Eosinophilic globules in a classic ependymoma: evidence of a possible secretory role.

Eosinophilic globules in a classic ependymoma: evidence of a possible secretory role.
Ultrastruct Pathol. 2020 Nov 05;:1-8
Authors: Ahn JS, Petersen M, Friedman AH, López EM, Cummings TJ, Buckley AF, López GY
Abstract
A number of neoplasms of the central nervous system can demonstrate diffuse eosinophilic globules, known to be secretory products of the corresponding cell type, but they have not been a salient feature in descriptions of classic ependymoma. Here, we present a case of a posterior fossa ependymoma demonstrating glassy PAS-positive, diastase-resistant, eosinophilic globules with light microscopic and ultrastructural features resembling Reissner fiber, the secretory product of the subcommissural organ. While there has been a single published description of an ependymoma with intra- and extracellular granulofibrillary material suggested to be evidence of secretory differentiation, ours is the first case to demonstrate diffuse eosinophilic globules in an ependymoma. The extent of globules allowed full study by electron microscopy to provide new insight into the secretory material and the surrounding structures. Our findings suggest that neoplastic ependymal cells can recapitulate the secretory capacity of the subcommissural organ.
PMID: 33148106 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Ultrastructural Pathology - November 5, 2020 Category: Pathology Authors: Ahn JS, Petersen M, Friedman AH, López EM, Cummings TJ, Buckley AF, López GY Tags: Ultrastruct Pathol Source Type: research