Central neurocytoma

Abstract

Central neurocytomas (CN) are rare intraventricular tumors with prominent neuronal differentiation. CN commonly arise in the lateral ventricles of young adults who predominantly present with raised intracranial pressure. Few studies have described the clinical, pathological, and radiological features of these tumors, and those that have are typically single case reports. Herein, we report ten patients with CN with variable clinical and pathological features and discuss the management of these tumors. Nine tumors occupied the lateral ventricle and only one was located in the sellar region. On MRI, all 10 tumors showed heterogeneous hypo-or iso-intensity on T1-weighted and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI. Contrast enhancement varied greatly from very slight to intense. All patients were surgically treated by macroscopic total or subtotal removal. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to six patients (four of whom had undergone subtotal resection and two of whom had undergone total resection). The surgical and histopathological data of these patients were reviewed and analyzed. No recurrences were noted although we were unable to contact two patients for follow-up. A brief review of the literature concerning differential diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of these tumors is also presented.

Central Neurocytoma: A Review of Clinical Management and Histopathologic Features

“…Most CNs are found in the anterior half of the lateral ventricle, although some have reported to be found in the third and fourth ventricles [293031]. The tumor is also usually attached to the septum pellucidum near the foramen of Monroe [3233].…”

“…The tumor is also usually attached to the septum pellucidum near the foramen of Monroe [3233]. The cellular origination of CN is unclear; however, various authors have suggested CN may develop from neuronal cells, neuronal progenitor cells, neuronal stem cells, and multipotent precursor cells [112129343536]. …”

Clinical outcome and prognostic factors for central neurocytoma: twenty year institutional experience

“…Modern management of neurocytomas has been guided by several institutional case series [4, 17–19]. Surgical resection is the primary treatment to establish pathologic diagnosis, to clear CSF pathways and to address any obstructive hydrocephalus [5].…”

Estimation of proliferative potentiality of central neurocytoma: correlational analysis of minimum ADC and maximum SUV with MIB-1 labeling index

“…There are some reports discussing imaging features of the central neurocytoma. They reported varying degrees of contrast enhancement with or without cystic appearance and calcification of tumors (8,9), but focused mainly on differentiating neurocytomas from other intraventricular tumors. The relationship between proliferative potential and morphological imaging findings has not been clarified.…”