Primary spinal glioblastoma multiforme

RATIONALE Primary spinal glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare clinical entity with an aggressive course and an invariably dismal prognosis. Its clinical characteristics, radiologic and pathologic findings, and treatment protocols have been discussed in a few cases. PATIENT CONCERNS A 15-year-old female was admitted to the neurology department with a chief complaint of progressive numbness and weakness in her left upper extremity for 3 months and neck pain for 1 month. DIAGNOSES Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed an intramedullary expansile mass localized between C4 and C7. The diagnosis of GBM was determined on the basis of the histopathological findings after operation. INTERVENTIONS Laminotomy and laminoplasty between C4 and C7 were performed, and the tumor was partially resected. The patient was administered focal adjuvant radiotherapy concomitantly with oral chemotherapy following the surgery. OUTCOMES With severe neurologic deficits at 13 months after the diagnosis, the patient expired. LESSONS Although therapeutic options have been improving, the prognosis of the primary spinal GBM remains poor. The treatment of primary spinal GBM entered into a central registry and multiple-center cooperation is important in establishing future therapeutic strategies.