Central Neurocytoma

Abstract

Background To enhance treatment effectiveness of central neurocytoma (CNC), we explore its clinical, pathological, and imaging findings. Methods The clinical manifestation, pathological features, imaging findings, and microsurgical treatment effectiveness were retrospectively analyzed in 5 cases of CNC. Results The majority of CNC was located in the anterocentral region of the lateral ventricle and near the foramen of monro, and was attached to the wall of lateral ventricle or the septum pellucidum. Computed tomography showed that isodense or slight hyperdense mass in which there were multiple small hypodense necrotic lesions, but no calcification was found. Magnetic resonance indicated isointensity or slight hypointensity on T1WI, nonuniform slight hyperintensity on T2WI, and post-contrast slight or moderate enhancement. Immunohistochemistry suggested that neuron-specific enolase was positive in all the cases, synaptophysin was positive in 4 cases and probable positive in 1 case, glial fibrillary acidic protein was negative in 4 cases and positive in 1 case. All the 5 cases underwent microsurgery. Total removal was performed in 3 cases, subtotal removal in 1 case, and partial removal in 1 case. The last 2 cases received postoperative radiotherapy and all the cases were followed between 3 months and 4 years. Conclusions CNC was mainly located in the anterior region of the brain ventricle or near the foramen of monro. Imaging findings exhibited certain characteristics. CNC removal by microsurgery may markedly decrease disability and mortality. Postoperative radiotherapy may reduce CNC recurrence.