Abstract

Introduction: Malignant gliomas (GBM) are the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Clinical presentation is variable, being headache the most common symptom. Diagnosis is usually suspected by magnetic resonance (MRI) and in most of cases the treatment consists in neurosurgery followed by co-adjuvant radiotherapy and temozolomide.

Case presentation: A 57-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with a 48-hour history of progressive holocraneal headache, vomiting, gait instability and bilateral hearing loss. He underwent brain Computed Tomography (CT) scan and MRI, with results compatible with GBM. Complete mass excision was performed without complications and he was discharged with co-adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy and temozolomide.

Conclusion: Despite optimal treatment and important advances in our understanding of molecular pathogenesis, GBM are still associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Glioblastoma; Temozolomide; Glioma; Brain tumor

Abbreviations: GBM: Glioblastoma; CT: Computed Tomography; MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; WHO: World Health Organization; IDH: Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1; MGMT: O6-methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase; EGFR: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor; TKR: Tyrosine Kinase Receptor