Unusual location of a central neurocytoma: Particularities of a rare brain tumor

Abstract

Introduction: Central neurocytoma is a typically rare intraventricular glioneuronal tumor in young adults. Clinically, it is revealed by symptomatology of intracranial hypertension. Intra-parenchymal, extraventricular, and intramedullary localizations are exceptional. Central neurocytoma is considered a benign tumor that can recur locally, but craniospinal dissemination remains as an exception. Case Report: We report a case in a 35-year-old male subject who consulted for quadriparesis and genito-sphincter dysfunctions. The clinical examination noted a syndrome of intracranial hypertension, a kinetic and static cerebellar syndrome, spastic tetraplegia with crural predominance, and anesthesia going up to the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a heterogeneous left cerebellar lesion. This lesion was excised, and the sample was freshly sent to the pathological anatomy laboratory. Extemporaneous cytology using the Smear technique was performed and was consistent with a hemangioblastoma. The standard histological examination also revealed the diagnosis of hemangioblastoma, and an additional immunohistochemical (IHC) study was performed for better diagnostic accuracy. The study was conducted in a North African laboratory and was conclusive of a neurocytoma. The evolution was marked by cerebellar tumor regrowth at five months, then the death of the patient at eight (08) months after surgery. Conclusion: Central neurocytoma is a rare tumor that can be confused with several other tumors of the central nervous system. Immunohistochemistry is essential for diagnostic confirmation.