Multicentric hemispheric ganglioglioma in a 20-year-old adult

Abstract

Gangliogliomas are rare primary central nervous system tumours that characteristically contain both neuronal and glial neoplastic components. They usually present as solitary, slow growing tumours that are frequently associated with pharmacologically refractory epilepsy. Multicentric variants of the tumour are exceedingly rare. We report a 20-year-old patient with multiple gangliogliomas located in the right frontal, temporal and occipital lobes. He presented with headache, fatigue and occasional nausea and vomiting. MRI revealed three large, distinct tumours with striking cyst formation. Stereotactic craniotomy and excision of the temporal and occipital tumours confirmed ganglioglioma. The coincidence of three distinct gangliogliomas involving the right frontal, temporal and occipital lobes has not been reported to our knowledge.