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Rhabdoid meningioma: cytopathologic findings in cerebrospinal fluid

Anil V Parwani1, Irina Mikolaenko, Charles G Eberhart

  • 1Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.

Diagnostic Cytopathology
|November 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Rhabdoid meningioma, a rare aggressive brain tumor, presents distinct cytopathologic findings in cerebrospinal fluid. Early identification of these malignant cells is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropathology
  • Cytopathology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Rhabdoid meningioma is a rare, aggressive WHO Grade III intracranial tumor.
  • It is characterized by rapid growth and a high risk of recurrence.
  • Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective patient management.

Observation:

  • This study details the cytopathologic findings in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a 26-year-old female with rhabdoid meningioma.
  • The CSF revealed abundant malignant cells exhibiting a distinct 'rhabdoid' phenotype.
  • Key features included large cells, eccentric nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and dense eosinophilic cytoplasm.

Findings:

  • The cytomorphology observed in the CSF is characteristic of rhabdoid meningioma.
  • Differential diagnoses include metastatic adenocarcinoma, malignant melanoma, and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors.
  • The presence of rhabdoid cells in CSF is a significant diagnostic indicator.

Implications:

  • Recognizing these cytopathologic features in CSF aids in the early diagnosis of rhabdoid meningioma.
  • This finding can guide neuro-oncologists in treatment strategies for this aggressive tumor.
  • Further research into CSF analysis for rare brain tumors is warranted.

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