Intraventricular noncolloid neuroepithelial cysts

Abstract

Symptomatic intraventricular developmental cysts of neuroepithelial origin occurring in the lateral and fourth ventricles are extremely rare. We report the clinical, radiologic, and computed tomographic (CT) findings in three such cases, two occurring in the lateral ventricles and one in the fourth ventricle. Within lateral ventricles, these cysts are distinguished from colloid cysts by their large size, more posterior locations, and CSF-equivalent CT attenuation of their contents. Lack of contrast enhancement on CT and angiographic avascularity are also features. Fenestration in two cases and partial cyst excision in the third case relieved the predominant symptoms. The symptomatology and theories of histogenesis are reviewed and the differential diagnosis discussed.