1.DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma: analysis of five cases
Zejun DUAN ; Jing FENG ; Junping ZHANG ; Changxiang YAN ; Fangjun LIU ; Zhong MA ; Lei XIANG ; Zejuan HU ; Junjie YANG ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(6):632-639
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma.Methods:Five cases of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma at Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China during May 2013 to November 2024 were collected. The clinical and imaging data were retrieved. Histological evaluation, immunohistochemical staining and next generation sequencing were performed. Additionally, a literature review was conducted.Results:All five DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas were located in the supratentorial region, with one case involving the basal ganglia. There were two males and three females. The median age at diagnosis was 25 (14.0, 30.5) years. Morphologically, they were characterized by high-grade spindle cell sarcoma, with brisk mitotic activity and cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules. Myxoid degeneration, necrosis, and invasion into surrounding brain tissue were observed in some cases. The tumor cells showed diffuse staining of vimentin and variable expression of myogenic marker (desmin), with or without focal MyoD1 and/or Myogenin expression. Four tumors exhibited diffuse, strong expression of TLE1 and p53, while only three tumors showed loss of ATRX (nuclear) expression. Two cases showed mosaic loss of H3K27me3 expression in neoplastic cells. The Ki-67 proliferation index was high (40%-80%). Various neuronal markers, such as synaptophysin, NF, SOX2 and MAP2, were expressed in all tumor samples. Genetically, all tumors samples harbored biallelic abnormalities of DICER1. One was a hotspot missense mutation in the RNase Ⅲb domain within exon 25 on one allele (p.E1813 or p.D1810), while the other allele had mutations including a germline mutation in one case, a somatic mutation in two cases, and a copy number deletion in two cases. In addition, these sarcomas showed alterations in TP53 (4/5), ATRX (3/5), and the genes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (3/5). Finally, all five cases were diagnosed as DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma. All patients underwent craniotomy that led to complete tumor resection. Three patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with progression-free survival time of 28, 48, and 50 months, respectively. Patient 2 succumbed to the tumor after 3 months post-surgery due to rapid progression and tumor dissemination. Patient 5 was lost to follow-up 3 months after the surgery.Conclusions:DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma is a newly defined tumor entity in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, and commonly occurs in children and young adults. High-grade malignant spindle cells are their typical morphological feature. Eosinophilic cytoplasmic globules and myogenic differentiation can help establish the diagnosis. This study suggests that DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas exhibit immunophenotypic neuronal differentiation. Rendering the diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma largely relies on detecting DICER1 pathogenic alterations or DNA methylation profiling.
2.DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma: analysis of five cases
Zejun DUAN ; Jing FENG ; Junping ZHANG ; Changxiang YAN ; Fangjun LIU ; Zhong MA ; Lei XIANG ; Zejuan HU ; Junjie YANG ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(6):632-639
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma.Methods:Five cases of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma at Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China during May 2013 to November 2024 were collected. The clinical and imaging data were retrieved. Histological evaluation, immunohistochemical staining and next generation sequencing were performed. Additionally, a literature review was conducted.Results:All five DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas were located in the supratentorial region, with one case involving the basal ganglia. There were two males and three females. The median age at diagnosis was 25 (14.0, 30.5) years. Morphologically, they were characterized by high-grade spindle cell sarcoma, with brisk mitotic activity and cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules. Myxoid degeneration, necrosis, and invasion into surrounding brain tissue were observed in some cases. The tumor cells showed diffuse staining of vimentin and variable expression of myogenic marker (desmin), with or without focal MyoD1 and/or Myogenin expression. Four tumors exhibited diffuse, strong expression of TLE1 and p53, while only three tumors showed loss of ATRX (nuclear) expression. Two cases showed mosaic loss of H3K27me3 expression in neoplastic cells. The Ki-67 proliferation index was high (40%-80%). Various neuronal markers, such as synaptophysin, NF, SOX2 and MAP2, were expressed in all tumor samples. Genetically, all tumors samples harbored biallelic abnormalities of DICER1. One was a hotspot missense mutation in the RNase Ⅲb domain within exon 25 on one allele (p.E1813 or p.D1810), while the other allele had mutations including a germline mutation in one case, a somatic mutation in two cases, and a copy number deletion in two cases. In addition, these sarcomas showed alterations in TP53 (4/5), ATRX (3/5), and the genes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (3/5). Finally, all five cases were diagnosed as DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma. All patients underwent craniotomy that led to complete tumor resection. Three patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with progression-free survival time of 28, 48, and 50 months, respectively. Patient 2 succumbed to the tumor after 3 months post-surgery due to rapid progression and tumor dissemination. Patient 5 was lost to follow-up 3 months after the surgery.Conclusions:DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma is a newly defined tumor entity in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, and commonly occurs in children and young adults. High-grade malignant spindle cells are their typical morphological feature. Eosinophilic cytoplasmic globules and myogenic differentiation can help establish the diagnosis. This study suggests that DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas exhibit immunophenotypic neuronal differentiation. Rendering the diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma largely relies on detecting DICER1 pathogenic alterations or DNA methylation profiling.
