Multifocal desmoplastic noninfantile astrocytoma

Abstract

This is a report of a case of multifocal desmoplastic astrocytoma in an 11-year-old child in which we describe the MRI findings and discuss the possible mechanism of its development. The MRI appearances in our case support the view that the tumor is primarily of leptomeningeal or superficial cortical origin, with cystic formation secondary to entrapment of cerebrospinal fluid. The question of whether or not the lesions are metastases or metachronous lesions is also discussed. Desmoplastic astrocytoma at a noninfantile age is extremely rare: only four cases have been reported in the literature so far. Even more unusual is the presence of this lesion in multiple locations at the initial presentation.