Turkish Neurosurgery
Unusual Locations of Gangliogliomas: Intraventricular and Posterior Fossa
Adrian Mircea Furtos3, Aurelia Mihaela Sandu1, Vasile Gheorghe Ciubotaru1, Radu Mircea Gorgan2, Ligia Gabriela Tataranu2
1Emergency Clinical Hospital Bagdasar-Arseni, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Bucharest,
2University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Bucharest,
3University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Bucharest,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.42614-22.2

Aim:Gangliogliomas (GGs) are primary, low-grade, slow-growing neuroepithelial brain tumors. Usually, GGs are found in the temporal lobe. Locations such as the ventricular system, cerebellum or brainstem are very rare.Material and Methods:We present a series of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for GG with unusual locations, intraventricular and posterior fossa.Results:Nine patients with GGs located in unusual areas, one in the intraventricular region and 8 in the posterior fossa, were included. There were 5 males and 4 females, with a mean age 31±8.5 years. We performed GTR in 6 cases and STR in 3 cases. Seven tumors were grade I WHO while the remaining two were anaplastic. Five patients also had preoperative hydrocephalus. We found a positive correlation between midline GG of the posterior fossa and solid aspect of the tumor (p=0.05). Univariate analysis found no other statistically significant associations, but this was due to the small patient sample. Recurrence was seen in 2 cases with STR, after 1 and 10 years, respectively.Conclusion:GG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with tumors in the intraventricular region or posterior fossa. Maximal tumor resection and restoration of CSF flow pathways ensure a good outcome. Growth patterns correlate with resection and can help choose the best candidates for surgery. However, further studies on large patient samples are needed.

Corresponding author : Aurelia Mihaela Sandu