Primary glioblastoma of the cerebellar vermis: A case report

Oncol Lett. 2015 Jul;10(1):402-404. doi: 10.3892/ol.2015.3188. Epub 2015 May 6.

Abstract

Cerebellar glioblastoma is a rare adult tumor. The accurate diagnosis of cerebellar glioblastoma is important for establishing a suitable therapeutic schedule. However, it is occasionally difficult to diagnosis these tumors. Clinical presentation, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging can provide useful information, but they may not lead to a definitive diagnosis. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) may provide a novel way of forming a differential diagnoses. The lesions of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) rarely occur in the cerebellum, with prior studies reporting that only 0.4-3.4% of all GBM tumors occur here. In the current study, a case of primary cerebellar glioblastoma is presented and the physiopathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and general outcome of this disease are discussed. A 61-year-old female presented with nausea, vomiting, balance problems and cerebellar signs. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) examination demonstrated one regular contour of a mass lesion in the cerebellar vermis. Following surgery, glioblastoma was histologically confirmed. The outcome of the patient was favorable after 18 months of follow-up. Cerebellar GBM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a cerebellar mass lesion, and PET/CT may provide a novel identification method for different cerebellar mass lesions.

Keywords: cerebellar; fluorodeoxyglucose; glioblastoma; magnetic resonance imaging; positron emission tomography/computed tomography.