Cerebral astroblastoma

Background. Astroblastoma is a rare glial tumour about which little is known. Method. We report a case of cerebral high grade astroblastoma and discuss the clinical, histopathological, surgical, radiological and prognostic features of this tumour, in the light of the pertinent literature. Result. Present patient had an initial histological diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. Three years later an histological revaluation was performed and revealed a high grade astroblastoma. Our patient underwent surgical removal and radiotherapy; five years after the operation he is alive and without evidence of recurrence. Interpretation. Classification and histogenesis of this tumour is still debated. The lack of a clinicopathological correlation makes the prognosis of this tumour unpredictable. The optimal management is not defined, but total resection and post-operative radiotherapy seem to be the effective means to treat the astroblastoma.