Adult Intracranial Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumor with EWSR1-ATF1 Gene Fusion

World Neurosurg. 2020 Nov:143:91-96. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.07.057. Epub 2020 Jul 17.

Abstract

Background: Intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumors (IMMTs) carrying an EWSR1-CREB gene family fusion are extremely rare and have only been identified in 10 previous reports. All but one has been found in children or young adults. Although there appear to be similarities to a myxoid variant of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH), clear histologic differences exist that appear to distinguish IMMTs as a distinct and novel entity. Previous reports have lacked detailed long-term follow-up and recommendations regarding treatment approach.

Case description: This case describes a 48-year-old woman who presented with a left intraventricular mass that was identified on histology as an IMMT with an EWSR1-ATF1 gene fusion. After initial resection, the tumor demonstrated local recurrence. Repeat resection was performed followed by immediate demonstration of local and distant tumor recurrence. Histologic analysis of the tumor demonstrated a myxoid mesenchymal tumor distinct from AFH. Fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy was administered after the second resection, and tumor control was achieved at 1 year.

Conclusions: Intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumor is a novel and rare entity that has been previously identified in only 10 cases. This case is particularly remarkable because it is only the second IMMT case to occur in a middle-aged adult and shares striking similarities in clinical presentation to the previously reported case. Given the aggressive recurrence seen with the presented case, we recommend the treatment plan to be surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy.

Keywords: EWSR1 fusion; EWSR1-ATF1; Intraventricular tumor; Myxoid mesenchymal tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Activating Transcription Factor 1 / genetics*
  • Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Gene Fusion
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / diagnostic imaging
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / genetics*
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS / genetics*
  • Radiosurgery / methods
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Reoperation
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • ATF1 protein, human
  • Activating Transcription Factor 1
  • EWSR1 protein, human
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS

Supplementary concepts

  • Histiocytoma, Angiomatoid Fibrous