con NF1, quien presentaba lesiones cutáneas como manchas color café con leche y desarrolló un glioblastoma, lo cual sucede de manera infrecuente. Discusión. Para obtener el diagnóstico confirmado se incluyen métodos de inmunohistoquímica que contribuyen en gran medida al pronóstico puesto que la mediana de supervivencia global de los pacientes de glioblastoma es mayor en pacientes con NF1 que aquellos sin dicha entidad patológica. Conclusión. El diagnóstico temprano de las lesiones favorece un manejo a tiempo de la NF1. Estos pacientes requieren un manejo integral e interdisciplinar para favorecer su rehabilitación total.

High prevalence of TP53 mutations is associated with poor survival and an EMT signature in gliosarcoma patients

Gliosarcoma (GS) is a rare variant (2%) of glioblastoma (GBM) that poses clinical genomic challenges because of its poor prognosis and limited genomic information. To gain a comprehensive view of the genomic alterations in GS and to understand the molecular etiology of GS, we applied whole-exome sequencing analyses for 28 GS cases (6 blood-matched fresh-frozen tissues for the discovery set, 22 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues for the validation set) and copy-number variation microarrays for 5 blood-matched fresh-frozen tissues. TP53 mutations were more prevalent in the GS cases (20/28, 70%) compared to the GBM cases (29/90, 32%), and the GS patients with TP53 mutations showed a significantly shorter survival (multivariate Cox analysis, hazard ratio=23.9, 95% confidence interval, 2.87–199.63, P=0.003). A pathway analysis showed recurrent alterations in MAPK signaling (EGFR, RASGRF2 and TP53), phosphatidylinositol/calcium signaling (CACNA1s, PLCs and ITPRs) and focal adhesion/tight junction (PTEN and PAK3) pathways. Genomic profiling of the matched recurrent GS cases detected the occurrence of TP53 mutations in two recurrent GS cases, which suggests that TP53 mutations play a role in treatment resistance. Functionally, we found that TP53 mutations are associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of sarcomatous components of GS. We provide the first comprehensive genome-wide genetic alternation profiling of GS, which suggests novel prognostic subgroups in GS patients based on their TP53 mutation status and provides new insight in the pathogenesis and targeted treatment of GS.

A Stable Secondary Gliosarcoma with Extensive Systemic Metastases: A Case Report

A 63-year-old man complained of intermittent motor weakness of his arm. The magnetic resonance image (MRI) of his brain displayed a high signal lesion in right cingulate gyrus on T2 weighted image. One year later, he showed a stuporous mental status with repeated seizures, and the follow-up brain MRI showed heterogeneously enhanced mass associated with bleeding. He was treated with surgery and radiotherapy for secondary glioblastomas in right cingulate gyrus. One year more later, a mass recurred on the left frontal base, and gliosarcoma was diagnosed. After tumor resection, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, chemotherapy, and re-radiation therapy, all brain lesions were stable. Fourteen months after the diagnosis of gliosarcoma, he complained of dyspnea and back pain. Torso positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed multiple metastatic lesions in both lungs, pericardium, pleura, liver, lymph nodes, and bones, and metastatic gliosarcoma was diagnosed. One month later, the patient died because of the systemic metastases. We present an unusual case of secondary gliosarcoma with stable brain lesions and extensive systemic metastases.

Gliosarcoma cerebeloso asociado aneurofibromatosis tipo I: presentación de caso / Cerebellar gliosarcoma associated with neurofibromatosis type I: case presentation

El Gliosarcoma es un raro Glioblastoma que contiene tantos elementos gliales comparable con un Glioblastoma como componentes mesenquimal. Aproximadamente entre 2-8% de todos los Glioblastomas están asociados con elementos sarcomatosos. Clínica y genéticamente muy parecido a los Glioblastomas, excepto por la ausencia de amplificación del EGFR. El gliosarcoma es un tumor de alto grado de malignidad y pobre pronóstico, con alta tasa de recurrencia. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 54 años de edad con diagnóstico de gliosarcoma cerebeloso, asociado a Neurofibromatosis tipo I. La NF I es el síndrome hereditario más común que predispone a la neoplasia, es una enfermedad polifacética asociado no sólo a tumores benignos.

Gliosarcoma are rare glioblastomas that contain an anaplastic glial component comparable to a glioblastoma, as well as,a mesenchymal component, that have a biphasic pattern. Approximately 2-8% of all glioblastomas are associated with a sarcomatous element. Clinically and genetically close to glioblastomas, except for the absence of EGFR amplification. The Gliosarcoma is a high-grade tumor of malignity and poor prognosis, with high rate of recurrence. We present the case of a masculine patient of 54 elderly years, with diagnosis of Gliosarcoma Cerebellar associate to Neurofibromatosis type I. The NF I is the hereditary syndrome more common that predisposes to the tumor, it is a versatile disease that not only becomes a partner of benign tumors.

