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Intracranial Myopericytoma: A Rare Benign Tumor at an Extremely Rare Location
Ashish Kumar Shrivastav1, Manish Garg1, Hema Malini Aiyer2
1Department of Neurosurgery and Neurointervention, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital and Research Centre, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
A 50-year-old female presented with a history of seizures, headache, nausea, and vomiting. On imaging, parafalcine meningioma with mass effect features was rendered. She underwent right frontal tumor excision and craniotomy. Pathological examination showed a tumor composed of syncytial aggregates of round to plump fusiform cells forming whorls around prominent branching congested vessels. The tumorous cells expressed α-smooth actin and heavy-chain caldesmon and were negative for epithelial membrane antigen, protein S100, HMB45, CD34, calponin, and desmin, thus providing the final diagnosis of intracranial myopericytoma. The rarity of this benign tumor at an extremely rare location prompted this study. As preoperative radiological investigations are nonspecific in such cases, a detailed and comprehensive pathological examination is mandatory to come to a definitive diagnosis.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of intracranial myopericytoma, a benign brain tumor, found in the parafalcine region. Definitive diagnosis requires thorough pathological examination due to non-specific imaging findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Intracranial tumors can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Parafalcine meningiomas are rare, and myopericytomas are an even rarer subtype.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old female presented with seizures, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
- Imaging revealed a parafalcine mass with mass effect, initially suspected as meningioma.
- Surgical excision and subsequent pathological analysis were performed.
Findings:
- Histopathology demonstrated syncytial aggregates of cells forming whorls around vessels.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for α-smooth actin and heavy-chain caldesmon.
- The tumor was definitively diagnosed as an intracranial myopericytoma, negative for other markers.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of rare intracranial tumors.
- Comprehensive pathological examination is essential when radiological findings are nonspecific.
- Understanding myopericytomas aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for these rare neoplasms.
