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Título

PRIMARY BRAIN SARCOMA IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION: SPECTRUM OF IMAGING FINDINGS IN CT AND MRI OF A RARE TYPE OF TUMOR

Introdução e objetivo(s)

Primary brain sarcomas are extremely rare in the pediatric population and very few
publications of their imaging findings have been made. The following images were obtained
from our institution, where in recent years an increasing number of cases has been noted. In
this sense, the objective of this pictorial essay is to mention the most important imaging
findings of primary brain sarcomas in the pediatric population through original computerized
tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) illustrations .

Método(s)

Original CT and MRI images were obtained from our institution and were organized in five
slides. Some reference text was added for better understanding.

Discussão

Primary brain sarcomas in the pediatric population are most frequently localized at the
periphery of the supratentorial brain structures, but few cases can have a midline location.
Their appearance is mostly heterogeneous (with solid and cystic components), showing
well-defined margins and enhancing solid component with scattered necrotic and cystic
portions. The presence of hemorrhagic component is also a major imaging feature suggestive
of brain sarcoma in pediatric patients. Mild restricted diffusion is another associated finding.
Lastly, Follow-up studies are usually negative for local tumor recurrence and leptomeningeal
spread. Five slides with original illustrations and text are presented for a better understanding
of the topic.

Conclusões

Cases of primary brain sarcomas in the pediatric population are rare, however increasing
incidence rates have been noted in recent years. Supratentorial and peripheral location,
heterogeneous appearance with well-defined margins and the presence of hemorrhagic
component are the most principal imaging findings in CT and MRI, as shown in the
illustrations obtained from our institution.

Palavras Chave

Sarcoma; Brain; neuropediatria

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