Radiologic Evaluation of Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme who Initially Presented with Ischemic Stroke: A Case Series

Background: Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor. Few studies have described the clinical and radiological aspects of GBMs in which initial manifestation mimics vaso-occlusive diseases and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). In this study, we have described 10 patients with GBM who initially presented with ischemic attacks. Case Description: From August 2008 to June 2016, 332 patients with confirmed GBM by histopathological study were referred to Shohada Tajrish Hospital. Of this population, 10 cases initially presented with isolated acute ischemic/vaso-occlusive symptoms and TIA episodes. All of the patients underwent imaging and surgical procedures with confirmed histopathological diagnosis of GBM. Conclusions: GBMs involving fronto-temporal and temporal lobes may compress and invade MCA branches and cause acute ischemic stroke as their initial manifestation. Although rare, GBMs should be considered in differential diagnosis in patients with no obvious atherosclerotic risk factors who present with ischemic stroke.