Case report and literature review: antenatal diagnosis of a fetal anaplastic astrocytoma. (12th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Shu-Jing; Liu, Xian-Lan; Huang, Mei; Wang, Yan-Qing; Lin, Jin-Rong; Zhang, Xiao-Dong; Jiang, Jin-Na; Bai, Dong-Yu; Wang, Zhan-Xiang; Su, Yi-Ming
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 35:Number 25(2022)
• Page Start: 6631
• Page End: 6637
• Publication Date: 2022-12-12
• Subjects: Fetus -- intracranial neoplasms -- fetal anaplastic astrocytoma -- prenatal imaging -- ultrasonography; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1918668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To describe the ultrasonographic appearance of congenital anaplastic astrocytoma, so as to provide diagnostic clues for it. An updated review of the literature was also carried out. Results: There was a case of fetal anaplastic astrocytoma detected by ultrasound at 37 + 1 weeks of gestation. It showed that a hypoechoic mass was located in the left hemisphere with a relatively clear margin and subtle color flows. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which was taken subsequently confirmed the result of ultrasound. Intratumoral hemorrhage was observed in later follow-up and further confirmed by histological examination. The fetus was delivered vaginally at 39 + 6 weeks. The infant died 2 h after delivery due to respiration failure. The histological examination confirmed an anaplastic astrocytoma. Conclusions: Congenital anaplastic astrocytoma commonly detected by ultrasound has a relatively better perinatal prognosis, especially compared with glioblastoma. Prenatal ultrasonography diagnosis accurately is of critical importance. The anaplastic astrocytoma should be considered in cases in which fetal images reveal a heterogeneous echogenic mass in the brain, especially in the presence of intratumoral hemorrhage, subtle color flow, and relatively clear margin.