Presentation
Initially presented with headache and visual symptoms. Underwent debulking craniotomy with a diagnosis of anaplastic astrocytoma, adjuvant radiotherapy, and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. Now, 2 years since initial treatment, patient develops new visual symptoms and seizures.
Patient Data
MRI prior to commencing bevacizumab
Enhancement adjacent to posterior horn of right lateral ventricle associated with large area of T2 and FLAIR changes (edema).
Comparison has been made to previous imaging and this demonstrates radiologic progression consistent with the development of new symptoms.
Bevacizumab was commenced.
MRI 2 mth after starting bevacizumab
Near complete resolution of enhancement.
Decrease in the extent of T2 and FLAIR change, and decrease in mass effect.
The underlying lesion appears larger on DWI.
Case Discussion
In response to the anti-angiogenic chemotherapy (bevacizumab), the post-treatment MRI shows significant reduction in enhacement, mass affect and the surrounding T2 changes, thought to be largely due to normalization of the blood brain barrier.
The underlying lesion however appears to have increased in size on DWI.
These features are most consistent with tumor pseudoresponse.