Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY): A case report with surgical and neuropathological differential diagnosis

Clin Neuropathol. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.5414/NP301609. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY) is a rare entity of low-grade neuroepithelial tumors that primarily affects children and young adults. This distinct type of tumor presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. With its relatively recent identification, researchers and clinicians are striving to understand the characteristics, behavior, and optimal treatment strategies. The symptoms are primarily related to seizures. However, PLNTY can be asymptomatic in some cases.

Materials and methods: This is a single-center case report study and a literature review paper. We reviewed a case treated and diagnosed at the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery. The demographic data, clinical follow-ups, laboratory, and radiological data of the patients were assessed.

Results: We present a 32-year-old male patient who has undergone gross total surgical excision with strict clinical follow-up. Clinical course as well as surgical data of the patient were observed and analyzed.

Conclusion: On imaging, morphologic resembling and indistinctive clinical course can be nonspecific, contributing to diagnostic uncertainties. This case report was written with the notion that rare diagnoses present an opportunity to understand the progression and patho-oncological factors that can pave the way for better treatment.