Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sujit Routray, M.D. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas; PXA

Overview

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a type of rare, low-grade astrocytoma (WHO Grade II) found in young patients who typically present with temporal lobe epilepsy.^[1]

On gross pathology, polymorphic xanthoastrocytoma is characterized by a well circumscribed mass, often with cystic component and involvement of the overlying leptomeninges.^[2]
Polymorphic xanthoastrocytomas are almost invariably (98%) located supratentorially, typically located superficially (peripherally), involving the cortex and overlying leptomeninges. Approximately half are located in the temporal lobe.

Polymorphic xanthoastrocytoma is demonstrated by positivity to tumor marker such as GFAP.^[2]

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma must be differentiated from:^[3]^[4]

↑ Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. Dr Bruno Di Muzio and A.Prof Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pleomorphic-xanthoastrocytoma. Accessed on December 29, 2015
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Pathology of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. Dr Bruno Di Muzio and A.Prof Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pleomorphic-xanthoastrocytoma. Accessed on December 29, 2015
↑ Yano, Hirohito; Saigoh, Chiemi; Nakayama, Noriyuki; Hirose, Yoshinobu; Abe, Masato; Ohe, Naoyuki; Ozeki, Michio; Shinoda, Jun; Iwama, Toru (2013). "Mixed neuronal-glial tumor in the temporal lobe of an infant: a case report". Diagnostic Pathology. 8 (1): 164. doi:10.1186/1746-1596-8-164. ISSN 1746-1596.
↑ Differential diagnosis of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. Dr Bruno Di Muzio and A.Prof Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pleomorphic-xanthoastrocytoma. Accessed on December 29, 2015