Low apparent diffusion coefficient in an extracranial brain tumor: a case report

BACKGROUND: Medulloblastoma is well known as the most common malignant brain tumor identified in children, frequently found at an intra-axial location in the posterior cranial fossa. Extra-axial medulloblastoma is uncommon and often misdiagnosed. We believe that a thorough understanding of atypical medulloblastoma cases is important in daily practice. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the unique case of a 39-year-old woman of Asian descent who suffered from headaches and right-sided hearing impairment. A right extra-axial medulloblastoma with an extremely low apparent diffusion coefficient of 0.404 × 10(−3) mm(2)/second was detected on magnetic resonance imaging. The initial diagnosis suggested schwannoma or hemangioblastoma. However, the postoperative histopathologic findings indicated medulloblastoma (World Health Organization grade IV). Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed no drop metastasis, but adjuvant radiation therapy was still required as a standard treatment therapy CONCLUSIONS: Extra-axial medulloblastoma is an uncommon tumor that is often mistaken for other cerebellopontine angle neoplasms. We describe a rare example of extra-axial medulloblastoma, characterized by a low apparent diffusion coefficient. When evaluating an atypical cerebellopontine angle neoplasm, the apparent diffusion coefficient should be considered a relevant indicator.