True Ependymal Rosettes in Ependymoma

The microscopic appearance of ependymomas is dominated by the presence of radially-arranged tumor cells forming rosettes (black arrows), which are named for their resemblance to the flower-like architecture of rose windows in gothic cathedrals.  The perivascular pseudorosette, characterized by tumor cells radially arranged around a central vessel, is more common by far, but it is not specific to ependymomas.  Conversely, true ependymal rosettes (pictured here) have a central clearing that resembles a tubule lumen (white arrows), which represent an attempt to recapitulate the ependymal lining of a ventricle.  Although true ependymal rosettes are only found in a minority of ependymomas, they are considered to be a marker of ependymal differentiation.

true ependymal rosettes in ependymoma

For further study on this topic and others related to neuropathology and neuroanatomy,  the following books come highly recommended, and a small portion of the proceeds (or any Amazon purchase through these links) help with expenses of hosting this site:

                                           

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