Anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with disseminated growth pattern at the time of diagnosis as well as after treatment: case report and review of literature

Background: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is usually considered a relatively benign and localized entity. However, cases of PXA with anaplastic features have been reported in recent years. Anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma has been added to the 2016 WHO classification of CNS tumors as a distinct entity. Case presentation: We describe a rare case of PXA with dissemination, both at the time of diagnosis and after treatment. The 20-year-old male presented with signs of high intracranial pressure and sudden-onset transient seizures. Imaging examinations showed diffuse lesions widely distributed in the left hemisphere, and on histopathological examination, he was diagnosed with anaplastic PXA. The patient underwent surgical treatment and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation. Follow-up MRI revealed early recurrence and distant spread of the tumor. Conclusions: Anaplastic PXA usually has unique characteristics, including dissemination, early recurrence, and chemoresistance. A strategy based on early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is warranted. However, sufficiently powered studies are required to generate evidence-based guidelines.