Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2025

Generation of Human Kidney Tubuloids from Tissue and Urine
Published on: April 16, 2021
Multinucleated Giants: Unveiling Pediatric Renal Epithelioid PEComa
Aileen Azari-Yam1, Mohammad Vasei2, Moeinadin Safavi1
1Division of Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetics, Pathology Department, Children's Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) of the kidney are rare mesenchymal tumors that rarely occur in children. Individuals with tuberous sclerosis (TS) are at increased risk for these tumors. While classic PEComas are benign, the epithelioid variant could have malignant potential and metastasis capacity. We report a case of right kidney epithelioid PEComa with uncertain malignant potential in a 3-year-old girl who had no personal or family history of tuberous sclerosis. The tumor was found through ultrasound imaging. Sections from the radical nephrectomy specimen showed epithelioid and spindle cells with abundant granular eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm, mildly pleomorphic vesicular nuclei and distinctive perivascular arrangement. Abundant multinucleated giant cells were seen. No further therapy was suggested by the oncologist. The patient is doing well ten months post-surgery. We reviewed the literature and analyzed the features of pediatric renal PEComas reported so far.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Nephrons
Internal Anatomy of the Kidney
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Kidney Structure

