Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor in a Child: Case Report

Abstract

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare and aggressive type of embryonal tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) occurring in childhood. The present study aims to describe the case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with an occipital mass lesion that was diagnosed as ATRT. We present a brief review of the current knowledge of the treatment of this rare neoplasm. A previously healthy 16-year-old girl was referred after two episodes of partial complex seizure 2 weeks before admission. MRI showed a right parieto-occipital lesion with homogeneous contrast-enhancing and significant surrounding brain edema. The patient underwent uneventful surgical resection of the lesion and was discharged home on the fifth postoperative day. Pathologic examination revealed it to be ATRT. The patient was referred to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient remains free of seizure and disease progression. ATRT is a rare and aggressive disease. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment may improve the patient’s prognosis and quality of life.