Multifocal Supra and Infratentorial Medulloblastoma in an Adult: Histologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Evaluation of a Rare Case and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Multifocal medulloblastomas (MMBs) in adults are exceedingly rare with only 5 reported cases to date. Medulloblastoma in adult differ from its childhood counterpart by being more often lateral in location, desmoplastic in morphology, and better in clinical prognosis. Little is known, however, about the characteristic features of MMB. This is particularly true for their molecular profiles. To date, molecular characteristics of multifocal medulloblastoma have been reported only once. Here, we present the second case of multifocal medulloblastoma along with its detailed morphology, imaging features, and molecular profiles with a critical review of the literature. We believe that MMB should be reported in detail to better understand their behavior, characterize their molecular profiles, and establish therapeutic protocols.

Multifocal Medulloblastoma in an Adult Patient: Description of a Rare Presentation and Review of the Literature

“…Synchronous multifocal MB is rare with only six cases previously described in adults ( Table 1 ) [ 6 , 11 ]. Histological and molecular data were available in a minority of cases [ 9 – 11 ].…”

“…Typically, MB presents as a solitary mass in the fourth ventricle or in the cerebellar parenchyma; multifocal cases are rare in patients not affected by familial tumor syndromes, and only six cases have been described in adults to date [ 6 – 11 ]. We describe the case of an adult patient presenting with cerebellar multifocal MB; detailed morphological, molecular, and cytogenetic features were reported.…”