Primary Diffuse Leptomeningeal Gliosarcomatosis

Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) is a rare condition with a fatal outcome, characterized by diffuse infiltration of the leptomeninges by neoplastic glial cells without evidence of primary tumor in the brain or spinal cord parenchyma. In particular, PDLG histologically diagnosed as gliosarcoma is extremely rare, with only 2 cases reported to date. We report a case of primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliosarcomatosis. A 68-year-old man presented with fever, chilling, headache, and a brief episode of mental deterioration. Initial T1-weighted post-contrast brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement without a definite intraparenchymal lesion. Based on clinical and imaging findings, antiviral treatment was initiated. Despite the treatment, the patient's neurologic symptoms and mental status progressively deteriorated and follow-up MRI showed rapid progression of the disease. A meningeal biopsy revealed gliosarcoma and was conclusive for the diagnosis of primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliosarcomatosis. We suggest the inclusion of PDLG in the potential differential diagnosis of patients who present with nonspecific neurologic symptoms in the presence of leptomeningeal involvement on MRI.

Metaplasia óssea no gliossarcoma: um achado histológico pouco usual. Relato de caso / Osseous metaplasia in gliosarcoma: an unusual histologic finding. Case report

Gliosarcoma (GS) is a malignant neoplasm of the central nervous system that has coexisting glial and mesenchymal components. GSs are rarely related to osseous metaplasia. The authors report a case of GS in a male patient presenting apathy and catatonia. Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansive process affecting the left frontal lobe. At microscopy, a malignant glioma constituted by highly atypical glial cells intermingled with spindle-shaped cells was identified. The lesion showed areas of necrosis with pseudopalisading formation, focus of osseous metaplasia, and positive immunoexpression of S100, CD99 and vimentin in both elements. Only the sarcomatous component exhibited negative immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The diagnosis of GS was then established...

Gliossarcoma (GS) é uma neoplasia maligna do sistema nervoso central que apresenta coexistência de componentes glial e mesenquimal. Raramente, os GS estão associados à metaplasia óssea. Os autores descrevem um caso de GS em paciente masculino apresentando apatia e catatonia. A tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética mostraram um processo expansivo comprometendo o lobo frontal esquerdo. À microscopia, foi identificado um glioma maligno constituído por células gliais extremamente atípicas entremeadas com células fusiformes. A lesão mostrava áreas de necrose com formação de pseudopaliçada, focos de metaplasia óssea e expressão imuno-histoquímica positiva para S100, CD99 e vimentina em ambos os componentes. Somente o componente sarcomatoso exibiu imunoexpressão negativa para proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP). O diagnóstico de GS foi, então, estabelecido...

Gliosarcoma of cerebral hemispheres: a clinicopathologic study of 10 cases / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical and pathologic features of gliosarcoma of cerebral hemispheres.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinicopathologic features of 10 cases of gliosarcoma involving cerebral hemispheres were reviewed. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using EnVision method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean age of the patients was 54 years and the male-to-female ratio was 6 to 4. Clinical symptoms included headache (6/10), nausea/vomiting (5/10), and sensory or motor impairment (4/10). Nine of the cases were primary gliosarcoma, with maximum diameter ranging from 2.4 to 5.5 cm (mean = 4.2 cm). The remaining case represented secondary gliosarcoma involving skull base and extracranial tissues. Histologic examination showed a biphasic pattern in all cases. Regarding the glial component, there were 9 cases of pleomorphic glioblastoma and 1 case of giant cell glioblastoma. Reticulin stain was positive in all cases. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells variably expressed GFAP (10/10), p16 (4/10), EGFR (1/10), CD68 (1/10) and p53 (6/10). The Ki-67 index ranged from 15% to 70% (mean = 34%). Six patients had follow-up data available. One patient was disease-free for 45 months and 5 patients died of the disease at 3 to 17 months after the operation (mean duration of survival = 9 months).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Gliosarcoma is a highly aggressive tumor, often locates in the deeper part cerebral hemispheres and has a relatively short duration of symptoms. It carries a poor prognosis. GFAP immunostain and reticulin stain are helpful in confirming the diagnosis. p53 and p16 are also expressed in some cases.</p>

Utilidad de 11C-metionina PET/CT en neurooncología / Utility of 11C-methionine PET/CT in neuro-oncology

