Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor: analysis of cytomorphologic features in CSF, focused on the differential diagnosis from mimickers

Diagn Cytopathol. 2012 Jul;40(7):592-6. doi: 10.1002/dc.21594. Epub 2010 Dec 31.

Abstract

Atypical teratoid and rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare tumor with fatal clinical consequences, usually affecting young children. A significant portion of patients present with dissemination to cerebrobspinal fluid (CSF). However, a limited number of studies are available regarding the cytomorphologic findings of AT/RT in CSF. We collected eight cases of CSF cytology of AT/RT and describe the cytomorphologic features of AT/RT in CSF. Typical rhabdoid cells are found in most cases and they are characterized by eccentric nuclei, abundant cytoplasm, and clustering of the tumor cells. The presence of these cells in CSF indicates disseminated diseases and aggressive therapeutic consideration for patient management is required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Nucleus / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cytodiagnosis / methods
  • Cytoplasm / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Medulloblastoma / diagnosis
  • Medulloblastoma / pathology
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / diagnosis
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / pathology
  • Teratoma / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Teratoma / diagnosis
  • Teratoma / pathology