Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma Occurring in the Third Ventricle
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Sanghyeon Kim1, Myongjin Kang1, Sunseob Choi1
1Department of Radiology, Dong-A University Medical Center, Seo-gu, Busan, Korea.
Abstract:
Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a rare central nervous system tumor that has been included in the 2007 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. Due to its more aggressive behavior, PMA is classified as Grade II neoplasm by the World Health Organization. PMA predominantly affects the hypothalamic/chiasmatic region and occurs in children (mean age of occurrence = 10 months). We report a case of a 24-year-old man who presented with headache, nausea, and vomiting. Brain CT and MRI revealed a mass occupying only the third ventricle. We performed partial resection. Histological findings, including monophasic growth with a myxoid background, and absence of Rosenthal fibers or eosinophilic granular bodies, as well as the strong positivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein were consistent with PMA.
Insights
Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA), a rare aggressive brain tumor, typically affects children. This report details an unusual case of PMA in a 24-year-old adult, highlighting its varied presentation.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Central Nervous System Pathology
Background:
- Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a rare central nervous system (CNS) tumor, classified as WHO Grade II due to its aggressive nature.
- PMA predominantly affects the hypothalamic/chiasmatic region and typically occurs in infants, with a mean age of 10 months.
Observation:
- This report presents an atypical case of a 24-year-old male with symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting.
- Diagnostic imaging (CT and MRI) identified a mass solely within the third ventricle.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination revealed monophasic growth with a myxoid background.
- The tumor showed strong positivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and lacked Rosenthal fibers or eosinophilic granular bodies, consistent with pilomyxoid astrocytoma.
Implications:
- This case expands the known age demographic for pilomyxoid astrocytoma, suggesting adult occurrence is possible.
- Highlights the importance of considering pilomyxoid astrocytoma in the differential diagnosis of third ventricular masses, regardless of patient age.
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