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Washington University Experience | NEOPLASMS (GLIAL) | Ependymoma - Electron Microscopy | 2D1 Ependymoma (Case 2) 12

2D1-4 One-micron thick plastic embedded toluidine-blue stained images show individual tumor cells have a modest amount of relatively pale cytoplasm and extend thin tumor cell processes to form weak fascicles, and perivascular pseudorosettes. which are generally markedly hyalinized. Although some nuclear pleomorphism is observed, the neoplastic cells generally have round to oval nuclei with relatively open speckled chromatin, crisp nuclear borders, and inconspicuous nucleoli. There are very few distinctive features compelling of ependymoma, which may reflect heterogeneity of the sample. The tumor parenchyma is otherwise variably vacuolated, occasionally showing pale blue/green material consistent with lipid droplets. Mitotic figures are exceedingly rare.

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