Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: Report of a Case with Light and Electron Microscopy

Abstract

A case of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is reported with light microscopic and EM findings. This unusual tumor arose in a 15 yr old [human] male. The tumor consisted predominantly of nests of xanthomatous cells and plump spindle cells surrounded by a prominent reticulin network. There was considerable cellular pleomorphism with abundant bizarre giant cells and multinucleated cells. Occasional mitoses were present. EM and immunoperoxidase localization of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) confirmed the glial nature of the tumor. Recognition of this tumor is important. Despite its malignant appearance, the tumor characteristically has a relatively good prognosis and should not be confused with high-grade gliomas or meningeal sarcomas, which required aggressive therapy.