3.Neuroepithelial tumors with PATZ1 fusion: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases
Jing FENG ; Zejun DUAN ; Zhong MA ; Lei XIANG ; Zejuan HU ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(8):812-818
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of the neuroepithelial tumor with PATZ1 fusion (NET-PATZ1).Methods:Five cases of NET-PATZ1 diagnosed at the Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from January 2020 to October 2024 were collected. The clinical, prognostic, imaging, histological and immunohistochemical features and the results of next-generation sequencing (DNA and RNA) of these 5 patients were collected and analyzed. Relevant literature was also reviewed for discussion.Results:Among the 5 cases, there were 4 females and 1 male, with a median age of 9.0 (6.5, 15.5) years. The tumors all occurred in the supratentorial cerebral hemispheres, including the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, lateral ventricle, and thalamus. There were diverse histological features. Two cases exhibited the characteristics of high-grade neuroepithelial tumors, while 3 cases showed those of low-grade neuroepithelial tumors. The tumor cells were mostly arranged in a rosette-like pattern around small blood vessel. The background was rich in vascular components or microvascular hyperplasia. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells diffusely expressed MAP2 and Vimentin, and had various expression of S-100 protein, GFAP, Olig2, NG2 and CD99, and cytoplasmic and perinuclear expression of Syn. At the genomic level, all cases had PATZ1 gene fusion variants, and the gene breakpoints were all located in exon 1. Four cases had fusion with the EWSR1 gene, and 1 case had fusion with the MN1 gene. The 5 patients all underwent craniotomy for tumor resection. The pathological diagnosis was NET-PATZ1. All cases had no recurrence or metastasis at the end of follow-up except that Case 3 developed spinal cord metastasis 11 months after the surgery.Conclusions:NET-PATZ1 is commonly found in children and adolescents, with diverse histological features. The tumor cells typically arrange in rosette-like patterns, and the background is rich in vascular components or microvascular hyperplasia. Tumor cells express glial cell-related markers to varying degrees, and co-expression of NG2 and CD34 is suggestive of its diagnosis. The establishment of a pathological diagnosis relies on the detection of PATZ1 fusion variations through genetic testing or a DNA methylation profile of NET-PATZ1.
