Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 29 Nov 2023

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNET) are benign (WHO Grade 1) slow growing glioneuronal tumors arising from either cortical or deep grey matter. The are considered part of the heterogeneous group of tumors known as long-term epilepsy-associated tumors (LEATs).

The vast majority of DNETs are centered in cortical grey matter, arising from secondary germinal layers, and are frequently associated with cortical dysplasia (in up to 80% of cases). They characteristically cause intractable focal seizures (see temporal lobe epilepsy). 

Typically these tumors are diagnosed in children or young adults, as a result of the investigation of seizures, which usually have childhood onset; in 90% of cases, the first seizure occurred before the age of 20 8. Only a slight male predilection is present 8. An association with Noonan syndrome has been proposed 9,10.

The vast majority (90%) of DNETs present with longstanding treatment-resistant focal seizures without associated or progressive neurological deficits 5,13

DNETs are most often located in the temporal lobe although all parts of the CNS containing grey matter are potential locations. 

Macroscopically, DNETs are visible on the surface of the brain, sometimes with an exophytic component. When sectioned they demonstrate heterogeneous, often gelatinous, cut surface with nodules of firmer tissue 8

DNETs are a mixed glioneuronal neoplasm with a multinodular architecture and a heterogeneous cellular composition. The "specific glioneuronal element (SGNE)" is characteristic, and refers to columnar bundles of axons surrounded by oligodendrocyte-like cells which are oriented at right angles to the overlying cortical surface. Between these columns are "floating neurons" as well as stellate astrocytes 8.

Three histological forms are recognized 5

  1. simple: SGNE only

  2. complex: SGNE, with glial nodules and a multinodular architecture

  3. non-specific: no SGNE, but otherwise the same clinical and neuroimaging features as complex DNET

Focal cortical dysplasia is commonly seen in approximately half of patients who have concurrent epilespy 13. Unless a component can be identified clearly separate from tumor cells, then it does not warrant an additional separate diagnosis. If, however, such a separate component is present, then it represents Blumcke classification IIIb focal cortical dysplasia 8

The stellate astrocytes within the SGNE are positive for GFAP 8

The oligodendrocyte-like cells are typically S100 and OLIG2 positive, and may also express NOGO-A and myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 8

The floating neurons are positive for NeuN 8

Importantly, DNETs are negative for IDH mutations, TP53 mutations, and do not demonstrate 1p19q co-deletion 8. These features are helpful in distinguishing DNETs from low-grade astrocytomas (usually IDH mutated) and oligodendrogliomas (IDH mutated and 1p19q co-deleted). 

DNETs usually harbor fibroblast growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase domain duplication (FGFR1-TKDD), shared by pilocytic astrocytomas especially when located outside of the cerebellum 11,12

DNETs are typically predominantly cortical and well-circumscribed tumors.

DNETs appear as low-density masses, usually with no or minimal enhancement. When cortical, as is usually the case, they may scallop/remodel the inner table of the skull vault but without erosion. In some cases, the cranial fossa can be minimally enlarged at times. 

Calcification is visible in ~30% (more common histologically) and is typically visualized in the deepest parts of the tumor, particularly adjacent to enhancing or hemorrhagic areas 8

Typically seen as a cortical lesion with hardly any surrounding vasogenic edema. 

  • T1

    • generally hypointense compared with adjacent brain

  • T1 C+ (Gd)

    • may show enhancement in ~20-30% of cases 5

    • enhancement may be heterogeneous or a mural nodule

  • T2

  • FLAIR

    • mixed-signal intensity with bright rim sign

    • partial suppression of some of the "bubbles"

    • FLAIR is helpful in identifying the small peripheral lesions with similar intensity to CSF

  • T2* 

    • calcification relatively frequent

    • hemosiderin staining is uncommon as bleeding into DNETs is only occasional

  • DWI

    • no restricted diffusion

  • MR spectroscopy

    • non-specific although lactate may be present

They demonstrate essentially no growth over time, although a very gradual increase in size has been described. Only one case of malignant transformation has been reported 5

Prognosis is excellent, however, due to the difficulty in managing seizures medically, patients usually undergo resection and even in cases of incomplete resection, seizures frequently cease. 

The main differential diagnosis is that of other cortical tumors, with helpful distinguishing features including 1-6

Importantly the "bubbly" appearance can be seen also in multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumors (MVNT) which are however in the juxtacortical white matter, rather than in the cortex 7

The differential diagnosis also depends on the location of the tumor. 

In the temporal lobe consider:

See also: temporal lobe tumors

If cortical elsewhere consider:

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