Sudden Death of a 22-Year-Old Female Attributed to Complications of a Colloid Cyst in the Third Ventricle

Abstract

Abstract Colloid cysts are rare lesions that account for up to 2% of all intracranial tumors. They are commonly found posterior to the foramen of Monro in the third ventricle and classified as benign lesions due to their slow-growing nature. Diagnosis of colloid cysts are often incidental finds on diagnostic imaging or at autopsy. The strategic location of these cysts primary causes gradual or acute hydrocephalus, as evidenced by flattened gyri and deepened sulci on MRI, nausea, vomiting, and papilledema. Enlargement of the cyst itself can cause a mass effect, which commonly presents with symptoms of ataxia, memory loss, and rapid neurologic deterioration. Microsurgery, endoscopic removal, and stereotactic aspiration are cited to be the most commonly employed treatments in the management of colloid cysts. However, there is no one procedure better than another; the benefits and limitations of several procedures are discussed. Treatment of choice is weighed by clinical judgment and surgical experience that vary between neurosurgeons. Although benign, colloid cysts rarely but can lead to sudden death. Therefore, it is important to consider colloid cysts and other intracranial tumors on the differential diagnosis when presented with acute hydrocephalus and papilledema. We report a case of sudden death in a 22-year-old black female due to obstructive hydrocephalus by a colloid cyst in the third ventricle.