4.Neuroepithelial tumors with PATZ1 fusion: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases
Jing FENG ; Zejun DUAN ; Zhong MA ; Lei XIANG ; Zejuan HU ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(8):812-818
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of the neuroepithelial tumor with PATZ1 fusion (NET-PATZ1).Methods:Five cases of NET-PATZ1 diagnosed at the Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from January 2020 to October 2024 were collected. The clinical, prognostic, imaging, histological and immunohistochemical features and the results of next-generation sequencing (DNA and RNA) of these 5 patients were collected and analyzed. Relevant literature was also reviewed for discussion.Results:Among the 5 cases, there were 4 females and 1 male, with a median age of 9.0 (6.5, 15.5) years. The tumors all occurred in the supratentorial cerebral hemispheres, including the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, lateral ventricle, and thalamus. There were diverse histological features. Two cases exhibited the characteristics of high-grade neuroepithelial tumors, while 3 cases showed those of low-grade neuroepithelial tumors. The tumor cells were mostly arranged in a rosette-like pattern around small blood vessel. The background was rich in vascular components or microvascular hyperplasia. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells diffusely expressed MAP2 and Vimentin, and had various expression of S-100 protein, GFAP, Olig2, NG2 and CD99, and cytoplasmic and perinuclear expression of Syn. At the genomic level, all cases had PATZ1 gene fusion variants, and the gene breakpoints were all located in exon 1. Four cases had fusion with the EWSR1 gene, and 1 case had fusion with the MN1 gene. The 5 patients all underwent craniotomy for tumor resection. The pathological diagnosis was NET-PATZ1. All cases had no recurrence or metastasis at the end of follow-up except that Case 3 developed spinal cord metastasis 11 months after the surgery.Conclusions:NET-PATZ1 is commonly found in children and adolescents, with diverse histological features. The tumor cells typically arrange in rosette-like patterns, and the background is rich in vascular components or microvascular hyperplasia. Tumor cells express glial cell-related markers to varying degrees, and co-expression of NG2 and CD34 is suggestive of its diagnosis. The establishment of a pathological diagnosis relies on the detection of PATZ1 fusion variations through genetic testing or a DNA methylation profile of NET-PATZ1.
5.Analysis of factors affecting refracture after percutaneous vertebral kyphoplasty in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Xinghua JI ; Jinzheng WEI ; Yuchen DUAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Qingqing LIU ; Zejun XING
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(11):1445-1450
Objective:To explore risk factors for refracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF)and provide clinical guidance.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from elderly patients with OVCF who underwent PKP surgery at the Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, between January 2017 and December 2022.All patients were followed up for a minimum of one-year post-surgery.The elderly patients were categorized into a refracture group(59 cases)and a non-refracture group(200 cases)based on post-surgery refracture occurrence.Univariate analysis was initially conducted on the collected data, followed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis on statistically significant indicators to identify risk factors for refracture in elderly patients with OVCF following PKP.Results:The results of the univariate analysis indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in gender, history of diabetes mellitus, history of smoking, history of hormone medication, and body mass index(BMI)between the refracture group and the non-refracture group of elderly patients.However, the refracture group was found to be older than the non-refracture group( t=9.085, P=0.003).Additionally, there were no significant differences in preoperative indicators such as preoperative calcium, preoperative phosphorus, and site of first fracture(all P>0.05).The time from first fracture to surgery being greater than 14 days was more common in the refracture group compared to the non-refracture group( χ2=20.409, P=0.001), and the number of vertebrae fractured for the first time was higher in the re-fracture group( t=6.189, P=0.017).Cement injection method, amount of cement injected, and distribution of cement did not show significant differences between the two groups(all P>0.05).However, there were statistically significant variations in the proportion of postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment( χ2=13.431, P=0.001)and bone mineral density( χ2=13.431, P=0.001)between the refracture and non-refracture groups.Furthermore, multifactorial Logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing age( OR=1.061, 95% CI: 1.021-1.103, P=0.003), time from first fracture to surgery exceeding 14 days( OR=5.026, 95% CI: 1.968-12.835, P=0.001), lack of anti-osteoporosis treatment( OR=3.493, 95% CI: 1.239-9.846, P=0.018), and decreased bone mineral density( OR=10.682, 95% CI: 2.707-42.151, P=0.001)were identified as influential factors in the occurrence of secondary vertebral compression fracture after surgery. Conclusions:The independent risk factors for refracture after PKP in elderly patients with OVCF include increasing age, time from first fracture to surgery greater than 14 days, lack of anti-osteoporosis treatment, and decreased bone mineral density.In clinical practice, targeted interventions can be implemented for prevention and effective management based on these risk factors to enhance the prognosis of elderly patients with OVCF.
6.Temporal and spatial stability of the EM/PM molecular subtypes in adult diffuse glioma.
