Collision tumors are rare tumors comprised of two distinct histologies. In this case report, we discuss a suprasellar collision tumor consisting of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and supratentorial ependymoma in a pediatric… Click to show full abstract
Collision tumors are rare tumors comprised of two distinct histologies. In this case report, we discuss a suprasellar collision tumor consisting of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and supratentorial ependymoma in a pediatric patient. Case Presentation: Our patient was a two-year-old female with progressive craniopharyngioma status post cyst decompression with Ommaya reservoir placement, subcutaneous peginterferon, Ommaya taps, and subtotal resection. An MRI three months post-resection showed progression and treatment was started with subcutaneous interferon alfa. After eight weeks, she presented with new onset headaches and vomiting. MRI demonstrated tumor progression with associated obstructive hydrocephalus. She underwent a subtotal resection. Pathology revealed recurrent adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and a 0.5cm ependymoma with classic histomorphology lacking anaplasia features. The ependymoma was positive for GFAP immunostain and EMA immunohistochemistry highlighted a ‘dot-like’ reaction. The Ki-67 proliferation index was very low (<1%). The limited diagnostic material precluded further genomic characterization of the ependymoma. The previous pathology was reviewed and no ependymoma was identified. Spine MRI was negative for metastatic disease. CSF cytology was negative for malignant cells. Following recovery from surgery, she received 54Gy (RBE) focal proton radiation. Eight months from completion of therapy, surveillance MRI shows stable residual tumor. Genetic work-up for cancer predisposition syndrome is in process despite no strong family history of cancer. Discussion: Due to the patient’s young age at diagnosis, our initial treatment strategy was to delay radiotherapy and utilize other treatment options. Following diagnosis with a collision tumor, the patient proceeded to radiotherapy to manage both tumor components. The role of interferon in the development of a collision tumor in this patient in unknown, but we suspect it to be unrelated. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a suprasellar collision tumor comprised of craniopharyngioma and ependymoma. Discovery of the collision tumor impacted the patient’s treatment plan.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.