Cerebral astroblastoma

BACKGROUND: Astroblastoma is a rare glial tumour about which little is known. METHOD: We report a case of cerebral high grade astroblastoma and discuss the clinical, histopathological, surgical, radiological and prognostic features of this tumour, in the light of the pertinent literature. RESULT: Present patient had an initial histological diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. Three years later an histological reevaluation was performed and revealed a high grade astroblastoma. Our patient underwent surgical removal and radiotherapy; five years after the operation he is alive and without evidence of recurrence. INTERPRETATION: Classification and histogenesis of this tumour is still debated. The lack of a clinicopathological correlation makes the prognosis of this tumour unpredictable. The optimal management is not defined, but total resection and post-operative radiotherapy seem to be the effective means to treat the astroblastoma.