Jing FENG ; Zheng ZHAO ; Yanfei WEI ; Zhaoshi BAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Fan WU ; Guanzhang LI ; Zhiyan SUN ; Yanli TAN ; Jiuyi LI ; Yunqiu ZHANG ; Zejun DUAN ; Xueling QI ; Kai YU ; Zhengmin CONG ; Junjie YANG ; Yaxin WANG ; Yingyu SUN ; Fuchou TANG ; Xiaodong SU ; Chuan FANG ; Tao JIANG ; Xiaolong FAN
Frontiers of Medicine 2023;17(2):240-262
Detailed characterizations of genomic alterations have not identified subtype-specific vulnerabilities in adult gliomas. Mapping gliomas into developmental programs may uncover new vulnerabilities that are not strictly related to genomic alterations. After identifying conserved gene modules co-expressed with EGFR or PDGFRA (EM or PM), we recently proposed an EM/PM classification scheme for adult gliomas in a histological subtype- and grade-independent manner. By using cohorts of bulk samples, paired primary and recurrent samples, multi-region samples from the same glioma, single-cell RNA-seq samples, and clinical samples, we here demonstrate the temporal and spatial stability of the EM and PM subtypes. The EM and PM subtypes, which progress in a subtype-specific mode, are robustly maintained in paired longitudinal samples. Elevated activities of cell proliferation, genomic instability and microenvironment, rather than subtype switching, mark recurrent gliomas. Within individual gliomas, the EM/PM subtype was preserved across regions and single cells. Malignant cells in the EM and PM gliomas were correlated to neural stem cell and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell compartment, respectively. Thus, while genetic makeup may change during progression and/or within different tumor areas, adult gliomas evolve within a neurodevelopmental framework of the EM and PM molecular subtypes. The dysregulated developmental pathways embedded in these molecular subtypes may contain subtype-specific vulnerabilities.
Humans
;
Brain Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/metabolism*
;
Glioma/pathology*
;
Neural Stem Cells/pathology*
;
Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells/pathology*
;
Tumor Microenvironment
7. Rare primary proximal epithelioid sarcoma in skull base: clinical analysis of four cases
Zejun DUAN ; Kun YAO ; Yanming QU ; Ming REN ; Yongli ZHANG ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2018;53(4):263-269
Objective:
To report the clinical and pathological features of primary proximal epithelioid sarcoma (PES) in skull base.
Methods:
The clinical and pathological features of four cases of PES in skull base from Sanbo Brain Institute of Capital Medical University and Kunming Sanbo Brain Institute were analysed retrospectively.
Results:
Three cases was female, and one male, the age ranged from 46 to 52 years.All cases occurred in skull base, and sellar region was the main site of involvement.Under the microscope, the tumor cells characterized by epithelioid cell changes, with or without rhabdoid tumor cells.Mitotic figure was active.Immunohistochemical staining showed that AE1/AE3, EMA and CD34 were variously expression in tumor cells.INI-1 protein was lost in all cases.Three cases were detected by FISH, and
8. BRAF V600E mutation and clinicopathologic characteristics in 250 cases of brain tumors associated with epilepsy
Xueling QI ; Kun YAO ; Zejun DUAN ; Yu BIAN ; Zhong MA ; Yueshan PIAO ; Liping GONG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2018;47(9):664-670
Objective:
To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and BRAF V600E mutation of brain tumors associated with epilepsy.
Methods:
Totally 250 patients with brain tumors associated with epilepsy were included from March 2008 to August 2017 retrospectively at Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University.The clinical manifestations, histological features and BRAF V600E mutation results were collected and analyzed.
Results:
There were 132 males and 118 females, and the male to female ratio was 1.1∶1.0. The age of patients ranged from 2 to 67 years(mean 22 years). The tumors had obvious local space occupying effect on MRI. The temporal lobe was the most common site (44.4%, 111/250). There were 58.4% (146/250) of ganglioglioma (GG), 24.0% (60/250) of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), 12.8% (32/250) of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma(PXA), 4.0% (10/250) of angiocentric glioma (AG) and 0.8% (2/250) of papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT). Mixed GG, PXA and DNT morphological structures were found in 9 of patients. Among 250 cases, 35 cases were accompanied by focal cortical dysplasia(FCD). BRAF V600E was seen in 43 of 74 (58.1%) GG and 13 of 28 (46.4%) PXA. The most common pathologic grade of GG, DNT, AG and PGNT was WHO I. Some of the tumor cells from GG (34 cases) showed higher proliferative activity (WHO Ⅱ/Ⅲ). Most cases of PXA were WHOⅡand high proliferative activity was seen in nine cases.
