ObjectiveTo explore the clinical features and prognostic factors of diffuse brain stem glioma in children. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric diffuse brain stem glioma diagnosed by pathology in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2016 and May 2019. The demographic data, clinical manifestations, MRI findings, pathological results, and treatment were included in the prognosis study.ResultsA total of 39 cases of pediatric diffuse brain stem glioma confirmed by pathology were enrolled, including 21 males and 18 females aged between 3 and 14 years with an average of (8.1±2.8) years and mostly between 5 and 10 years (29 cases). The mean maximum diameter of gliomas was (4.46±0.81) cm. Among the 39 cases, there were 15 cases complicated with hydrocephalus and 16 cases whose tumors completely surrounded the basilar artery. The median survival time was 6 months. The one-year survival rate was 15.4%, and the two-year survival rate was 5.1%. Univariate analyses showed that the tumor enhancement and completely enclosed basilar artery had significant impact on the prognosis (P<0.05). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that whether the basilar artery was completely wrapped was related to the prognosis [hazard ratio=4.596, 95% confidence interval (1.839, 11.488), P=0.001]. ConclusionsPediatric diffuse brain stem gliomas are common in children aged 5-10 years with poor prognosis. Whether the tumor completely surrounds the basilar artery is closely related to the short overall survival time.