SMARCB1 (INI1)-Deficient Sinonasal Carcinoma with Yolk Sac differentiation Showing Co-loss of SMARCA4 Immunostaining - A Case Report and Literature Review

Head Neck Pathol. 2022 Sep;16(3):934-941. doi: 10.1007/s12105-022-01423-y. Epub 2022 Mar 7.

Abstract

SMARCB1 (INI1)-deficient carcinoma of the sinonasal tract is a rare and distinct entity characterized by the loss of INI1 immunostain expression. These tumors are morphologically diverse, with isolated cases of yolk sac differentiation reported. We report the first case of SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma that demonstrated co-loss of SMARCA4 immunostain, and reduced SMARCA2 and ARID1A staining, with the entire tumor showing histological and immunohistochemical evidence of yolk sac differentiation. The clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular features were discussed and compared against SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinomas with yolk sac differentiation and SMARCA4-deficeint sinonasal carcinomas reported in the literature. With a highly aggressive clinical course leading to mortality two months after presentation, the behavior of this tumor appears to be more comparable to that of SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas. A comprehensive immunopanel including SMARCB1, SMARCA4, SMARCA2 and ARID1A may be advisable for assessment and prognostication of SWI/SNF-deficient tumors.

Keywords: INI1; SMARCA4; SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Carcinoma*
  • DNA Helicases
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms*
  • SMARCB1 Protein
  • Transcription Factors
  • Yolk Sac

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • SMARCB1 Protein
  • SMARCB1 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • SMARCA4 protein, human
  • DNA Helicases