Primary Intramedullary Spinal High-Grade Glioma: A Case Series with Review of Literature

Abstract

Background Primary intramedullary high-grade glioma (HGG) and glioblastoma of spinal cord are uncommon tumors of central nervous system. Treatment recommendations are based on current guidelines of intracranial HGG and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods We retrospectively analyzed records of 9,686 patients who reported to our center over past 7 years. Only three cases of primary intramedullary HGG of spinal cord were found. Results In this article, we have reported three cases of primary intramedullary HGG of spinal cord. A comparison of intracranial and intramedullary spinal HGG and review of literature is presented. Conclusion Despite aggressive treatment using surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the survival rates are dismal. Emerging evidence has shown difference in biological behavior of intracranial and spinal HGG. Genetic studies to understand the biology and prospective studies are needed.