Clinical Presentation of a Patient with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliome (DIPG)

 

The tumor can affect any age but most often seen in children 5 to 10 years of age.

 

Clinical triad:

(1) cerebellar signs (ataxia, dysmetria, dysarthria)

(2) long track signs (increased muscle tone. hyperreflexia, clonus, Babinski sign, motor deficit)

(3) cranial nerve palsy, often CN VI or VII

 

Less common:

(1) obstructive hydrocephalus

(2) change in behavior

(3) decline in school performance

(4) sensory abnormalities

(5) urinary problems (incontinence, other)

(6) sleep apnea

(7) respiratory problems

 

Diagnosis is typically made by neuroimaging.