Cytology of desmoplastic medulloblastoma in imprint smears: a report of 2 cases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Desmoplastic medulloblastoma is a rare subtype of medulloblastoma with astroglial differentiation. The cytomorphologic features in intraoperative imprint smears from 2 cases of desmoplastic medulloblastoma are described.

CASE REPORTS:

A 22-year-old man and 27-year-old woman with a cerebellar tumor underwent craniotomy and tumor resection. The imprint cytologic smears contained cellular zones and nodular hypocellular areas containing astroglial and oligodendrogliallike elements. The cytology was misinterpreted as glial tumors, while the final histologic diagnosis in both cases were desmoplastic medulloblastoma.

CONCLUSION:

Desmoplastic medulloblastoma shows distinctive cytology in intraoperative smears. However, the occurrence of this rare type in adults and the presence of astroglial elements in imprint smears may cause a cytologic misinterpretation as gliomas.

• Authors: Nader Riazmontazer, Yahya Daneshbod
• Journal: Acta cytologica (Acta Cytol) 2006 Jan-Feb Vol. 50 Issue 1 Pg. 97-100 ISSN: 0001-5547 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 16514849 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Astrocytes (pathology)
• Brain Neoplasms (diagnosis)
• Cerebellar Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology, surgery)
• Diagnostic Errors
• Female
• Glioma (diagnosis)
• Humans
• Intraoperative Period
• Male
• Medulloblastoma (diagnosis, pathology, surgery)
• Neurons (pathology)