Third Ventricular Glioblastoma Multiforme: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) typically presents in the supratentorial white matter, commonly within the centrum semiovale as a ring-enhancing lesion with areas of necrosis. An atypical presentation of this lesion, both anatomically as well as radiographically, is significant and must be part of the differential for a neoplasm in this anatomical location.

Case Description We present a case of a 62-year-old woman with headaches, increasing somnolence, and cognitive decline for several weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated mild left ventricular dilatation with a well-marginated, homogeneous, and nonhemorrhagic lesion located at the ceiling of the third ventricle within the junction of the septum pellucidum and fornix, without exhibiting the typical radiographic features of hemorrhage or necrosis. Final pathology reports confirmed the diagnosis of GBM.

Conclusion This case report describes an unusual location for the most common primary brain neoplasm. Moreover, this case identifies the origin of a GBM related to the paracentral ventricular structures infiltrating the body of the fornix and leaves of the septum pellucidum. To our knowledge this report is the first reported case of a GBM found in this anatomical location with an entirely atypical radiographic presentation.

Background

GBM is an intra-axial mass, localized to the frontotemporal region that accounts for 50 to 60% of astrocytomas and 12 to 15% of intracranial tumors. It is found most commonly as a primary tumor, with secondary tumor characteristics as result of transformation from low-grade glioma.^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8} Intraventricular tumors represent only ∼ 10% of central nervous system neoplasms. Of those, the reported malignancy rate is ∼ 13% of all cases. Lee and Manzano enumerated the most frequently found ventricular system tumors, presented in Table 1.⁹ The rarest lesions of the intraventricular region are GBM, ependymomas, gangliocytomas, and gliosarcomas.¹⁰ Ependymomas occur at a frequency of 0.25%¹¹ and gangliocytomas with a frequency of 0.1 to 0.5%.¹² When found intraventricularly, GBM has a predilection for the frontal horn or body of the lateral ventricle.¹³ As shown in Table 2, an extensive literature review resulted in only 13 identified cases of GBM (including the presently reported case) and 3 cases of gliosarcoma isolated to the third ventricle.

Table 1. Tumors documented in the intracranial ventricular system⁷ .

Neurocytoma	Pilocytic astrocytoma
Meningioma	Oligodendroglioma
Colloid cyst	Gangliocytoma
Carcinoma	Malignant astrocytoma
Ependymoma	Choroid plexus papilloma
Germinoma	Metastasis
Subependymoma	Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma
Schwannoma

Table 2. Summary of third ventricle high-grade gliomas and glioblastomas reported in the literature¹⁴ .

Case no.	Study	No. of cases	Age/Sex	Clinical features	Radiologic features	Histologic features	Surgical approach/Extent of excision
1	Hasso et al15	1	56/M	Seizures 2 y prior. ↑ICP	CT: obstructive hydrocephalus. MRI: 1-cm mass with mild enhancement in the anterior third ventricle, nodular enhancement in the splenium of the corpus callosum and the superior colliculus, with dilatation of lateral ventricles	Anaplastic astrocytoma	–a
2	Lee and Manzano9	1	59/M	1-y history of depression, anxiety disorder, and progressive urinary incontinence Memory difficulties and episodes of disorientation. ↑ICP	CT: obstructive hydrocephalus MRI: third ventricle ring-enhanced lesion	Glioblastoma	Transcallosal/Partial removal
3–6	Yasargil16	4 of 80 TVTs	–	–	Anterior portion of the third ventricle	Glioblastoma	Frontal interhemispheric
7 and 8	Albert Lasierra17	2 of 55 TVTs	–	–	–	Glioblastoma	–
9 and 10	Lejeune et al18	2 of 262 TVTs	–	–	–	Anaplastic astrocytoma and/or glioblastoma	Transfrontal transventricular
11	Villani and Tomei19	1 of 193 TVTs	–	–	–	Glioblastoma	–
12	Prieto et al20	1	29/F	8-y history of polydipsia, polyuria, and depression. ↑ICP	CT: obstructive hydrocephalus MRI: heterogeneous anterior third ventricle lesion, with ring enhancement (2 cm in diameter)	Glioblastoma	Frontal- transcortical-transventricular/Subtotal removal
13	Present case	1	62/F	4 d of headache, nausea, vomiting, and altered level of consciousness. Preceded by short-term memory loss, increasing generalized confusion, cognitive decline, and increasing somnolence	CT: mild hydrocephalus MRI: thickening of the inferior septum pellucidum/fornix, well-marginated T1-isointense and T2 mildly hyperintense masses within the midline structures. A notable absence of ring enhancement or any central cystic/necrotic changes	Glioblastoma	Transcallosal approach craniotomy with right transseptal approach toward the lesion/Subtotal resection

Abbreviations: CT, computed tomography; F, female; ↑ICP, increased intracranial pressure; M, male; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; TVTs, third ventricle tumors.

^aData not provided.

