Case ReportDiagnostic challenges in primary brain stem glioblastoma multiform; a case report

•This case report highlights the importance of diagnostic challenges in brainstem glioma in a patient.•It also emphasizes on the role of neuroimaging including MRI of the brain and histological findings from the biopsy specimen.•Aggressive diagnostic approaches should be instituted for early diagnosis of brainstem glioma

Brainstem gliomas are rare form of primary brain tumors in adult and represent < 2% of gliomas. Glioblastomas (GBM) are much less common in pediatric patients; adult GBM vary in presentation and response to therapy, and generally have a very poor prognosis. GBM is less common in the brainstem, comprising < 2% gliomas and there is therefore limited data available to provide a standard of care. Here we present a case report of a patient who presented with aggressive primary pontine GBM.