Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: magnetic resonance imaging findings in a series of cases with histopathological confirmation

Abstract

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare glioma. This paper aimed to analyze magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics in a series of patients diagnosed with PXA. We analyzed MRI findings in 9 patients with histopathologic diagnosis of PXA in our department over the last 12 years. The mean age of patients was 27.3 years. Cortical location was observed in all cases. The lesion imaging was solid-cystic in six cases. In eight cases, the solid component presented hypo or isointense on T1 and iso or hyperintense on T2. Contrast enhancement in the solid component was observed in eight cases. The observed imaging pattern of PXA was superficial location with leptomeningeal involvement, solid-cystic pattern and contrast enhancement in the solid component. We should consider that the association between PXA and other cortical tumors may occur, particularly, with gangliogliomas, which tend to be the main differential diagnosis in MRI.