Conclusions
The association of low-grade glioneuronal tumors with intractable epilepsy was well-recognized. The most common low-grade glioneuronal tumors were GG.GG may occur in any part of the central nervous system, with a predilection for temporal lobe. Each type of low-grade glioneuronal tumors has its own unique histological morphology, but some may show complex features with 2 or 3 mixed components. The occurrence of BRAF V600E mutations in GG is common, and their detection may be valuable for the diagnosis and treatment in GG.
9. Neuropathologic findings in intractable epilepsy: a clinicopathologic analysis of 822 cases
Zejun DUAN ; Kun YAO ; Jian ZHOU ; Lin LI ; Feng ZHAI ; Changqing LIU ; Zhong MA ; Yu BIAN ; Guoming LUAN ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2017;46(10):673-678
Objective:
To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of intractable epilepsy.
Methods:
Based on the classification criteria proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), a retrospective analysis of the pathological characteristics was done in 822 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery in Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, from June 2008 to December 2012.
Results:
The mean age of epilepsy onset was 9.9 years, mean duration of epilepsy was 11.9 years. Complex partial seizures were the main presenting features. Histopathological study showed 33 cases (4.01%) with mild forms of cortical malformations, 690 cases (83.94%) with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and 99 cases with others (including 39 pure hippocampal sclerosis, 20 cystosclerosis, 19 Sturge-Weber syndrome, 8 tuberous sclerosis complex, 6 without significant pathological changes, 5 gyral malformations and 2 hamartoma). Among the 690 FCD cases, 106 were FCD typeⅠ, 91 were FCD typeⅡ and 493 were FCDⅢ(Ⅲa: 160, Ⅲb: 106, Ⅲc: 26 and Ⅲd: 201).
Conclusions
FCDⅢd is the most common histopathological subtype causing intractable epilepsy, mainly due to focal hypoxia/ischemia in the perinatal period, which results in scarring of local brain tissue; this is followed by other isolated forms of FCD (FCDⅠand FCDⅡ), and then FCD Ⅲa and FCD Ⅲb. The reason to distinguish isolated forms of FCD (types Ⅰ and Ⅱ) from FCD Ⅲ and to subclassify FCD Ⅲ is to allow better definition of cortical dyslamination. Therefore, the pathogenic factors of intractable epilepsy can be grouped in greater details, and facilitate the diagnosis and potential curative treatment of intractable epilepsy.
10.Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like island: report of four cases and review of literature
Zejun DUAN ; Kun YAO ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2016;45(5):324-328
Objective To investigate the clinicopathologic features of glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like island (GTNI).Methods Four cases of intracranial and spinal GTNI,including three cases of WHO grade Ⅲ,and one case of WHO grade Ⅱ with grade Ⅲ recurrence.HE and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used for pathologic analysis.Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect tumor genetic changes.Related literatures were reviewed.Results Microscopically,neuropil-like islands of varying sizes were seen within a background of glial proliferation,which showed features of astrocytoma or oligoastrocytoma.Neuropil-like islands were focal or circumscribed oval islands of varying sizes.Focally ganglion-like cells were seen.IHC staining revealed that in neuropil-like island area,the neuronal nuclei (Neu-N) as well as the cells around the neuropil-like island expressed oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor-2 (Olig-2),and synaptophysin.The background glioma cells expressed S-100,glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP),vimentin and Olig-2,and the number of p53 positive cells was 10%-50%.In the neuropil-like island area,the Ki-67 labeling index was less than 3%,while in the astrocytoma area it was around 10%-25%.By FISH testing,four cases were no deletion of lp/19q and PTEN,also no amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor.Conclusions GTNI is more common in adults.lp/19q deletions are uncommon in GTNI,only seen in a few cases with background oligodendroglioma.The prognosis is related to WHO grading.GTNI often recurs locally,and the prognosis is not good,especially in the spinal cord GTNI.The recommended treatment includes tumor resection combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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