CT and MRI Findings of Central Neurocytoma

Abstract

Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare but usually benign cerebral intraventricular tumor of young adults which can be confused with oligodendroglioma and other neoplasms. A retrospective review of the CT and MRI findings in five pathologically confirmed cases shows that CN frequently demonstrates a characteristic attachment to the septum pellucidum and confinement to the lateral and third ventricles. The tumor presented as a hypo-, iso- or hyperdense mass on CT, a low, iso- or high-signal intensity on T1WI, and a high-signal intensity on T2WI when compared to the brain gray matter with mild to moderate contrast enhancement. No tumor contained calcification, and only two of them showed cyst-like areas. In one case, hemorrhage was present in both the tumor and the ventricles.

The results indicate that CN can still be suggested radiologically and does not necessarily contain calcification or cyst-like areas. Preoperative diagnosis of CN may prove of value for planning therapy, because this tumor seems to have a better prognosis than other intraventricular tumors.