Clinicopathological analysis of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in cerebellum
Abstract：Objective To discuss the clinicopathological features of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)in cerebellum. Methods We reported a case of PXA located in the cerebellum of a young adult in view of itsextremely unusual location. Morphologic observation, immunohistochemical staining using DAKO EnVisionsystem, histochemical stains including hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Gordon-Sweet's reticulin methods were used.Results A 18-year-old patient presented with 2-month's history of ambiopia. Computed tomography(CT) scanshowed a round focus with high intensity and contrast enhancement in the cerebellar vermis. Histologicexamination revealed pleomorphic cellular proliferation with xanthomatous, multi- and mono-nucleated giant cells.Rothensal fibers and eosinophilic hyaline granules were seen in the cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, tumorcells showed reactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Reticulin staining revealed a fiber networksurrounding individual tumor cells. Conclusion It is extremely unusual to find PXA in the cerebellum in youngadults. To make a correct pathological diagnosis of this uncommon form of astrocytoma, analysis on combination ofmorphologic features, histochemical and immunohistochemical stains are necessary. This observation reinforcesthe argument that pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas should be considered when making the differential diagnosis ofcerebellar neoplasms.
Keywords：Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomaCerebellumPathology
Publication Date：2003-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 107-110 )