Giant cell ependymoma

Giant cell ependymoma, a rare ependymal subtype only recently recognized as a diagnostic entity in the 2000s, demonstrates pleomorphic giant cells admixed with features of typical ependymoma. Although only 8 giant cell ependymomas have been reported to date, none have been reported in the suprasellar space. Moreover, as these neoplasms demonstrate a high incidence of anaplastic grade, recognition of this ependymal subtype is paramount.

Sangoi et al describe the presentation and pertinent radiologic, histologic, immunologic, and ultrastructural findings in conjunction with relevant clinical implications of the first reported case of a suprasellar giant cell ependymoma occurring in a 34-year-old female 7 years after an initial diagnosis of a medullary ependymoma with rare atypical giant cells, a potential tumor seeding culprit 1).

1)
Sangoi AR, Lim M, Dulai M, Vogel H, Chang S. Suprasellar giant cell ependymoma: a rare neoplasm in a unique location. Hum Pathol. 2008 Sep;39(9):1396-401. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2008.01.007. Epub 2008 Jul 7. PubMed PMID: 18602668.