Pilomyxoid astrocytoma

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 20 Jul 2022

Pilomyxoid astrocytomas are an uncommon and somewhat more aggressive variant of pilocytic astrocytoma with unique clinical and histopathologic characteristics.

Pilomyxoid astrocytomas are usually encountered in young children and infants (mean age of 10-18 months), however, adults cases have been described 3,4,7. As most of these tumors have been previously classified as pilocytic astrocytomas it is uncertain whether they have distinctive epidemiology 6. They are believed, however, to account for approximately 2% of all childhood astrocytomas 9.

There is no characteristic clinical presentation and the symptoms will be related to the mass effect and the tumor location 1-4. Usually, symptoms relating to increased intracranial pressure or parenchymal compression will be present 1-4

Although it has been suggested that pilomyxoid astrocytomas should be considered WHO grade 2 tumors (compared to pilocytic astrocytomas which are WHO grade 1), in the 5th Edition (2021) WHO classification of CNS tumors a formal grade has not been given 8.  

Pilomyxoid astrocytomas were originally reported as arising in the hypothalamus or optic chiasm, which is the most common location, however, they may also occur elsewhere within the brain, including the posterior fossa, as well as in the spinal cord 1,6

Pilomyxoid astrocytomas are composed of monomorphous bipolar cells with a prominent angiocentric pattern. They are embedded within a profoundly myxoid background 6. Generally, these tumors are well-circumscribed without infiltration 6

Features typically found in pilocytic astrocytomas, such as Rosenthal fibers, eosinophilic granular bodies and calcification are uncommon or absent in pilomyxoid astrocytomas 3,5,6. These tumors also lack the biphasic appearance (dense cellular areas alternating with loose cystic areas) usually present in pilocytic astrocytomas 5

Vascular proliferation and foci of necrosis are only occasionally encountered 6

Generally, these tumors show astrocytic immunohistochemistry 6,8

These tumors are usually large, well-circumscribed, lobulated and may have solid or cystic components with no or minimal surrounding edema. They are typically described as H-shaped as they expand from the midline (hypothalamic and optic chiasm region) into both temporal lobes. Hemorrhagic components may be present. CSF dissemination can also be seen.

Reported signal characteristics include:

  • T1: isointense  
  • T2: usually hyperintense, reflecting its myxoid matrix
  • GRE/SWI: approximately 20% show intratumoral hemorrhage
  • T1 C+ (Gd): common and is usually in the solid component but can be also peripheral
  • DWI/ADC: usually high ADC values (facilitated diffusion), reflecting its myxoid matrix

Compared to pilocytic astrocytomas, pilomyxoid astrocytomas have been generally thought to behave more aggressively and have a poorer prognosis, although this may be in part at least due to their predilection for the hypothalamus and optic chiasm, which makes complete resection impossible 6,7

The total resection of the tumor is the most reliable predictor of a favorable outcome 3

Pilocytic astrocytoma is the main differential diagnosis, and no reliable imaging features can distinguish between them, although certain features are more common in pilomyxoid astrocytomas, including:

  • hemorrhage
  • hypothalamic-chiasmatic involvement
  • very young age (<2 years of age)
  • H shaped large suprasellar mass

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