Astroblastoma in a Young Female Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review of Clinicopathological, Radiological and Prognostic Characteristics and Current Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Astroblastoma is an uncommon glial tumor with predominant manifestation in the young age. Herein, we report a case of 18-year-old astroblastoma female patient who presented with history of two months headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated well circumscribed, intra-axial abnormal signal intensity lesion (size=5×4 cm2) in the right parieto-occipital region of the brain. The patient underwent complete surgical resection of the gross tumor, as confirmed by an early post-surgical MRI (i.e., within 24 hours of surgery). Histopathological examination revealed neoplastic lesion exhibiting perivascular pseudo-rosettes with centrally hyalinized blood vessel and focal nuclear pleomorphism. Immunohistochemistry staining illustrated reactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein and integrase interactor 1 (INI-1). These features rendered the diagnosis of astroblastoma. A comprehensive review of the current literature to summarize the clinicopathological and radiological characteristics, prognostic factors and current treatment strategies of astroblastomas is also presented. Our study would expand the pool of this uncommon tumor towards its better understanding and optimal treatment.

Diagnostic value and clinical significance of ultrasound combined with CT in cystic renal cell carcinoma

“…The cyst wall is lined with transparent cancer cells, there are agminated transparent cancer cells in septum of the cyst. Cystic renal cell carcinoma is a renal gland cancer, and a cyst is caused by cystic expansion of the glandular cavity of adenocarcinoma (15). In the last 30 years, with the popularization of B-ultrasound and CT, the detection rate of cystic renal cell carcinoma has improved, which helps to accumulate experience for preoperative diagnosis (16).…”

High-grade intraventricular astroblastoma in a young adult: A rare and controversial tumor to manage

“…The most recent revision describes astroblastoma as a high-grade (Grade 4) neuroepithelial tumor of unknown origin. [ 3 ] They generally present with symptoms suggestive of raised intracranial tension, focal neurological deficits, and epileptic episodes. This tumor is prone to misdiagnosis as it shares radiologic and histopathologic features with other glial tumors.…”

Brainstem astroblastoma with MN1 translocation

“…Astroblastomas occur mainly in children, and in adolescents and young adults (AYA), but they can occur in adults . On imaging studies, the tumor is usually a well‐circumscribed and heterogeneously enhanced mass in the cerebral hemisphere, with occasional cystic portions . Microscopically, perivascular pseudorosettes have been characteristic of this tumor since it was first described .…”

“…2 On imaging studies, the tumor is usually a well-circumscribed and heterogeneously enhanced mass in the cerebral hemisphere, with occasional cystic portions. 3,4 Microscopically, perivascular pseudorosettes have been characteristic of this tumor since it was first described. 5 As molecular classifications of brain tumors were being established, the meningioma 1 gene (MN1) rearrangement was discovered in astroblastomas.…”