Glioblastoma with Gliomatosis Cerebri Growth Pattern Presenting as Rapidly Progressive Dementia

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of rapidly progressive dementia includes neurodegenerative, toxic/metabolic, infectious, inflammatory, vascular, and malignant etiologies. This case highlights a patient with rapidly progressive cognitive decline that remained a diagnostic dilemma due to nonspecific symptoms of disorientation that progressed to persistent alteration in mental status over the span of three months. Routine laboratory testing did not help clarify the diagnosis and initial brain imaging showed only subtle abnormalities that were not commensurate with the patient’s neurologic examination. As imaging findings evolved over time to reveal a multifocal process, a biopsy was pursued, with histology consistent with infiltrating glioma and molecular testing consistent with glioblastoma. Glioblastoma with gliomatosis cerebri growth pattern should be considered on the differential diagnosis of rapidly progressive dementia in patients with multifocal imaging findings.