Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Case Reports

Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma in a 58-year-old Woman: A case report.: Joo Heon Kim, Myoung Jae Kang, Dong Geun Lee, Ho Yeul Choi, Sang Ho Kim, Min Cheol Lee; Korean J Pathol. 1995;29(1):122-125.

Abstract: A case of left parietal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma that occurred in a 58-year-old woman is reported clinicopathologically. Histopathologic diagnosis of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma was made because of the unique pleomorphic histologic features, positive glial fibrillary acidic protein in immunohistochemical staining. The flow cytometric analysis reveals DNA aneuploidy and relatively high S-phase fraction. The pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is considered as a special subgroup of glioma on the basis of superficial cortical location, GFAP expression, marked cellular atypia, xanthomatous cells, and relatively favorable prognosis.

Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: A Case Report.: Seong Ki Min, Dong Wook Kang, Kyu Sang Song, Dae Young Kang, Seong Ho Kim; Korean J Pathol. 1993;27(6):666-669.

Abstract PDF: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is histologically characterized by marked cellular pleomorphism of lipid-laden neoplastic astrocytes and bizarre giant cells showing mitotic figures and high cellularity. Inspite of its ominous-looking microscopic features, howerver, the prognosis is usually favorable. This tumor develops mainly in the supratentorial area of young people and frequently involves the leptomeninges. We experienced a case of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in 18 year-old-male. In addition to the cellular pleomophism, the prominent reticulin fibers surround the individual tumor cells or the tumor cells nests. Immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy revealed glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) expression and pericytoplasmic basal lamina in the tumor cells.

Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: A case report.: Soon Ae Oak, Hee Kyung Chang, Man Ha Huh; Korean J Pathol. 1993;27(3):287-289.

Abstract PDF: The Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma(PXA) is considered as a special subgroup of gliomas because of its distinctive characteristics: onset in young subject; predilection for the temopral or parietal lobe and a superficial location; frequent appearance as a yellow encapsulated mass with a grossly visible tumor-associated cyst; marked histological pleomorphism; little or no mitosis and no necrosis; presence of a rich reticulin network; and demonstrable GFAP in many of the fusiform and giant cells; most importantly, the relatively favorable prognosis despite plemorphism and bizzare giant cells in the microscopic picture. The objective of this report is to add one more case of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma to the medical literature.

Original Article

Spinal Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma.: Tae Jin Kim, Je G Chi; Korean J Pathol. 1993;27(2):184-186.

Abstract PDF: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a rare tumor, presenting superficially over the cerebral hemispheres of young subjects. We report a case of Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma of the cervical cord in view of its unusual location. The patient is a 20-year-old female, presenting with left neck pain radiating to the left shoulder one month before the admission. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high signal lesion in the upper cervical cord lower brainstem in T2 weighted image. On operation, intramedullary tumor was present and it was relatively well delineated. Near-total removal of the spinal cord mass was done. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of pleomorphic astrocytes, which were spindle-shaped with cytoplasmic processes and hyperchromatic nuclei. Other cells were round with vesicular nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. A few giant cells were seen. Despite the marked pleomorphism, mitosis or necrosis was not encountered. Scattered foamy cells were also seen, which showed negative staining in GFAP immunostaining in contrast to other GFAP-positive tumors cells.

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