Intrasellar pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: case report.

Abstract

A patient with a primary intrasellar pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is described. A 78-year-old woman experienced slowly progressing bilateral visual disturbance. Analysis of magnetic resonance imaging scans indicated a well-enhanced tumor occupying intra- and suprasellar spaces with displacement of the pituitary gland anteriorly. Partial resection of the tumor via the transsphenoidal route brought about improvement of the patient's visual disturbance. The tumor was conspicuously pleomorphic and composed of plump to spindle-shaped large and bizarre cells with single or multiple nuclei and lipid-laden foamy cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100 protein, and vimentin. The MIB-1 antibody labeling index was very low (<1%) Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumors arising in the posterior hypophysis.