Development of glioblastoma multiforme following traumatic cerebral contusion: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic brain tumors were formulated in the pre-CT (computerized tomography) era. We propose that radiologic criteria incorporating imaging data be added to the existing criteria. Case description: We report a case of a 56-year-old man who presented with history of raised intracranial pressure of 20 days' duration. Imaging showed a large left frontal intra-axial mass lesion. He had history of head injury 5 years prior with CT evidence of bilateral basifrontal contusions. There was no contrast enhancement at the site of the contusions in an intervening CT scan done 18 months after the trauma. He underwent radical excision of the mass, and the histopathology was reported as glioblastoma multiforme. We formulated additional radiologic criteria for tumors that may present following trauma. A review of the literature of posttraumatic gliomas is also presented. Conclusion: Fulfillment of the additional radiologic criteria proposed by us will help distinguish a tumor that developed following trauma from that which was present before the occurrence of the injury.