Histologically, the GBM cells appear pleomorphic and poorly differentiated with nuclear atypia and polymorphism, with a pseudo-cascading appearance.^{13 21} Hypercellularity, high mitotic activity, and vascular proliferation are further typical characteristics of GBM. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Ki-67 antibodies are known nuclear antigen markers used to determine the proliferation fraction of gliomas. They are utilized in immunohistochemical staining and stain positive in GBMs.^{13 15}

Radiographically, GBMs characteristically present as a heterogeneous mass with necrosis and ring enhancement.^{12 22 23} The ring enhancement appearance is due to the presence of dense cellularity and neovascularization in the outer viable margin of the tumor, encompassing the T2-hyperintense necrotic region.²³

To our knowledge, we are reporting the first case of a GBM localized to the roof of the third ventricle with atypical radiographic characteristics.

Clinical Presentation

History

A 62-year-old right-handed white woman presented with an altered level of consciousness accompanied by headaches, nausea, and vomiting for ∼ 4 days, as reported by family members. This was preceded by worsening of short-term memory loss, increasing generalized confusion, increasing somnolence, decreased activity, and cognitive decline for several weeks. There were no reported visual changes, seizure activity, or gait disturbances reported. The patient had a past medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and congestive heart failure. She admitted to a history of tobacco use for 30 years but denied alcohol or recreational drug use.

Examination

Mental status: Patient opened eyes to voice; however, she appeared abulic. She laughed at times and also gestured appropriately at times. Cranial nerves: Pupils were ∼ 4 mm to 3 mm, with no clear papilledema on the right, although without very distinct disk margins; OS with clear margins laterally only. Visual threat response was present bilaterally. Upper and lower facial movements were both symmetrical. Patient was not cooperative with subjective sensory questioning in the trigeminal distribution. Other cranial nerves were grossly intact. Motor: She provided a 5/5 grip, triceps, biceps, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, as well as hip and knee flexion. No fasciculations, tremors, or myoclonus was noted. Sensory: Light touch sensation was intact and symmetrical in the upper and lower extremities bilaterally, and proprioception was intact in the distal interphalangeal joints. Cerebellar: No nystagmus. No dysrhythmia of speech. Patient was not cooperative with appendicular targeted movements. Reflexes: Down-going responses with Babinski testing bilaterally.

Radiographic Findings

Computed tomography imaging of the head revealed round enlargement of the midline paraventricular structures without calcification, with associated mild hydrocephalus. The subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium showed thickening of the inferior septum pellucidum/fornix (Fig. 1C), with the width in the coronal plane measuring nearly 13 mm (normal width between 1.5 and 3.0 mm⁷). Two adjacent well-marginated T1-isointense and T2 mildly hyperintense masses were seen within the midline structures. Postgadolinium T1-weighted images showed corresponding mild homogeneous enhancement (Fig. 1A, B).

Fig. 1.

(A) Preoperative contrast-enhancing T1-weighted magnetic resonance image (MRI). Axial image showing mild enhancement of the anterior lobular mass. (B) Preoperative contrast-enhancing T1-weighted MRI. Coronal image showing abnormal thickening of the inferior septum pellucidum and fornix to 1.3 cm. (C) Preoperative T2-weighted fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition MRI. Axial image showing two mildly hyperintense adjacent lobular masses within and expanding the fornix.

There was a notable absence of restricted diffusion, gradient-echo hyperintense signal (indicating lack of hemorrhagic products), central cystic/necrotic changes, or rim enhancement. There was left lateral ventricular moderate dilatation with periventricular fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense signal, reflecting transependymal flow suggestive for acute obstructive hydrocephalus. The third and fourth ventricles were of normal size, and the fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition sequence did not suggest an overt occlusion or increased flow in the cerebral aqueduct (Fig. 1C).

Operation

A small right one-third frontal and two-thirds parietal standard transcallosal approach craniotomy with right transseptal approach toward the lesion was performed. The mass was located between the leaves of the septum pellucidum with bilateral forniceal infiltration and extension into the caudal aspect of the third ventricle. Grossly, the tumor appeared soft with a gray/purple color, without any evidence of venous thrombosis. The mass was microscopically identified intraoperatively, and a near-complete resection of the visible mass was achieved.

Pathologic Findings

Upon gross examination, the tumor appeared to have multiple pink-tan and gray soft tissue fragments. Tumor biopsy results revealed a cellular neoplasm. GFAP by immunohistochemistry was strongly positive. The Ki-67 by immunohistochemistry was high, with 50 to 80% nuclear staining. A serpentine pattern of necrosis and surrounding hypercellularity was present on histologic section, along with the characteristic pseudo-palisading pattern that occurs with GBM (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2.

Histologic examination of the excised tissue. (A) Histologic section of the resected mass (hematoxylin and eosin stain) at low magnification, showing the serpentine pattern of necrosis and surrounding hypercellularity. (B) Higher magnification of the inset area showing a focus of necrosis, with the characteristic perinecrotic pseudo-palisading pattern that occurs with glioblastoma. Red discoloration occurs due to bleeding from necroses and microvascular proliferation.