La tomografía por emisión de positrones con metionina carbono 11 (11C-metionina PET/TC) se utiliza en la evaluación de los tumores primarios del sistema nervioso central. Describimos nuestra experiencia sobre los primeros 4 pacientes con tumores de la serie glial estudiados con 11C-metionina PET/TC. Este es un estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo. Se presentan 4 pacientes entre 38-50 años de edad con diagnóstico de gliomas (clasificación de la OMS). A todos se les realizó RM y 11C-metionina PET/TC para evaluar actividad tumoral y diferenciar progresión tumoral de pseudoprogresión. Caso 1, gliomatosis cerebri grado II posradioterapia. Caso 2, glioblastoma grado IV postratamiento RT + temozolomida. Caso 3, oligodendroglioma grado II posradioterapia en 1993. Caso 4, oligoastrocitoma anaplásico grado III postratamiento RT + temozolomida. El patrón de captación de la 11C-metionina comparativamente con la RM, demostró progresión tumoral en los casos 1, 3 y 4; en el caso 2 mostró captación aunque el diagnóstico final fue pseudoprogresión. A diferencia del PET con 18fluordeoxiglucosa, la captación de 11C-metionina en el tejido cerebral normal y en la pseudoprogresión es baja, y los gliomas se visualizan como áreas metabólicamente activas. En los casos presentados, el 11C-metionina PET/TC proveyó información valiosa sobre el comportamiento y extensión de la lesión, aunque en uno de los casos presentados no diferenció progresión tumoral de pseudoprogresión. El 11C-metionina PET/TC sería una herramienta útil en el estudio y seguimiento de los pacientes con gliomas.

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-methionine (11C-methionine PET/CT) is a new technique used to evaluate primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We describe our experience regarding the first 4 patients with glial tumors and 11C-methionine PET/CT. This is a descriptive, observational and prospective study of 4 patients between 38-50 years of age, with different gliomas (WHO classification). MRI and 11C-methionine PET/CT were performed in all cases. Case 1, gliomatosis cerebri grade II post-radiotherapy. Case 2, oligodendroglioma grade II diagnosed and treated with radiotherapy in 1993. Case 3, glioblastoma grade IV post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. Case 4, anaplastic oligoastrocytoma grade III post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. The pattern of 11C-methionine uptake compared with MRI showed tumor progression in cases 1, 3 and 4, and in case 2 showed uptake although the final diagnosis was pseudoprogression. Unlike 18fluordeoxiglucose PET/TC, 11C-methionine uptake in normal brain tissue and pseudoprogression is low, and gliomas are displayed as metabolically active areas. The 11C-methionine PET/CT provided valuable information on the tumoral behavior and extension, although in one case presented did not differentiate tumor progression from pseudoprogression. 11C-methionine PET/CT could be a useful tool in the study and follow-up to patients with gliomas.

Pediatric gliosarcoma with fibrosarcomatous differentiation: Report of a rare case.

Gliosarcoma is a rare variant of glioblastoma with a biphasic pattern showing glial and mesenchymal differentiation. It is seen in adults during their fifth to sixth decades of life and is extremely rare in children. We report a case of primary gliosarcoma with fibrosarcomatous differentiation in an 11-year-old boy presenting with headache and vomiting. Imaging showed a contrast-enhancing isodense space-occupying lesion with areas of calcification in the right temporoparietal cortex. A total excision was done and, on histopathologic examination, a differential diagnostic consideration of gliosarcoma and teratoma with malignant transformation was made. After immunohistochemical analysis, a final diagnosis of gliosarcoma with fibrosarcomatous differentiation was then made. Primary gliosarcoma is a very rare tumor in children with a poor prognosis.

Gliosarcoma: presentación de caso / Gliosarcoma: case report

En este artículo se presenta el caso de un paciente con gliosarcoma, un tumor glial poco frecuente con gran componente vascular. Las características vasculares de estos tumores dificultan su diagnóstico imaginológico inicial, debido a la alta frecuencia de zonas de hemorragia dentro de la lesión. La resonancia magnética permite una mejor caracterización de estas lesiones, asociadas con un pobre pronóstico clínico.

Gliossarcoma: um desafio clínico e terapêutico / Gliosarcoma: a clinical and therapeuctic challenge

O Gliossarcoma (GSa) é uma neoplasia primária rara do sistema nervoso central, caracterizada por padrão histológico bifásico que inclui os componentes glial e sarcomatoso. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente masculino, de 49 anos de idade, que apresentou cefaleia como manifestação clínica predominante. O diagnostico foi suspeitado devido à arquitetura microscópica e confirmado pelo estudo imuno-histoquímico. Na terapêutica, foi submetido à craniotomia com microcirurgia para ressecção do tumor e tratamento radioterápico complementar. Dados epidemiológicos, histogênese e achados frequentes em exames de imagem são discutidos, assim como o tratamento e prognóstico.

