Focal Plaque of Demyelination Mimicking Cerebral Tumor in a Pediatric Patient

Focal, demyelinating lesions of the cerebrum mimicking brain tumors are a rare phenomenon, and even rarer in a pediatric population. We document the case of a 14-year-old female whose clinical, radiological and operative findings were strongly suggestive of glioma. However, histopathology revealed a demyelinating process. This case is significant as the lesion could not be distinguished from a glioma at any time in the presentation. At 41 months follow-up, the patient remains stable without further evidence of demyelination in other areas of the brain. Such a case suggests a cautious note for the pediatrician when presented with a similar patient and illustrates the importance of consideration of a demyelinating lesion in the differential diagnosis of a mass lesion in a pediatric population.