Brainstem astroblastoma with MN1 translocation.

Abstract

Astroblastoma is a rare glial neoplasm that occurs mostly in the cerebral hemisphere of children, adolescents and young adults. Although astroblastic perivascular pseudorosettes are unique histopathology of this neoplasm, diagnosis is usually challenging. Recently, it was discovered that the meningioma 1 gene (MN1)-altered pediatric central nervous system high-grade neuroepithelial tumors are actually astroblastomas. This case report presents a rare brainstem astroblastoma, with an unusual immunoprofile: negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, but with a robust expression of pancytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen. The diagnosis was confirmed based on the detection of MN1 rearrangement in a fluorescence in situ hybridization study, in addition to typical histopathology. Here we discuss the diagnostic pitfalls and unclear grading system along with a literature review.

• Authors: Sun Ah Shin, Bokyung Ahn, Seung-Ki Kim, Hyoung Jin Kang, Sumihito Nobusawa, Takashi Komori, Sung-Hye Park
• Journal: Neuropathology : official journal of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology (Neuropathology) Vol. 38 Issue 6 Pg. 631-637 (Dec 2018) ISSN: 1440-1789 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 30238518 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: © 2018 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

Chemical References

• MN1 protein, human
• Trans-Activators
• Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics

• Brain Stem Neoplasms (genetics, pathology)
• Child
• Humans
• Male
• Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial (genetics, pathology)
• Trans-Activators
• Translocation, Genetic
• Tumor Suppressor Proteins (genetics)