Diagnosis: Central Neurocytoma
Modality: MRI
Discussion: A central neurocytoma is an intraventricular neuroepithelial tumor which demonstrates neuronal differentiation and histologically appears similar to oligodendroglioma. Although it is uncommon (less than 1% of intracranial tumours), in the young patient (20 – 40 y) with an lateral ventricle tumour it is the most likely diagnosis. Very rarely the same tumour is not intraventricular, when it is referred to as an extraventricular neurocytoma.
It is a WHO Grade II tumour, which only rarely invades adjacent brain and is usually curatively treated with resection (5 yr survival 81%). Typically it is attached to the ventricular wall or septum pellucidum in the region of the foramen of Monro, and can extend into both lateral ventricles. Isolated third ventricle CN have been reported (3%), as have fourth ventricle tumours… these are very rare.
The majority of tumours have some calcification, are isodense / isointense to grey matter on CT and MRI respectively but are somewhat heterogenous – referred to as “bubbly”. Usually moderate enhancement is demonstrated.
For more images of the same case as well as pathology report click here.
For a list of differential diagnoses visit Radiopaedia.org here.
References:
1. StatDx.com
2. Medcyclopaedia.com
Credit: Dr Frank Gaillard
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Credit: Dr. Frank Gaillard / RADPOD.ORG – Please visit
