Anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and epithelioid glioblastoma: same entity or precursor of disease

Abstract

Introduction. Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a glial lesion with low grade of malignancy (grade II), it can present malignant transformation progressing to anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma or glioblastoma multiforme, classified as grade III and IV, respectively, according to the WHO. Epithelioid glioblastoma is a rare morphological subtype of glioblastoma, with aggressive behavior, associated with early recurrence and leptomeningeal compromise. Case Presentation. Case report of a 13-year-old female patient with findings of anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma associated with epithelioid glioblastoma, a rare neoplasm that usually occurs in the pediatric population and in young adults. Discussion. The diagnosis of epithelioid glioblastoma is challenging, only a few small series have been reported in the adult and pediatric population. Conclusion. The imaging findings in the two entities are similar and share histopathological characteristics and even some overlapping molecular findings, which makes their differentiation difficult. For this reason, there is still a great controversy whether these entities are present continuously or whether the anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a precursor of epithelioid glioblastoma.