Brainstem ganglioglioma in an infant: Case report and review of literature

Gangliogliomas are well differentiated, usually low grade, neuroepithelial tumors that comprise of neoplastic ganglion cells in combination with neoplastic glial cells. Occasionally, glial cells may show anaplastic features and are then labeled as anaplastic gangliogliomas. Most of the reported gangliogliomas are supratentorial tumors, predominantly in the temporal lobe. Brainstem location has been reported infrequently. As with cortically based gangliogliomas, though the primary treatment is resection, this is often not possible due to the eloquence of surrounding involved parenchyma. Here, we report a case of brainstem tumor in an 8-month-old child that was substantially resected and was histopathologically Grade 1 ganglioglioma. As per review of English literature, there has been no case of brainstem ganglioglioma reported in an infant (less than 1 year age). We discuss the surgical difficulties in the radical excision of such benign tumors and review literature on pediatric brainstem gangliogliomas.