Autopsy findings in a long-term survivor with glioblastoma multiforme--case report

Abstract

Autopsy detected no tumor tissues in a patient who died 6.5 years after the diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. A 54-year-old male developed left hemiparesis one month prior to admission. Computed tomography demonstrated a cystic lesion in the right frontal region with irregular ring-like enhancement. The tumor was extensively removed together with the surrounding tissue followed by irradiation (whole brain 32.4 Gy, local 28.8 Gy), and intravenous administration of interferon-beta. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. He died of accidental head trauma 6.5 years after surgery. Autopsy of the brain detected no evidence of glioblastoma multiforme. The only findings were cerebral edema and hematoma caused by head trauma, as well as histological changes due to radiation damage. This case apparently confirms the histological disappearance of tumor tissue in a long-term survivor with glioblastoma multiforme.