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Rosenthal fiber‐rich glioblastoma: A case report
Author(s) -
Takei Hidehiro,
Powell Suzanne Z
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.706.2
Subject(s) - pilocytic astrocytoma , pathology , astrocytoma , medicine , eosinophilic , diplopia , pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma , glioma , cancer research , ophthalmology
Background: Rosenthal fibers (RFs) are thick, elongated, brightly eosinophilic structures occurring within astrocytic processes. Although the presence of numerous RFs in brain tumor is most closely associated with a low‐grade astrocytoma, particularly pilocytic astrocytoma, a few RFs are recognized to occur, although rarely, in glioblastoma (GBM). We report a very rare case of GBM with abundant RFs. Case Report: A 60‐year‐old woman presented with a six‐month history of difficulty coordinating her right hand, occasional intermittent diplopia, and occasional dizzy spells. An MRI showed a heterogeneously enhancing, infiltrating mass with cystic component involving left midbrain, thalamus, and posterior basal ganglia. Biopsy was performed. Cytologic touch imprints revealed fibrillary astrocytic cells possessing oval nuclei and long delicate processes with abundant RFs. Histologic sections showed diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma with prominent RFs diffusely distributed throughout the tumor, brisk mitotic activity, vascular proliferation, and small areas of necrosis, as seen in GBM. MIB‐1 labeling index was 7.1%. P53 immunoreactivity was not seen. Discussion: This is a case of RF‐rich GBM, most likely de novo GBM. For the histological diagnosis, infiltrating astrocytoma with abundant RFs should be carefully examined in light of clinical information (e.g., patient age) and neuroimaging studies.