Recurrent haemorrhage from a malignant brain stem glioma: a review of the mechanisms of tumoural haemorrhage

Abstract

The authors report a 23-year-old man who was diagnosed with a brain stem malignant glioma following his first episode of generalised seizure. This was subsequently complicated by three separate documented episodes of intracranial haemorrhage. The literature is reviewed and the pathophysiological mechanisms of tumoural haemorrhage are discussed. It is speculated that significant intratumoural arteriovenous shunting may lead to recurrent haemorrhages.