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Published on: January 14, 2014
Anaplastic astrocytoma with eosinophilic granular cells
Sawako Kinjo1, Hideaki Yokoo, Junko Hirato
1Department of Human Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan. skinjo@med.gunma-u.ac.jp
Summary
This study reports a rare case of anaplastic astrocytoma with unusual cytoplasmic granules resembling Rosenthal fibers. These findings highlight the diagnostic challenges and significance of granular inclusions in glial tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Anaplastic astrocytoma is a malignant primary brain tumor.
- Tumor heterogeneity can present diagnostic challenges.
- Rosenthal fibers are typically associated with pilocytic astrocytoma and oligodendroglial tumors.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old man presented with neurological deficits and was diagnosed with a left frontal lobe tumor.
- Histopathological examination revealed anaplastic astrocytoma with cytoplasmic eosinophilic granules in neoplastic cells.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed these granules stained positive for alphaB-crystallin, consistent with Rosenthal fibers.
Findings:
- Ultrastructural analysis showed amorphous electron-dense structures resembling Rosenthal fibers.
- The MIB-1 labeling index was significantly lower in granular cells compared to the overall tumor.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization did not reveal allelic loss on chromosome 1 short arm.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare morphological features in astrocytic tumors.
- The presence of Rosenthal fiber-like material in anaplastic astrocytoma requires careful histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation.
- Further research is needed to understand the origin and significance of these granular inclusions in gliomas.
