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Metastatic anaplastic oligodendroglioma simulating acute leukemia. A case report
Mona Anand1, Rajive Kumar, Paresh Jain
1Unit of Laboratory Oncology, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital.
Acta Cytologica
|June 7, 2003
Summary
Metastatic anaplastic oligodendroglioma (OG) to the bone marrow (BM) can mimic acute leukemia on touch preparations. This rare presentation highlights the importance of careful BM examination during OG follow-up to avoid misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
- Hematopathology
Background:
- Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (OG) is a rare central nervous system tumor with infrequent extraparenchymal spread.
- Metastasis to the bone marrow (BM) from OG is exceptionally uncommon, often leading to considerations of secondary primary malignancies.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old patient with a history of anaplastic OG presented with bone scan abnormalities suggestive of metastatic disease.
- Bone marrow biopsy confirmed the presence of OG metastases, with cytologic examination revealing neoplastic cells in clusters and as single cells.
Findings:
- The morphology of anaplastic OG cells in bone marrow touch preparations can closely resemble the cytologic features of acute leukemia.
- This resemblance poses a diagnostic challenge, particularly when evaluating bone marrow aspirates versus biopsies.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of metastatic OG in the bone marrow is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment planning.
- Anaplastic oligodendroglioma should be included in the differential diagnosis for bone marrow lesions presenting with single-cell morphology.
- Awareness of this potential diagnostic pitfall is essential for pathologists and oncologists managing patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma.