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Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Case Detail
| Anatomy: |
 Joseph Junewick, MD FACR |
| Diagnostic Category: Neoplasia Malignant |
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| Created: over 11 years ago |
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| Updated: over 10 years ago |
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| Tags:
PEDS
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| Modality/Study Types:
CT
MR
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Activities:  PDF  ImageJA |
History
2 year old male with left upper extremity weakness.
Case Images
Diagnosis
Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Findings
CT – Large hypodense mass lesion in anterior right cerebrum with periventricular infiltration.
MR – T2 hyperintense right cerebral mass with little or no enhancement.
MRS – Diminished NAA and elevated lactate peaks.
Discussion
The designation of a tumor as anaplastic astrocytoma reflects a distinct histologic classification of malignant glioma characterized by an abundance of pleomorphic astrocytes and evidence of mitosis (WHO III). Although these tumors are malignant, they have a better prognosis and a higher likelihood of response to treatment than glioblastoma. Currently, most patients undergo maximal surgical debulking of tumor followed by external beam radiation and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy.
Reference
See SJ, Gilbert MR. Anaplastic astrocytoma: diagnosis, prognosis and management. Semin Oncol. 2004 Oct;31(5):618-34.