Cytogenetic analysis of a case of intracranial malignant fibrous histiocytoma with multiple metastases

Abstract

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) can occur rarely in the intracranial meninges. Here, we report a rare case of MFH with multiple recurrences and distant metastases to the lung, thymus, parotid gland and subcutaneous regions, with special reference to cytogenetic analyses. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis revealed loss of 13q and gains of chromosomes 19 and 20 in all of three specimens obtained from the primary, recurrent and subcutaneous metastatic tumors. Additional cytogenetic changes involved loss of chromosome X, and losses of X and 15q at the sites of recurrence and metastasis, respectively. DNA aneuploidy was detected only in the metastasis. The MIB-1 indices at primary, recurrent and subcutaneous sites were 10.9%,17.3% and 19.2%, respectively. Our results suggest that MFH acquire chromosomal imbalance and proliferative potential during the process of recurrence or metastasis.