Glioblastoma Multiforme of the Conus Medullaris-Management Strategies and Complications

Amir Goodarzi; Bart Thaci; Atrin Toussi; Tejas Karnati; Kee Kim; Ruben Fragoso

doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.12.164

Glioblastoma Multiforme of the Conus Medullaris-Management Strategies and Complications

World Neurosurg. 2019 Apr:124:101-109. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.12.164. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

Authors

Amir Goodarzi¹, Bart Thaci², Atrin Toussi², Tejas Karnati², Kee Kim², Ruben Fragoso³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA. Electronic address: agoodarzi@ucdavis.edu.
² Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.
³ Department of Radiation-Oncology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.

PMID: 30639501
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.12.164

Abstract

Primary spinal glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) of the conus medullaris is a rare and devastating pathologic entity. The presenting symptoms commonly include progressive neurologic deficits in the lower extremities, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and low back pain. Histologically, these tumors have high-grade features similar to their intracranial counterparts. However, recent advancements in the field of molecular oncology have been beginning to elucidate a unique molecular blueprint for these spinal gliomas. Given the lack of standardized treatment strategies, we have presented our institutional experience in treating a small series of patients with conus medullaris GBM and have reviewed the reported data on the relevant molecular markers, management strategies, and complication avoidance for this malignant pathologic entity.

Keywords: Conus medullaris; Glioblastoma multiforme; Intramedullary tumor; Spinal glioma; Spinal tumor.

Publication types

Review