Ependymoma-like tumor with mesenchymal differentiation (ELTMD) with ZFTA:NCOA1 fusion: A diagnostic challenge

Neuropathology. 2024 Jun;44(3):216-221. doi: 10.1111/neup.12952. Epub 2023 Nov 6.

Abstract

Ependymal tumors are classified based on their location, histology, and molecular characteristics. Supratentorial ependymomas (ST-EPNs) are a group of circumscribed supratentorial gliomas, which usually have pathogenic fusions involving either zinc finger translocation associated (ZFTA) (formerly C11orf95) or YAP1. A subtype of ependymoma was recently described and labeled ependymoma-like tumors with mesenchymal differentiation (ELTMDs). We describe a case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with a right frontal tumor. The diagnosis was challenging, and a correct diagnosis could only be reached after reanalysis of methylation data with a more recent version of the classifier and RNA fusion testing, which revealed ZFTA:NCOA1 (nuclear receptor coactivator 1) fusion. There are only a handful of cases of this entity, which is being reported for its rarity and the diagnostic challenge it poses.

Keywords: Ependymoma; Fusion; Mesenchymal; Methylation; RNA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ependymoma* / diagnosis
  • Ependymoma* / genetics
  • Ependymoma* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 1* / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Proteins
  • Supratentorial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Supratentorial Neoplasms / genetics
  • Supratentorial Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 1
  • NCOA1 protein, human
  • C11orf95 protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • Proteins