Clear cell pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: case report

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a well-described astrocytic neoplasm with distinctive clinical and pathological features. Although most patient s with PXAs are cured by surgical excision, other patients experience malig nant progression and tumor recurrence. We describe a 47-year-old woman with a left temporal lobe PXA that had classic histopathological characteristic s as well as extensive clear cell and focal papillary changes, and some ana plastic findings. The patient has now suffered two recurrences after comple te resection. The case illustrates a rare, previously undescribed histologi cal variant of PXA, with a prominent clear cell and focal papillary morphol ogy. The study of histologically similar cases is needed to determine wheth er this variant is always associated with a greater likelihood of recurrenc e.