Pigmented pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: report of a rare case with review of the literature.

We describe a rare case of melanotic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a 32-year-old man who presented with partial complex seizures. Radiologically, the mass was located in the medial temporal lobe and was solid and cystic. Microscopic examination revealed features of a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with some heavily pigmented cells. The pigment was demonstrated to be melanosomal melanin, which was confirmed by special stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.