The most common type of brain stem glioma
Associated with the worst prognosis
Most arise in pons, causing diffuse enlargement of the pons
Symptoms:
- Short duration
- Multiple, bilateral cranial nerve deficits (esp. VI and VII)
- Long tract signs
- Ataxia
Imaging shows:
- Diffuse enlargement of the pons
- Areas of hypodensity throughout the pons
- Tumor may or may not enhance with contrast agents
- MR is the most accurate way to assess the extent of disease and is used to make the diagnosis. These tumors are:
- Hypointense on T1
- Hyperintense on T2
Prognosis:
- Very poor
MR image below shows a diffuse brain stem glioma (1) involving the pons.
