Rare regression of congenital brainstem high-grade glioma: case report and literature review

Congenital infantile brainstem high-grade gliomas (HGGs) are extremely rare. Given the limited literature characterizing this disease, management of these tumors remains challenging. Brainstem HGGs are generally associated with extremely poor prognosis. Limited reports of spontaneous regression of radiologically diagnosed infantile brainstem tumors exist in published literature. In this case report, we document the first histologically proven congenital brainstem HGG with molecular characteristics that did not fall under any previously well-defined pediatric brain tumor classifications. The tumor underwent regression after biopsy, documented on neuroimaging up to 2 years of age. A review of the literature was also performed to identify previously reported infantile brainstem HGGs and the management for such tumors. Our case highlights the value of performing histopathological confirmation to guide management and the possible existence of a subcategory of a congenital brainstem HGG with better prognosis.