INTRODUCTION: Although a rare entity, multiple gliomas must be recognized and distinguished from other causes of multiple brain lesions. METHODS: Clinical and radiological features of 33 multiple gliomas were reviewed, including 20 synchronous cases and 13 metachronous cases. RESULTS: In 17 patients, radiological features were highly suggestive of spread from a primary site (multifocal gliomas). No apparent dissemination route was identified in the other cases which were presumed to be multicentric gliomas. For nine patients (27 percent), a second neoplasia or cancer was found in first degree relatives suggesting a genetic predisposition. Overall median survival was 79 weeks (64 weeks for glioblastomas). The age at onset was the main prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: Multiple gliomas represent a heterogeneous entity, probably corresponding to different mechanisms. In our group, survival was comparable to unique glioma.
INTRODUCTION: Although a rare entity, multiple gliomas must be recognized and distinguished from other causes of multiple brain lesions. METHODS: Clinical and radiological features of 33 multiple gliomas were reviewed, including 20 synchronous cases and 13 metachronous cases. RESULTS: In 17 patients, radiological features were highly suggestive of spread from a primary site (multifocal gliomas). No apparent dissemination route was identified in the other cases which were presumed to be multicentric gliomas. For nine patients (27 percent), a second neoplasia or cancer was found in first degree relatives suggesting a genetic predisposition. Overall median survival was 79 weeks (64 weeks for glioblastomas). The age at onset was the main prognostic factor. CONCLUSION:Multiple gliomas represent a heterogeneous entity, probably corresponding to different mechanisms. In our group, survival was comparable to unique glioma.