Spinal gliosarcoma: a light, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

Abstract

Gliosarcomas are mixed tumors of the brain containing both malignant neuroectodermal and mesenchymal components. Over 100 cases have been reported within the brain; however, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case located primarily within the spinal cord. Along with a review of the literature, the light, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings of a spinal gliosarcoma are reported in a 41-year-old woman with a previously diagnosed oligodendroglioma of the cerebellum 15 years earlier and a concurrent pituitary adenoma. The spinal tumor appears to be morphologically identical to its intracranial counterpart.