Familial colloid cysts of the third ventricle: case report

Abstract

Objective and importance: Familial colloid cysts of the third ventricle are very rare. This is the largest family reported and the first in which all affected members are female and all members have been screened. Screening led to the diagnosis of an asymptomatic case of a colloid cyst of the third ventricle, and the management of that lesion is discussed.

Clinical presentation: A mother and two daughters who were diagnosed with colloid cysts of the third ventricle, from a family containing four sisters, three brothers, and the father, are presented.

Intervention: The index patient (Patient 2) underwent computed tomographic scanning-guided stereotactic transcallosal excision of her colloid cyst. Her siblings and her father were screened using magnetic resonance imaging as well as computed tomographic scanning. Cytogenetic analysis of blood samples obtained from the patient and her family revealed no chromosomal abnormalities.

Conclusion: Screening is of value for families in which two or more members are affected. The management of asymptomatic cases is influenced by the lesion size and the age and fitness of the patient.