Postoperative Course

Postoperatively, the patient's mental status and generalized confusion improved. She appeared to be significantly less lethargic and able to participate in limited physical therapy activities. The patient's headaches, nausea, and vomiting also improved. The family noted a marked increase in cognition affect and ability postoperatively. Options of postoperative whole brain radiation and chemotherapy were discussed with the patient and her family. They decided that they did not want to continue with any aggressive or palliative treatment and chose comfort care only. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 6. As of postoperative day 71, per the patient's daughter, the patient was alive but with significantly diminished mental status.

Discussion

In this case presentation we describe an unusual location for a common primary brain mass. This case study identifies the origin of a GBM related to the paracentral ventricular structures interpositioning itself between the body of the fornix and leaves of the septum pellucidum. To our knowledge this is the first documented case of a GBM found in this area.

A GBM within the limbic system structures, localized to the midline septum pellucidum and fornix with infiltration into the dorsal third ventricle, and without evidence for necrosis or hemorrhage is highly unique with respect to both location and radiographic presentation. These high-grade astrocytomas classically present in the cerebrum, localized to the deep white matter of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes.

On radiographic presentation, these aggressive tumors typically exhibit significant mass effect, vasogenic edema, necrosis, internal hemorrhagic products along with rim enhancement. In contrast, this GBM lesion exhibited signal homogeneity on all pulse sequences including the postgadolinium images.

A possible theory for the atypical radiographic appearance of this GBM lies in its proximity to the interventricular foramen. The foramina, bounded by the fornix and thalamus, most likely became impinged as the GBM grew in size, causing worsening subacute left ventricular hydrocephalus. Therefore, the lesion caused symptomatic mass effect prior to enlarging to a significant size where radiologic evidence for central necrosis or hemorrhage is typical.

In terms of the origin, it is plausible that the tumor may have formed within the septum pellucidum (SP). The SP, a component of the limbic system involved in consciousness, memory, and emotional response, serves as the relay station between the corpus callosum and fornix. It contains glial cells, neurons, and connecting veins to the choroid plexus.²⁴ However, given that this area is bounded by anatomical constraints, this mass may have spread in a tail-like fashion into the fornix and third ventricle, which allows for easier expansion and growth.

Although many theories exist as to the origin of third ventricular lesions, the most commonly cited is the hypothesis that the neoplasm arises from the subependymal layer, separates early in its differentiation, and migrates toward the third ventricular cavity. However, given the lack of evidence for any subependymal cell layers on our final pathology studies, it is less likely that this neoplastic lesion originated within the subependymal cell layer.

A less commonly cited hypothesis states that there may have been a primary GBM elsewhere in the brain, and the tumor cells subsequently seeded to the third ventricle via the cerebrospinal fluid.²⁰ This possibility is also unlikely in this case, given the lack of radiographic evidence for any other neoplasms in the brain or cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Interestingly, Galli et al reported that progenitor neural cells can also be a potential source of GBMs.²² Neural stem cells from the subventricular zone migrate during injury to produce oligodendrocytes in the fimbriae fornix.²⁵ In this fashion, the mass may have originated in the progenitor neural cells of the fornix and spread into both the septum pellucidum and the third ventricle, which could be explained clinically by the patient's impaired memory.¹¹

Conclusion

In light of the current understanding on the origin of GBMs, we postulate that the tumor in this case may have originated in any of the structures that surround the third ventricle cavity. The origination of this mass could have been from the hypothalamus or septal nuclei. In animal model studies, septal nuclei lesions can manifest with a wide range of signs and symptoms including impairment of learning, memory, decreased arousal, reduced response rates, as well as schizophrenia and depression in both cats and rats.¹⁷ A detailed neurobehavioral assessment was not performed on our patient, and thus we are unable to evaluate any septal nuclei involvement based on lesion studies.

However, there is a lack of any evident radiographic or gross surgical abnormality to support tumor infiltration of these structures on MRI or during surgical resection. To reach a final conclusion on this hypothesis, a positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan would be needed to provide more conclusive evidence in regard to tumor infiltration of the stated neighboring anatomical structures. Moreover, GBM is also known to have a preference to spread via white matter tracts from adjacent structures—thus diffuse tensor imaging could provide more evidence as to the origin of this mass.

Given the location of the mass at the fornix, near the left foramen of Monroe, the radiographic differential diagnosis for this case included central neurocytoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (commonly associated with tuberous sclerosis), or an intraventricular meningioma. The lack of marked contrast enhancement makes the latter two etiologies less likely as well. Furthermore, it is important to note that the reported natural history of septum pellucidum tumors has a predilection for the younger patient population, with a peak incidence of 10 to 12 years old.¹ It is therefore important to keep a broad differential in mind because this case demonstrates that it is entirely possible for a GBM lesion to present atypically, both in terms of anatomical location as well as radiographic findings. This has very important ramifications for the clinical course as well as the management of such patients.