Heterotopic Glial Nodule in the Lung of an Anencephaly Patient : An autopsy case

Lee, Hye Joung; Kang, Soo Min; Ko, Gyung Hyuck

Abstract

The heterotopic and tissues may be divided into two categories: those that are found in the head and neck region, and those that arise elsewhere. The latter type is rare and most cases are found in the lungs of patients with neural tube defect, particularly anencephaly. Our report descrives anencephalic male infant with heterotopic glial nodules in both lungs. The largest nodule is 2x1.5x1 cm, locates in the lower lobe of the left lung, and has a round gray-white cut surface with cystic spaces. Microscopically, the nodules consist of irregularly arranged astrocytes and glial fibers, in which are embedded gland-like or cystically dilated bronchioles. The astrocytes and glial fibers are strongly positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and show astrocytic filaments on electron microscopy. This will be an additional case supporting the amniotic fluid aspiration/implantation theory of pathogenetic mechanism of distal heerotopic glial tissue.