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Epithelial differentiation in intraspinal meningiomas
H Takeuchi1, J F Llena, A Hirano
1Division of Neuropathology, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467-2490, USA. takeuchihiroaki@msn.com
Abstract:
To investigate the epithelial features of intraspinal meningiomas, 25 intraspinal meningiomas and 25 intracranial meningiomas were examined for the presence of pseudopsammoma bodies with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. In addition, we investigated the expression of keratin and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) by immunohistochemical methods. Pseudopsammoma bodies were found in 3 of 25 cases of intracranial meningiomas (12%), but no definitive pseudopsammoma bodies were observed the intraspinal meningiomas. Three cases (12%) of intraspinal meningiomas and 9 cases (36%) of intracranial meningiomas, including 3 cases with pseudopsammoma bodies, were immunoreactive for keratin. All 25 (100%) intracranial meningiomas and 20 of 25 (84%) intraspinal meningiomas were reactive for EMA. In the intraspinal meningiomas, 4 of 25 cases (16%) showed no reactivity for EMA. These findings suggest that the origin of certain cell components of meningiomas may be different according to the site of the tumor or that the nature of meningioma may be modified by the local environment.
Insights
Intraspinal meningiomas lack pseudopsammoma bodies and show reduced keratin expression compared to intracranial tumors. Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) expression also differs, suggesting site-specific origins or environmental modifications in meningioma development.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges.
- Intraspinal meningiomas represent a distinct subset with potentially different biological characteristics compared to intracranial counterparts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the epithelial features of intraspinal and intracranial meningiomas.
- To investigate the presence of pseudopsammoma bodies and the expression of keratin and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA).
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination using hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining.
- Immunohistochemical analysis for keratin and EMA expression.
- Comparative study of 25 intraspinal and 25 intracranial meningiomas.
Main Results:
- Pseudopsammoma bodies were identified in 12% of intracranial meningiomas but not in intraspinal meningiomas.
- Keratin immunoreactivity was observed in 36% of intracranial and 12% of intraspinal meningiomas.
- Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) reactivity was high in both groups (100% intracranial, 84% intraspinal), with 16% of intraspinal meningiomas showing no EMA reactivity.
Conclusions:
- The absence of pseudopsammoma bodies and differential keratin expression suggest distinct origins or environmental influences on intraspinal meningiomas.
- Variations in EMA expression further support site-specific differences in meningioma biology.
- These findings highlight the importance of tumor location in understanding meningioma pathogenesis.
