Cerebellar pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: case report and literature review.
BACKGROUND
PXA generally has histologic features characteristic of benign biological behavior, although malignant forms have been reported. This neoplasm has also been observed in atypical locations.


METHODS
The authors report a case of cerebellar PXA with rapid malignant transformation in a 58-year-old woman and review the rare presentations and atypical features of this tumor.


RESULTS
Among the "unusual" locations, the most frequent is the cerebellum with 15 cases having been described, 9 in adults, with an average age of 33 years. In contrast, supratentorial forms had a younger age profile (26 years). The time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was approximately 5.3 months. PXA in the posterior fossa had a higher rate of solid enhancing tumor (9/14). Regarding histologic appearance, two thirds were composite lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinicopathologic features of cerebellar PXA show some differences from PXA located in the cerebral hemispheres. Recognizing the potential for PXA to present with unusual manifestations, regardless of location, has an obvious impact on the accuracy of diagnosis.
Hamlat
Abderrahmane
A
Department of Neurosurgery, CHRU Pontchaillou, Rennes, France. abdhamlat@yahoo.fr
Le Strat
Anne
A
Guegan
Yvon
Y
Ben-Hassel
Mohamed
M
Saikali
Stephan
S
D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein