Fourth ventricle central neurocytoma: case report.
OBJECTIVE
Central neurocytomas (CNs) are typically located in the lateral ventricle. Primary origins in the fourth ventricle are very rare. We discuss the clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and microscopic features of these rare tumors.


METHODS
We report a case of a fourth ventricle CN in a 35-year-old male patient with the initial symptoms of progressive headaches and blurred vision for more than 2 months. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a slightly enhanced tumor in the fourth ventricle, with obstructive hydrocephalus.


METHODS
Total surgical removal of the tumor was performed. The tumor was initially diagnosed as an oligodendroglioma. The final definitive diagnosis as a CN was made after special immunohistochemical studies.


CONCLUSIONS
CNs located in the fourth ventricle are extremely rare. Immunohistochemical stains and transmission electron microscopy can provide useful diagnostic information. Total tumor excision is associated with favorable prognoses. Postoperative radiotherapy may be considered for cases of subtotal excision, anaplastic histological variants, or recurrent tumors.
Hsu
Peng-Wei
PW
First Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Hsieh
Tsung-Che
TC
Chang
Chen-Nen
CN
Lin
Tzu-Kang
TK
D002551:Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020546:Fourth Ventricle; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D018306:Neurocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed