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J Neurol Surg Rep 2014; 75(01): e117-e121
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1376198
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Cerebellar Glioblastoma Multiforme Presenting as Hypertensive Cerebellar Hemorrhage: Case Report

Goran Lakičević
1   Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
,
Kenan Arnautović
2   Semmes-Murphey Clinic, and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
,
Dario Mužević
3   Department of Neurosurgery, Osijek University School of Medicine, Osijek, Croatia
,
Thomas Chesney
4   Pathology Group of Midsouth, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

30 August 2013

15 March 2014

Publication Date:
28 May 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Background Cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is rare and presents with increased intracranial pressure and cerebellar signs. The recommended treatment is radical resection, if possible, with radiation and chemotherapy.

Clinical Presentation A 53-year-old man presented with hypertensive cerebellar bleeding and a 2-day history of severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, gait instability, and elevated blood pressure. Computed tomography (CT) showed a left cerebellar hematoma with no obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid and no hydrocephalus. CT angiography showed no signs of pathologic blood vessels in the posterior cranial fossa. The patient was observed in the hospital and discharged. Subsequent CT showed complete hematoma resorption. Two weeks later, he developed headaches, nausea, and worsening cerebellar symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 4-cm diameter tumor in the left cerebellar hemisphere where the hemorrhage was located. The tumor was radically resected and diagnosed as GBM. The patient underwent radiation and chemotherapy. At a follow-up of 1.5 years, MRIs showed no tumor recurrence.

Conclusion Hypertensive cerebellar hemorrhage may be the first presentation of underlying tumor, specifically GBM. Patients undergoing surgery for cerebellar hemorrhage should have clot specimens sent for histologic examination and have pre- and postcontrast MRIs. Patients not undergoing surgery should have MRIs done after hematoma resolution to rule out underlying tumor.

Keywords

bleeding - cerebellar hemorrhage - cerebellum - glioblastoma multiforme - hypertension - hypertensive cerebellar bleed
 

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