Diagnostic Role of MUC4 Immunohistochemical Expression in Various Subtypes of Meningioma

Abstract

Background: Meningoimas exhibit a wide range of histological appearances and they may show overlapping morphology with other non-meningothelial tumours and so the differential diagnosis may be challenging. Aim of the Work: To examine the diagnostic role of MUC4 expression in various histological subtypes and grades of meningioma and some other non-meningothelial tumours relevant to the potential diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The expression of MUC4 and EMA was analysed by immunohistochemical staining in various subtypes of meningiomas and other non- meningothelial tumours that enter in the differential diagnosis ( schwannoma, solitary fibrous tumours/hemangiopericytoma ( SFT/HPC ), glioblastoma and hemangioblastoma) Results: A statistically significant difference was detected between MUC4 expression in meningioma and other non-meningothelial tumours (P value < 0.001). MUC4 was expressed in 83.3% of meningioma cases and was entirely negative in non- meningothelial tumours with 83.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Conclusion: MUC4 is a possible novel adjunct diagnostic marker that can distinguish between confusing cases of meningioma and the tested non-meningothelial tumours.