Imaging findings in the progression of a giant cell glioblastoma

Abstract

First described in 1909, giant cell glioblastoma (GC) is a histologic variant of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) that accounts for 1% of cases of primary GBM. It is characterized by a predominance of bizarre giant cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, and may portend an improved prognosis over classic GBM. Due to the rarity of GC, there is a paucity of reports that describe its associated radiologic findings. This case report chronicles the progression of a GC that was incidentally discovered in a 74-year-old male with coincident subdural hematoma and empyema. Serial brain imaging was obtained as part of this patient's continued work-up that documents the radiologic characteristics of the GC over a period of months. To our knowledge, this manuscript is the most extensive radiologic documentation of the progression of GC to date. Keywords: Giant cell, Glioblastoma, Multiforme, Brain tumor, Brain imaging