Primary Pediatric Spinal Cord Glioblastoma: A Case-Based Insight into Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Background: Primary intramedullary glioblastoma (scGBM), is exceedingly rare in children, accounting for 1.5% of pediatric spinal cord tumors. These highly aggressive neoplasms are associated with rapid neurological decline and dismal prognosis.
Case presentation: We report a 12‑year‑old boy with progressive tetraparesis, headaches, and cervical pain. MRI demonstrated a cervico-medullary intramedullary mass extending to C7 with heterogeneous enhancement and hemorrhagic components. Subtotal resection was achieved via suboccipital craniectomy and C1–C5 laminectomy. Histopathology confirmed glioblastoma (WHO grade IV). No adjuvant therapy was administered. The patient developed worsening respiratory dysfunction and succumbed to disease four months after diagnosis.
Conclusion: This case highlights the fulminant course of pediatric scGBM, the critical role of molecular profiling, and the therapeutic value of multimodal approaches including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Multicenter registries and prospective pediatric trials are urgently needed to improve evidence‑based management.

Neuro-oncology, Pediatric, Spinal Cord, Glioblastoma

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