Alveolar hypoventilation syndrome in brainstem glioma with improvement after surgical resection

A 3-year-old boy presented with brainstem astrocytoma and central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome, Contrast MRI of the brain showed that the tumor i nvolved the cerebellum, with compression of brainstem, and resolved after s urgical resection, Polysomnography performed before and after total tumor r esection showed significant improvement in nocturnal respiratory rate, resp iratory disturbance index, and oxygen desaturation. It is apparent that cen tral alveolar hypoventilation syndrome secondary to brainstem tumor may imp rove after surgical resection for those with favorable anatomic location an d histology. Serial polysomnography and MRI scans are useful for diagnosis and in the management plan, and to monitor progress.