Cerebellar Hemangioblastoma: A cyst with a mural nodule – Case report with review of literature

Abstract

Hemangioblastomas are slow-growing vascular tumors of central nervous system. It can occur sporadically or can be seen as a part of Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) syndrome. It is usually seen in cerebellum, but might be found in brainstem or spinal cord as well. These are uncommon tumors, comprising only around 1-2.5% of intra-cranial tumors. It also comprises of around 10% of all the posterior fossa tumors. Here we discuss an instance of a 33 year old male presenting with complains of giddiness and headache for last 2 months. No significant past/medical/familial history. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable. Patient was then adviced to undergo MRI-Brain. Contrast enhanced MRI-Brain revealed a well-defined cystic lesion with vividly enhancing eccentric solid mural nodule in right cerebellar-hemisphere, suggestive of cerebellar hemangioblastoma. Surgical excision was done and histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis. Therefore features of cerebellar hemangioblastoma and other differentials for cyst with mural nodule are discussed here. Keywords: Hemangioblastoma, Cerebellum, Magnetic resonance imaging.