Case Reports in Pediatrics (Jan 2021)

Failure to Thrive Revealing a Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma: An Uncommon Case Report with Literature Review

  • Salma Benyakhlef,
  • Abir Tahri,
  • Asmaa Khlifi,
  • Hajar Abdelouahab,
  • Kamaoui Imane,
  • Fayçal Moufid,
  • Siham Rouf,
  • Hanane Latrech

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6670585
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2021

Abstract

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Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a freshly described figure of low-grade neoplasms encountered in early childhood. Nevertheless, its precise classification by the World Health Organization (WHO) is still debatable. Making an exact diagnosis relies on histological and immunohistochemical pathognomonic features with specific radiological findings. PMA behaves aggressively with a shorter progression-free survival, and its management is unfortunately still arguable. We describe a rare case of PMA involving the suprasellar region who displays symptoms consistent with diencephalic syndrome. The diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) focused on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and the patient underwent a subtotal tumor resection combined with chemotherapy. Diagnosis of brain tumors should be kept in mind in young children with generalized and severe unexplained loss of subcutaneous fat with failure to thrive after ruling out classical causes.