Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor arising in a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: a rare entity

Clin Neuropathol. 2017 Sep/Oct;36(5):227-232. doi: 10.5414/NP301017.

Abstract

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare and aggressive tumor usually occurring at younger ages. Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXA) on the other hand are quiescent tumors with benign behavior. AT/RTs arising in the setting of PXA are exceptional. We present the case of a 23-year-old female patient, the fourth in the literature, speculated as having AT/RT arising within a PXA, as demonstrated by the presence of INI1 mutation. The patient presented with a short history of headache, which increased over time, and emerging seizures. She had a contrast-enhancing mass in the left temporal area demonstrated by MRI. Pathological examination demonstrated a dimorphic tumor containing a spindle-pleomorphic component reminiscent of PXA and a rhabdoid component with INI1 loss showing features of AT/RT. Both components shared the same BRAF mutation, supporting their common origin, and hence the case was speculated as an AT/RT arising in the setting of a PXA by secondary genetic change of inactivation of INI1. She had a poor outcome despite surgery and died 8 months after her diagnosis. .

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / genetics
  • Astrocytoma / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / genetics
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / pathology*
  • Teratoma / genetics
  • Teratoma / pathology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf

Supplementary concepts

  • Teratoid Tumor, Atypical