Interventricular neurocytoma: radiologic features and review of the literature

Abstract

Intraventricular neurocytoma (IN), a recently recognized, benign cerebral tumor of young adults, can be confused with oligodendroglioma and other neoplasms. The authors compared the radiologic features of six pathologically confirmed cases of IN with those of 26 previously reported cases. The presenting symptoms were headache (62%), raised intracranial pressure (41%), and seizures (12%). Radiologically, the tumor frequently demonstrated a characteristic attachment to the septum pellicidum and confinement to the lateral and third ventricles. Calcification, which is common in IN and an important diagnostic feature, was seen to best advantage on computed tomographic (CT) scans. The results indicate that IN can be suggested radiologically on the basis of its CT appearance and should be included in the pathologic differential diagnosis of intraventricular tumors.