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Meningothelial meningioma with "amianthoid" fibers. Case report with ultrastructural study
R Chuaqui1, S Gonzalez, G Torrealba
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago.
Abstract:
The case of a meningothelial meningioma with 'amianthoid' fibers in a 48-year-old woman is presented. By light microscopy the tumor showed the typical features of meningothelial meningioma and rounded, deeply eosinophilic, and fibrillary areas, especially around and/or in the vicinity of blood vessels. These fibers are also called 'amianthoid' fibers. Ultrastructurally, these foci were made up of disorderly arranged and interwaving mature collagen fibrils with a variable width between 40 and 190 nm. No evidence of intracellular collagen synthesis by the tumor cells was found. The presence of 'amianthoid' fibers does not seem to carry any prognostic significance.
Insights
This study presents a meningothelial meningioma case with amianthoid fibers. These unique collagenous structures, observed around blood vessels, do not appear to impact prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges.
- Meningothelial meningioma is a common subtype.
- Amianthoid fibers are a less common histological finding.
Observation:
- A case of meningothelial meningioma in a 48-year-old woman is detailed.
- Microscopy revealed typical meningioma features alongside eosinophilic, fibrillary areas near blood vessels.
- These areas were identified as amianthoid fibers.
Findings:
- Ultrastructural analysis showed amianthoid fibers composed of mature collagen fibrils (40-190 nm width).
- Tumor cells did not exhibit intracellular collagen synthesis.
- The presence of amianthoid fibers showed no correlation with prognosis.
Implications:
- Amianthoid fibers represent a specific collagenous matrix deposition in meningiomas.
- Understanding their ultrastructure clarifies their origin.
- This finding does not alter the clinical management or prognostic assessment of meningiomas.
