ABSTRACT
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare glioma that affects 1% of astrocytic tumors. It most commonly affects children and teenagers. PXA cases with an anaplastic histopathological subtype have been reported in recent years. It was recently classified as a separate subtype in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. A 48-year-old healthy gentleman presented with progressive right upper limb weakness. CT and MRI of the brain were done, which showed an intra-axial supratentorial tumor. A diagnosis of high-grade glioma was initially made based on its imaging features. The histopathological study came back as anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. After a discussion with the neurosurgical and oncology teams, a decision was made to treat the patient with radiotherapy. In this case report, we describe a rare case of PXA with anaplastic characteristics.
ABSTRACT
Acute necrotizing encephalitis (ANEC) is a rare entity seen primarily in East Asian infants and previously healthy children. A 5-year-old boy complained of fever and seizures, which developed into status epilepticus. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brains showed acute necrotizing encephalitis features. Empirical treatment for meningoencephalitis with supportive therapy was administered. MRI was then repeated 25 days post-therapy, which showed the previously seen abnormal signal intensities resolution. The patient was subsequently discharged home with moderate neurological impairment. Although ANEC is a rare disease, a typical clinical scenario and MRI findings should prompt recognition of the disease, essential for treatment.
