Oligodendroglioma (grade 3)

Case contributed by RMH Neuropathology
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Not available.

Patient Data

Age: 17
Gender: Male

MRI Brain (2008)

mri

Multifocal regions of cortical and subcortical T2/FLAIR hyperintensity are unchanged, and consistent with gliomatosis cerebri.

No new enhancing lesion identified.

MRI Brain (2015)

mri

Multifocal regions of cortical and subcortical T2/FLAIR hyperintensity are unchanged, and consistent with gliomatosis cerebri.

There is a superior right parietal heterogeneous lesion measuring 47 x 39 mm, with a central cystic area surrounded by calcifications and hemosiderin products foci. 

No new enhancing lesion identified.

pathology

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION:

1&2. The sections show fragments of a moderately hypercellular glial tumor. This consists predominantly of moderately pleomorphic oligodendroglial cells arranged in diffuse sheets. These are admixed with a population of reactive astrocytes. Moderate numbers of gliofibrillary ligodendrocytes are also seen. Moderate numbers of mitotic figures are identified (4/10 HPF). There is also microvascular proliferation with multilayering of atypical cells around vessel lumena. No necrosis is seen.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY:

  • GFAP positive in reactive astrocytes and gliofibrillary oligodendrocytes; negative in tumor oligodendrocytes. 
  • NogoA positive in tumor oligodendrocytes. 
  • ATRX positive (not mutated)
  • IDH-1 R132H positive (mutated)
  • MGMT negative (likely methylated)
  • p53 negative in tumor oligodendrocytes
  • Topoisomerase labeling index: Approximately 10%

Note: 1p 19q co-deletion status has not been established but is implied by the non-mutated ATRX. 

FINAL DIAGNOSIS: oligodendroglioma (WHO CNS grade 3).

Case Discussion

Oligodendrogliomas are intracranial tumors that account for 5-25% of all gliomas and 5-10% of all primary intracranial neoplasms. 

Grade 3 oligodendrogliomas make up 20-50% of them. Increased cellular density, mitotic activity, microvascular proliferation and necrosis.  Nuclear anaplasia is also common.

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