The gliosarcoma (GSA) is a rare primary neoplasm of the central nervous system characterized by a biphasic histological pattern that includes the glial and sarcomatous components. Here the authors report the case of a 49-year-old male patient who presented headache as predominant clinical manifestation. The diagnosis was suspected on account of microscopic architecture and confirmed by immunohistochemical study. The patient underwent craniotomy with microsurgery for tumor resection and additional radiotherapy. Epidemiological data, histogenesis and common findings on imaging are discussed, as well as treatment and prognosis.

Gliosarcoma with prominent smooth muscle component (gliomyosarcoma): A report of 10 cases.

Background and Aim: Gliosarcoma (GS) is an uncommon malignant tumor of the brain, consisting of malignant glial, usually a glioblastoma (GB), as well as sarcomatous component; the latter is usually in the form of fibrosarcoma. We report a series of 10 GSs with prominent smooth muscle component, which is a rare occurrence. Settings and Design: Out of a series of 225 cases of GB admitted in our hospital, 10 were diagnosed as GS with prominent smooth muscle component, gliomyosarcoma (GMS). Materials and Methods: This is an observational study based on the experience with 225 cases of GB, encountered between 1995 and 2008, in our hospital. The tumors showing prominent spindle cell component were stained with reticulin and 20 with strongly positive reticulin stain were diagnosed as GS. They were further studied by immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin and factor VIII antigen. Results: Out of 225 cases of GB, 20 were diagnosed as GS. Ten of these showed prominent smooth muscle component and were diagnosed as GMS. They revealed varying degrees of SMA and factor VIII Ag positivity. In the sarcomatous component, SMA and factor VIII positive cells were seen close to the vessel walls as well as away from them. Conclusion: GMS containing prominent smooth muscle component may not be as rare as has been reported in the literature. Both GS and GMS appear to arise from the vessel wall at least in some cases, suggesting their possible vascular origin.

Cerebral gliosarcoma: clinico-pathologic study of 8 cases

Gliosarcomas are biphasic neoplasms composed of a glioblastoma admixed to a sarcomatous component with different lines of differentiation. Histogenesis of these tumors is still discussed. Our objective is to specify clinical and pathological characteristics of this rare noeoplasm and to discuss its histogenesis. Retrospective study of eight cases of gliosarcomas diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2004. Clinical, radiological, therapeutic and follow-up data were reviewed. Histological features and immunohistochemical results were also included in this review. Five patients were male, three women with a median age of 50.7 [range 31-74 years]. Symptoms were dominated by intracranial hypertension and paralysis. The most conmon location was parietal or temporo-parietal [5 cases: 62.5%]. Pathological exam including histochemical and immunohistochemical study confirmed the diagnosis of gliosarcoma in all cases. Sarcomatous component had features of fibrosarcoma in 5 cases, osteosarcoma in 2 cases and malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 1 case. All patients were treated by surgical excision [complete in five cases and partial in three cases]. Adjuvant radiotherapy was received in three cases. One patient was lost on follow-up. Two patients died from postoperative complications and the five remaining patients died with a medium follow up of 9 months [extremes: 2-24 months]. Clinical, radiological and follow-up features of gliosarcomas share great similarities with glioblastomas. Histopathological, histochemical and inmmnohistochemical studies are helpful in accuracy diagnosis. Recent cytogenetic and molecular data support a monoclonal origin for these tumors

Gliosarcoma of the Cerebellar Hemisphere: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gliosarcoma is a rare central nervous system tumor usually located in the supratentorial area. Here we report a rare case of a gliosarcoma that developed in the cerebellar hemisphere in a 70-year-old woman. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed an infratentorial mass of which radiological features were similar to those of glioblastoma. The tumor was diagnosed by pathology as a gliosarcoma. Though rare, gliosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infratentorial tumors with radiological features of glioblastoma or metastasis in elderly patients.

Gliosarcoma cerebeloso: presentación de un caso / Cerebellar gliosarcoma: case report

El gliosarcoma es un tumor intraaxial poco frecuente, más aún en la edad pediátrica, que se caracteriza por un patrón bifásico en el cual alternan áreas de diferenciación glial y mesenquimal. Constituye del 2 por ciento al 8 por ciento de todos los glioblastomas multiformes. Las manifestaciones clínicas dependen de la localización y la extensión del tumor. El diagnóstico se apoya en estudios de imagen, sin embargo el diagnóstico defInitivo está dado por el estudio anátomo-patológico. El gliosarcoma es un tumor de alto grado y pobre pronóstico, con alta tasa de recurrencia. A continuación presentamos el el caso de un paciente masculino de 6 años de edad con diagnóstico de gliosarcoma cerebeloso.