Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)
Article Content
PXAs are low grade astrocytoma (WHO Grade II) found in young patients who typically present with seizures.
They are typically located peripherally in the temporal lobe, involving the cortex and meninges, often with a cystic component (50 - 60%) and enhancing mural nodule. Additionally they are one of the tumours that may exhibit a dural tail.
DDx
- Ganglioglioma - often calcified. Remodels adjacent skull vault. No dural tail.
- Oligodendroglioma - usually calcified
- Pilocytic astrocytoma - supratentorial location (other than chiasm or hypothalamus) rare.
- DNET - bubbly appearance. Usually little if any enhancement.
- Meningioma - cystic components rare