Brain, Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma [LMP64152]

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Image Details
Diagnostic Modality: 
Whole Slide Image
Disease Category: 
Neoplasia
Diagnosis: 
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma
Species: 
Human
Organ System: 
Central Nervous System
Gender: 
Female
Age: 
38 years
Diagnosis Code: 
ICD-10: C71.9 | ICD-O: 9424/3
Slide Contributor Information
Gao, A., Munoz, D.

Keywords

Glioma, epilepsy, BRAF V600E, pediatric tumour, PXA

Clinical History

38-year-old woman with longstanding headaches and complex partial seizures. Neuroimaging shows left fronto-temporal mass lesion.

Clinical Discussion

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a localized astrocytoma primarily affecting children and young adults and located in a superficial location. Its favourable prognosis classifies it as WHO grade II. Microscopically, the tumour is characterized by pleomorphic and lipidized (xanthomatous) cells with a reticulin-rich background that also contains eosinophilic granular bodies and perivascular inflammation. Immunohistochemistry shows GFAP, S100, and CD34 reactivity and variable reactivity for neuronal markers. BRAF V600E mutation is present in about 2/3 of cases.