Cerebellopontine angle medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity in a child: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Cerebellar medulloblastomas (MBs) are one of the most common posterior fossa tumors in children but rarely occur in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Only 39 cases of CPA MBs were reported in the literature, and most of them were classic and desmoplastic MBs.

Case presentation: A 22-month-old girl presented with progressive cerebellar ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large tumor in the right CPA and obstructive hydrocephalus. Surgical resection was performed and achieved total tumor removal. Microscopic examination and immunohistochemical staining revealed the diagnosis of MB with extensive nodularity. The patient recovered from her symptoms during follow-up and was transferred for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion: MB should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a lesion in the CPA. The treatment and outcome of CPA MBs are similar to cerebellar MBs.

Keywords: Cerebellopontine angle; Children; Extensive nodularity; Medulloblastoma.