Neuropathology for the Neuroradiologist: Antoni A and Antoni B Tissue Patterns

Abstract

SUMMARY:Histologic patterns of cellular architecture often suggest a tissue diagnosis. Distinctive histologic patterns seen within the peripheral nerve sheath tumor schwannoma include the Antoni A and Antoni B regions. The purpose of this report is to review the significance of Antoni regions in the context of schwannomas.

Schwannoma of the hypoglossal nerve: Review of the literature based on an illustrative case

“…Tumours usually create grey solid masses, but may also present as cystic areas with xanthomatous modifications. Histologically, two different forms may be distinguished according to growth features: Antoni form A is characterised by prolonged bundles of bipolar elements, associated with argyrophilic fibrils with nuclei aligned in parallel termed 'palisades', separated by hyaline bands, also termed Verocay bodies (8,(37)(38)(39)(40); Antoni form B is characterised by polymorphic and frequently astrocyte-like elements, associated with mucus and microcystic degeneration (8,(37)(38)(39)(40). There may be degenerative phenomena, such as fatty degeneration, and vessels may appear as being telangiectatic, sinusoidal or with thickened walls.…”

Diffusivity Measurements Differentiate Benign from Malignant Lesions in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy or Plexopathy

“…22 Myxoid matrix is known to be abundant in both schwannomas and neurofibromas. Schwannomas, particularly Antoni B tissue within schwannomas, contain a high water content, due to low cellularity and high mucin and low collagen content, 23 and this likely accounts for their high diffusivity. Limitations of this study include the lack of biopsy-proven diagnoses for all patients, the likelihood that diffusion characteristics of postradiation changes evolve with time, and the need for validation in a larger study population.…”

Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannoma- A Rare Case Report

“…If the schwannoma is completely removed, recurrence rates are extremely low. 4 Complete surgical removal of the mass without sacrificing nerve fibre is possible only when the capsule is easily separable from the underlying fibres; moreover, since cervical sympathetic chain damage is well tolerated. Thus, the majority of patients who undergo intervention are reported to manifest some degree of Horner's syndrome, which is the most complication after CSCS removal.…”

“…Importantly, Verocay bodieswhorled formations of palisading nuclei arranged in rows about the periphery of eosinophilic cytoplasm. 4 …”