Brain Tumor Research and Treatment  2014;2(2):119-123

doi:10.14791/btrt.2014.2.2.119

Hemorrhagic Recurrence in Diffuse Astrocytoma without Malignant Transformation.

Hyun Joo BAEK 1 ; Seong Min KIM ; Seung Young CHUNG ; Moon Sun PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Astrocytoma; Glioma; Recurrence

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Although uncommon, hemorrhage can be a complication of low grade glioma with an unfavorable prognosis such as transformation to higher grade glioma. To our knowledge, hemorrhagic recurrence of World Health Organization Grade II, diffuse astrocytoma without malignant transformation has not been reported. Thus, we report a case of diffuse astrocytoma with hemorrhagic recurrence without malignant transformation. The patient had undergone craniotomy and tumor removal 7 years previously. Annual follow-up MRIs had shown evidence of slow tumor recurrence. With the sudden onset of seizure, the patient was diagnosed as hemorrhagic recurrence and underwent second tumor removal highly suspecting malignant change into higher grade glioma. Histopathology confirmed diffuse astrocytoma without malignant changes. As the patient's postoperative condition was excellent, we plan to withhold chemotherapy and radiation therapy for use as a later treatment option.