Ultrastructure of capillary endothelium in pilocytic astrocytomas.
The aim of this study was to assess the capillary ultrastructure of pilocytic astrocytomas with gadolinium contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cysts were identified in all cases with pilocytic astrocytoma. Histological investigation focusing on the vascular structure was performed by light microscopy and electron microscopy in four pilocytic astrocytomas. In the pilocytic astrocytomas, light microscopic examination demonstrated vascular abnormalities (fibrosis, hyalinization, and vascular proliferation), and electron microscopic examination revealed fenestration and vesicles in the capillary endothelium. Fenestration of the vessels and vascular abnormalities with degeneration are suggested to develop both contrast enhancement on neuroimaging and cystic formation in pilocytic astrocytomas.
Takeuchi
Hiroaki
H
Department of Neurosurgery, Obama Community Hospital, Obama, Fukui 917-8567, Japan. takeuchi@obamahp-wakasa.jp
Kubota
Toshihiko
T
Sato
Kazufumi
K
Arishima
Hidetaka
H
D000293:Adolescent; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000098:blood supply*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*; D002648:Child; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement
D005682:Gadolinium