A rare case of gliosarcoma after acute hemorrhage

Abstract

Gliosarcoma (GSM) is a rare primary neoplasm of the brain, characterized by a biphasic tissue pattern with alternating areas displaying glial and mesenchymal differentiation. GSM is usually treated as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and the prognosis is poor. Here, we discuss a 50-year-old male presenting with sudden decreased consciousness and a history of recent headache. A noncontrasted computed tomography of the brain revealed a well-circumscribed, hyperdense lesion in the left frontal lobe with significant perilesional edema, suggestive of an intracranial hemorrhage. The patient underwent emergency craniotomy to evacuate the hematoma. Intraoperatively, a mass was present, and fluid around the mass was collected and analyzed. Cytology revealed the presence of malignant cells. A 1-week postmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogenously enhancing mass in the left frontal lobe, suggestive of a high-grade glioma. The patient was then treated with radiation followed by adjuvant treatment with temozolomide plus bevacizumab. One year after the surgery, the patient was readmitted with headache, right-sided hemiparesis, and seizure. A follow-up MRI found a residual mass in the same region. A second surgery was performed. Histopathology examination showed GSM, and this was confirmed with an immunohistochemistry panel including glial fibrillary acid protein and vimentin. GSM is a rare variant of GBM. Intracranial hemorrhage is an uncommon clinical presentation of GSM. Diagnosis is established by histopathology. Treatment is surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The study was approved by the Health Research Review Committee of Mohammad Hoesin Central General Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Sriwijaya University (No. 089/kepkrsmhunsri/2019) on March 1, 2019.

Keywords

• Biphasic pattern
• glioblastoma multiforme
• gliosarcoma
• histopathology finding
• intracranial hemorrhage
• poor prognosis
• progression