Disseminated oligodendroglial cell-like leptomeningeal tumors: preliminary diagnostic and therapeutic results for a novel tumor entity

Pediatric tumors of the central nervous system composed of oligoid tumor cells showing diffuse lep- tomeningeal spread without a primary mass lesion seem to represent a novel tumor entity. The terms ''diffuse lep- tomeningeal glioneural tumor'' or—preferably—''dis- seminated oligodendroglial-like leptomeningeal tumor of childhood'' (DOGLT) were proposed. Four patients were identified with clinico-neuropathologic findings compatible with DOGLT and a mean follow-up time of 54 months was determined. Seven different biopsies obtained from the four patients were histologically evaluated. Clinical course, di- agnostic measures, histopathologic and radiologic features and treatment suggestions were recorded, on the basis of which diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm was proposed.