Cerebral astroblastoma with oligodendroglial-like cells：A case report

Abstract

Background: Astroblastoma is a rare tumor of the central nervous system, with unclear biological behavior and origin. Its histopathological features have been well established. However, to the best of our knowledge, astroblastoma with oligodendroglial-like cells have not been reported. Case presentation: Herein, we reported a case of astroblastoma with atypical pathological features. A 15-year-old girl presented with nausea, vomiting, headache and visual disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large neoplasm in the left temporal lobe. Histologically, the tumor showed solid and pseudopapillary structure. The tumor cells were radially arranged around blood vessels, with a single, prominent process, and as astroblastic pseudorosettes. More importantly, typical oligodendroglial-like cells were observed. In addition to membrane staining for EMA, immunohistochemical staining also showed that the tumor cells were positive for GFAP and Vimentin. The oligodendroglial-like cells were positive for GFAP, Vimentin, and Olig-2. The Ki-67 labeling index was about 4%. Sequencing for IDH1 codon 132 and IDH2 codon 172 gene mutations showed negative results. Furthermore, fluorescent analysis revealed neither 1p nor 19q deletion in the lesion. Based on these findings, the tumor was finally diagnosed as astroblastoma. Conclusions: Herein, we reported an extremely rare case of astroblastoma, which was morphologically characterized by the appearance of oligodendroglial-like cells.