This 36 year-old male patient presented with a headache. This axial FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) MR image shows a right ventricular mixed solid/cystic mass limited by the septum pellucidum and ventricular walls. The solid portions of the tumour showed heterogeneous enhancement on post-gadolinium sequences.
Based on these imaging characteristics a provisional diagnosis of central neurocytoma was made. The tumour was resected the next day – histology and immunocytochemistry confirmed the diagnosis.
Central neurocytoma is a neuroepithelial tumour with neuronal differentiation. It occurs in young adults aged 20-40. It is usually an intraventricular mass attached to the septum pellucidum. More than 50% are limited to the frontal horn and body of the lateral ventricle. It often has a characteristic “bubbly” appearance (mixed solid/cystic). Moderate, heterogeneous enhancement is typical. Invasion of surrounding brain is rare. The tumour is classified as WHO Grade II, and it carries a generally good prognosis.
Reference: Osborn AG, Blaser SI, Salzman KL. PocketRadiologist: Brain Top 100 Diagnoses. 1st edition. Amirsys 2002.
Credit: Dr Laughlin Dawes
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