Challenges in the Diagnosis of Medulloblastoma Recurrence at an Unusual Site in a Patient With Prader-Willi Syndrome

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2020 Jul;42(5):e381-e384. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001555.

Abstract

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Survival rates range between 50% and 80% depending on histology and other biologic features, metastases, and treatment approach. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetically inherited disorder characterized by dysmorphic features, mental retardation, obesity, and hypogonadism among other features. We describe a 10.5-year-old girl with PWS and previous standard-risk medulloblastoma that relapsed in the pons 3 years after the end of treatment. Diagnosis of relapse was delayed by a preceding varicella infection, an initial clinical/radiologic response to steroids and the unusual location, and was confirmed with a stereotactic biopsy. Second-line therapy was commenced, however, the patient rapidly deteriorated and died. This is the first report of medulloblastoma in a patient with PWS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / etiology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medulloblastoma / diagnosis*
  • Medulloblastoma / etiology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / etiology
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome / complications*
  • Prognosis