[Olfactory ensheathing cell tumour: case report and literature review]

Abstract

Olfactory ensheathing cells are glial cells located in the olfactory bulb and nerve. Microscopically, both olfactory ensheathing cells and Schwann cells have similar morphological and immunohistochemical features. However, olfactory ensheathing cells are negative for Leu-7(CD-57), whereas Schwann cells are positive. We present the case of a 49 year-old male with a history of visual impairment and hyposmia. Radiological CT and MRI studies showed a subfrontal cystic extra-axial mass, which eroded the right cribriform plate, with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Total excision of the tumour was performed by bifrontal craniotomy. Histological examination initially suggested a schwannoma, with immunohistochemical staining being positive for S-100 protein and negative for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). However, the tumour was negative for Leu-7. Accordingly, the final diagnosis was olfactory ensheathing cell tumour. Herein, we describe the sixth case of intracranial olfactory ensheathing cell tumour and stress the important role of immunohistochemical techniques in obtaining a definitive diagnosis.