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Pigmented choroid plexus papilloma
E L Reimund1, J E Sitton, J C Harkin
1Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Abstract:
A pigmented choroid plexus papilloma was found in the left lateral ventricle of a 15-year-old white boy with a 10-year history of seizures. Grossly the lesion appeared finely lobular, orangish brown, rubbery, gritty, and friable. Microscopic examination revealed delicate papillary formations reminiscent of normal choroid plexus, with simple cuboidal to columnar epithelium overlying fibrovascular cores. Light- and electron-microscopic studies demonstrated that the neoplastic cell pigment consisted of both neuromelanin and lipofuscin. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of neuromelanin pigmentation within a choroid plexus papilloma.
Insights
This study reports the first case of a pigmented choroid plexus papilloma containing neuromelanin and lipofuscin in a young patient with a history of seizures. The rare tumor presented unique pigment characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Choroid plexus papillomas are rare tumors typically found in the lateral ventricles.
- While generally benign, they can cause significant neurological symptoms, including seizures.
- Pigmentation in these tumors is uncommon and not well-characterized.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with a 10-year history of seizures.
- Imaging revealed a lesion in the left lateral ventricle.
- Gross examination showed a finely lobular, orangish-brown, rubbery, gritty, and friable mass.
Findings:
- Microscopic analysis confirmed a choroid plexus papilloma with papillary formations and fibrovascular cores.
- Light and electron microscopy revealed neoplastic cells containing both neuromelanin and lipofuscin pigment.
- This represents the first documented instance of neuromelanin within a choroid plexus papilloma.
Implications:
- The presence of neuromelanin in this tumor offers new insights into the cellular origins and differentiation of choroid plexus tumors.
- Understanding the pigment composition may aid in future diagnostic approaches and differential diagnoses.
- This case highlights the diverse histological and ultrastructural features that can occur in pediatric central nervous system tumors.