Brain Pathology Case of the Month - December 1996

Contributed by Ronald Hamilton, M.D.


PATIENT HISTORY AND RADIOLOGY:

This 22 month old white female presented with an 8 month history of posterior neck discomfort manifested by episodic crying, scratching, and pulling her neck posteriorly. Recently the mother reported an onset of "hard coughing." There had been no difficulties with food or walking. Radiological studies demonstrated a contrast enhancing tumor situated at the cervicomedullary junction slightly to the right of midline (images not available). An occipital craniotomy was performed and it was felt that most of the tumor was resected. Post-contrast MRI studies 18 months later showed tumor recurrence (Image 1, Image 2, Image 3) and a second resection was performed.


MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION

FINAL DIAGNOSIS


International Society of Neuropathology