Central neurocytoma: a clinical, radiological and pathological study of nine cases

Gamma knife radiosurgery for cranial neurocytomas

Gamma-knife surgery may be an effective alternative for treatment of central neurocytomas owing to its relative safety compared with conventional radiotherapy. In this paper we present results of gamma-knife treatment (GKS) of residual or recurrent neurocytomas. Twenty-two patients (14 female, 8 male) with recurrent or residual neurocytomas who underwent GKS were included. Diagnosis was based on histological findings. The proliferative potential of the tumors was examined by immunostaining with MIB-1 antibody, which is specific for detection of Ki-67 antigen. Tumor volume was determined by using post-gadolinium magnetic resonance images. After GKS treatment, MR imaging was scheduled at three-month intervals in the first year, at six months intervals in the second year, and yearly thereafter. Histopathological diagnoses were: 18 cases of central neurocytomas, two liponeurocytomas, one cerebral neurocytoma and one cerebellar neurocytoma. The MIB1 labeling index (LI) varied from 0 to 5.7%. Marked reduction in tumor volume was seen in 15 patients. In six patients, the tumor volume remained unchanged, and progression was observed for one patient. No complications because of GKS were noted. Shrinking effect on tumor volume increased with increasing duration of follow-up. On the other hand, high MIB labeling index did not seem to have an effect on tumor response to GKS treatment. Findings of this study suggest that GKS is an effective and safe treatment alternative for residual or recurrent neurocytomas. However, its effectiveness should be confirmed with larger studies.

Recidivant central neurocytoma treated with radiosurgery: a case report

Central neurocytoma is a rare intraventricular brain tumour that affects young people and presents with increased intracranial pressure secondary to obstructive hydrocephalus. Typically, it has a favourable prognosis after complete resection. In some cases the clinical course could be more aggressive. In this report, we describe a case of recurrent central neurocytoma treated with radiosurgery after two consecutive relapses. An asymptomatic radionecrosis developed after that. At the moment the patient is in complete recovery. Finally, we discuss the role of postoperative irradiation in the treatment of this rare tumour.

Clinicopathological analysis of central and extraventricular neurocytoma: a report of 17 cases

Neurocytoma, a rare brain tumor, is characterized by a mass located mainly in cerebral ventricles. It is prone to be misdiagnosed as oligodendroglioma or ependymoma due to their similar histopathological features in clinical practice. This study aimed to examine the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of central and extraventricular neurocytoma. The clinical and histopathological data of 17 patients (male: female=7:10; age: 4-41 years; mean age: 27.4 years) with central or extraventricular neurocytoma were retrospectively analyzed. These patients showed typical radiological, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of neurocytoma. The tumor tissue was found to be composed of small uniform cells with round nuclei and clear cytoplasm resembling that of oligodendroglioma and ependymoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed the tumor tissues were positive for neuronal markers such as synaptophysin (SYN) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). It was concluded histopathological features of neurocytoma overlaps with some tumors in the central neural system. Immunopositivity for SYN and NeuN can help differentially diagnose neurocytoma.

Extraventricular neurocytoma in neurofibromatosis Type 1: case report

Neurocytomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system that are typically located in the ventricular system. The authors report a case of a child with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) who had a tumor of the optic nerves and chiasm with signal abnormality extending through the diencephalon, as well as an occipital lobe mass, which was presumed to be part of the visual pathway neoplasm. Because the occipital lobe lesion slowly increased in size over time, while the other areas remained stable, a biopsy was performed. Pathological evaluation revealed an extraventricular neurocytoma of extraventricular neurocytoma. To the authors' knowledge, neurocytomas have not been previously reported in patients with NF1. Because visual pathway gliomas are extremely common in children with NF1, they are often treated empirically as low-grade gliomas without histological confirmation. The importance of obtaining a biopsy in lesions that have atypical imaging features is highlighted.