Central neurocytoma—positive and differential diagnosis: An example through a case report

Abstract

Central neurocytoma is a rare intraventricular tumor, occurring typically in the lateral ventricle of young adults. It is considered as a neuronal-glial benign tumor with favorable prognosis. Imaging is a cornerstone allowing the accurate preoperative diagnosis on the basis of several characteristic features. We report the case of a 31-year-old man who has been complaining of progressive headaches and in whom brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a central neurocytoma. We remind then, through a literature review, the main criteria to set the diagnosis of this tumor and rule out the other possible diagnoses.

Intraventricular neurocytoma: A diagnostic challenge with prognostic value

“…Neurocytoma demonstrates cystic components in the form of clusters, giving the mass a “soap bubble” appearance, specially in bigger tumors. This component tends to be located peripherally because it is not secondary to hemorrhage or necrosis unlike other tumors [ 3 ]. The presence of scalloped contours with septa that bridge the mass to the ventricular wall is one of the most specific signs of neurocytoma [ 3 , 16 ].…”

“…This component tends to be located peripherally because it is not secondary to hemorrhage or necrosis unlike other tumors [ 3 ]. The presence of scalloped contours with septa that bridge the mass to the ventricular wall is one of the most specific signs of neurocytoma [ 3 , 16 ]. Calcification is present in 50% of neurocytomas but is also a feature of other tumors.…”

“…Intraventricular neurocytoma has an incidence between 0.25% and 0.5% of all primary malignancies in adults [ [1] , [2] , [3] ]. It is categorized as grade 2 WHO, being part of neuronal and glioneuronal tumors [ 3 , 4 ]. It affects mainly young adults with ages between 20 and 40 years old [ 1 , 3 ].…”

“…It is categorized as grade 2 WHO, being part of neuronal and glioneuronal tumors [ 3 , 4 ]. It affects mainly young adults with ages between 20 and 40 years old [ 1 , 3 ]. It is frequently a slow growing tumor, with clear margins, lobulated contours, with broad attachment to the septum pellucidum and contact with the foramen of Monro [ 1 , 5 ].…”

“…This situation is related to increased levels of proliferation marker Ki-67. The risk of relapse is increased with values more than 2% and encompasses worst prognosis [ 1 , 3 , 7 ]. Some imaging features could be related to atypical neurocytomas and should be considered for a differential management of this subgroup of patients…”