Subependymoma: a case report and the review of literatures

Abstract

Objective To report a rare case of subependymoma and explore its clinical and pathological features. Methods The clinical presentations, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a case of subependymoma were studied retrospectively. The related literatures were also reviewed. Results A 54 ⁃ year ⁃ old male patient presented with sudden loss of awareness, generalized convulsion and transient loss of memory. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space ⁃ occupying lesion located in the left ventricle. The lesion was focally enhanced. Lateral ventricle was enlarged with hydrocephalus. During operation, tumor tissue was soft, grayish in colour and well circumscribed. The blood supply was moderate. The tumor nodule was resected, measuring 3 cm × 2 cm × 2 cm. Microscopically, tumor cells distributed in conglobation or group in dense fibrillary matrix of glia and many microcysts could be seen. Some eosinophilic protein fluid were accumulated in the microcysts. Tumor cells were similar in size without any atypia. Tumor cell nuclei were round or elliptical and no karyokinesis was seen. Immuohistochemistry showed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nestin were positively expressed in tumor cells. The Ki⁃67 labeling index was less than 1%. Neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) was negatively expressed. The patient was followed up for 6 months and no recurrence was found. Conclusion Subependymoma is one of the rare benign tumors of the central nervous system. High incidence appears in male adults. Its long⁃term prognosis is good after surgical complete resection.

DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2011.01.021