Neuropathological spectrum of pilocytic astrocytoma-an Indian series of 120 cases

Heterogeneity of histopathological presentation of pilocytic astrocytoma – diagnostic pitfalls. A review

“…They affect preferentially the cerebellum but may arise in the optic pathway, hypothalamus, brainstem and spinal cord [27,60]. Less commonly they are located in the basal ganglia and cerebral hemispheres.…”

“…The vast majority of cases are associated with benign clinical behaviour and a favourable long-term outcome, particularly those of cerebellar location and complete surgical resection [27][28][29]60]. However, some tumours, despite their benign histology, may behave more aggressively.…”

“…In such cases the accurate diagnosis may be challenging [60]. Moreover, the biological behaviour of pilocytic astrocytomas, independently of their clinical course and morphology, is not always predictable.…”

Primary Anaplastic Cerebellar Pilocytic Astrocytoma

“…However, degenerating PAs can demonstrate features that could be mistaken for anaplastic changes, such as prominent vascularity, infrequent mitoses, nuclear pleomorphism, and nonpalisading necrosis. 14,15 These features are to be considered for differential diagnosis. The 44-case study of adult PA by Stuer et al, 3 defined the criteria of anaplastic transformation, including brisk mitotic activity and palisading necrosis.…”

Imaging Features of Pilocytic Astrocytoma in Cerebral Ventricles

“…Based on their radiological features, we define astrocytomas derived from these structures around the ventricles-which in fact are mainly located in the ventricles-as intraventricular astrocytomas [8]. PAs are usually seen in children and adolescents younger than 20 years, and the incidence decreases with age [9]. They are seldom seen in people older than 30 years and are even rarer in those older than 50 years [10].…”