The Hematologic System ATI Related

Review The Hematologic System ATI related questions and content

A 9-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with emesis and headache of 3 weeks' duration. MRI reveals a large heterogeneous mass in the cerebellum. He undergoes a resection, and the pathology is most consistent with a classic medulloblastoma. Which of the following findings would classify the patient as a high-risk medulloblastoma?

  • A. Elevated serum and CSF AFP and beta-HCG tumor markers
  • B. WNT subgrouping on molecular classification
  • C. A presurgical spine MRI that reveals bulky tumor in the spine
  • D. A postoperative brain MRI with no signs of residual tumor
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A presurgical spine MRI revealing bulky tumor in the spine classifies the patient as high-risk medulloblastoma due to metastasis. This finding indicates dissemination of the tumor beyond the primary site in the cerebellum, which is associated with poorer prognosis and necessitates more aggressive treatment.

Choice A is incorrect because elevated serum and CSF tumor markers are not specific indicators of high-risk medulloblastoma. Choice B (WNT subgrouping) is associated with favorable prognosis, so it does not classify the patient as high-risk. Choice D (postoperative brain MRI showing no residual tumor) is a positive outcome but does not address the presence of metastasis, which is crucial in determining high-risk status.