Intramedullary astrocytoma grade III in a 21-month-old patient: case report

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent 15-20% of all tumors in childhood. Primary spinal cord tumors are a rare entity that make up to only 4-10% of all primary tumors of the CNS. Intramedullary tumors are the least common type of spinal tumors, only 35%. The most common intramedullary tumor is the astrocytoma, 75% of the cases, and only in 25% are of grade III. In order to emphasize the clinical presentation as well as the diagnostic methods of this disease, we present the clinical manifestations and the diagnostic method of an intramedullary astrocytoma grade III in a 21-month-old patient.

Spinal cord tumors in children present a wide variety of clinical signs and symptoms; this is why the suspicion and diagnostic of intramedullary tumors can be challenging to the physician. A high degree of suspicion is advisable when a child presents neurological findings. The magnetic resonance imaging with and without contrast is the study of choice for all intramedullary tumors. The only method useful for the diagnosis and stadification is biopsy.