Posterior fossa ependymoma harboring H3K27M mutation: A rare case report with clinical follow-up and diagnostic challenges.

Abstract

Posterior fossa ependymomas may be classified based on H3 p.K28Me3 (also called as H3K27Me3 or K27Me3) expression status, with group A characterized by loss of K27Me3 expression. We present a rare case of posterior fossa ependymoma with H3K27M mutation, typically associated with diffuse midline gliomas. A 5-year-old child presented with headache and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 4^th ventricular space-occupying lesion extending through the bilateral foramina of Luschka, radiologically consistent with ependymoma. Following maximal surgical resection and radiotherapy (60 Gy), the patient experienced recurrence after 1 year. Histopathological examination showed a moderately to highly cellular tumor with perivascular pseudorosettes and brisk mitotic activity. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffuse GFAP positivity, OLIG2 negativity, and characteristic dot-like EMA positivity. Notably, the tumor showed loss of K27Me3 expression and strong diffuse nuclear expression of H3K27M and EZH2. While H3K27M mutations are hallmark features of diffuse midline gliomas, rare cases of posterior fossa ependymomas harboring these mutations have been reported. Recent studies suggest molecular similarities between diffuse midline gliomas and posterior fossa ependymomas expressing H3K27M and EZHIP, potentially reflecting shared hindbrain developmental programs in their biological origins.