Glioblastoma multiforme of the conus medullaris with holocordal spread

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme of the conus medullaris is rare. It spreads both locally to contiguous structures and also by cerebrospinal seeding. The disease is aggressive and the ultimate prognosis is dismal. We report a case of conus medullaris glioblastoma multiforme with involvement of the holocord. In spite of excision of the conus medullaris tumor followed by radiation, the disease continued to progress rapidly. We discuss the rarity of the disease and the related literature with regard to treatment modalities.