Astroblastoma

Astroblastoma is an extremely rare[^1] GFAP-positive glial tumor that occurs in children and young adults[^2].

Historically

Astroblastoma was first described in 1930 by Bailey and Cushing[^5].

Epidemiology

Astroblastomas are rare brain tumors and account for approximately 0.45% to 2% of all gliomas[^3] [^4].

Imaging

On imaging, astroblastomas often appear as well-demarcated tumors with solid and cystic components. Astroblastomas frequently exhibit intratumoral cysts and a "bubbly" appearance [^6].

MRI

On MRI imaging, astroblastomas are frequently hyperintense relative to the white matter on T2 and FLAIR sequences and hypo- to isointense on T1 sequences. The tumor typically demonstrates heterogeneous contrast enhancement.

CT

On CT imaging, astroblastomas, as on MRI, demonstrate heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Calcifications are also frequently seen on CT [^6].

Histopathology

The tumor is characterized by astroblastic pseudorosettes, which are formed by tumor tissue tapering toward central blood vessels[^2].