IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma

Case contributed by Mohammad A. ElBeialy
Diagnosis possible

Presentation

2-year history of seizures and chronic headache.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female
mri

A right temporal lobe cortical based lobulated cystic mass lesion with enhancing mural nodule. The solid nodule of the lesion shows isointense T1 and T2 signal with intense homogenous post-contrast enhancement. The cystic component of the lesion shows low T1 and high T2 signal with marginal post-contrast enhancement. The lesion is associated with mild vasogenic brain edema with mild compression of the right lateral ventricle’s temporal horn and some effacement of cortical sulci.

Case Discussion

A right temporal based cystic mass lesion with enhancing mural nodule has a differential that includes pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA), ganglioglioma or less likely dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET).

Unfortunately, histological confirmation of the diagnosis is not available in this case. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.