Pigmented variant of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma - A rare long-term epilepsy associated neoplasm

Indian J Pathol Microbiol. 2019 Jul-Sep;62(3):445-447. doi: 10.4103/IJPM.IJPM_723_18.

Abstract

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is an uncommon, long-term epilepsy associated tumor of young adults. Its pigmented variant is exceedingly rare, with only five previously reported cases on record. We report the sixth case of pigmented PXA in a 24-year-old lady presenting with long-standing seizures. The MRI revealed a solid cystic lesion located in the right medial temporal lobe. Histopathologically, the superficially located tumor showed typical features of PXA with melanin-laden astrocytic component and was negative for V600E-mutant BRAF. The histogenesis is discussed.

Keywords: Epilepsy; V600E-mutant BRAF; histopathology; melanin; pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anterior Temporal Lobectomy
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Astrocytoma / etiology*
  • Astrocytoma / surgery
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Melanins
  • Mutation
  • Pigmentation

Substances

  • Melanins