Astroblastoma: A rare glial tumour

Background: They are rare glial tumors that share characteristics with astrocytomas, ependymomas and sometimes other glial neoplasms, and can be difficult to diagnose.

Method: We present the case of a 57-year-old female patient admitted with subacute headache, seizures, visual disturbances associated with 2/5 left hemiparesis for 2 weeks

Result: Cerebral MRI showed a voluminous left parietal-rolandic lesion with dual tissue and cystic components taking up contrast in a heterogeneous fashion, suggesting a cystic glioma or an atypical meningioma. The patient underwent total excision via a direct approach, with histological examination favouring an Astroblastomea proliferation Ki67 estimated at 10%, with postoperative follow-up radiotherapy. The patient is alive and being followed up at the consultation. The radiological and histopathological features and treatment of this case are described, with a review of the literature.

Conclusion: In addition to their own histological features, Astroblastomas share certain molecular and histological findings with other, possibly ontologically related, cortical-based gliomas, mainly in children and young adults. Importantly, the presence of BRAFV600E mutations in a subset of Astroblastomas suggests the potential clinical utility of targeted anti-BRAF