Central Neurocytoma

Regarding central neurocytoma (CN),

1. CN are typically located within the fourth ventricle.
2. Light microscopic appearance is similar to meningioma.
3. Most of the CNs present after 60 years of age.
4. The attachment to the lateral wall of the lateral ventricle is charactersitic for CN.
5. Intratumoral calcification is rare.

Answers: F,F, F, F, F
Notes: CNs are typically located within the lateral ventricle with extension into the third ventricle. The light microscopic features are similar to oligodendroglioma (OD) and many CNs were diagnosed as ODs in the past; hence immunohistochemistry with synaptophysin should be done. Most of the CNs present between 20 and 40 years with no sex prevelance. Attachment to the spetum pellucidum is considered as characteristic for CN. CNs are typically low on T1, high on T2 with usually some enhancment. Intratumoral calcification is common, where as haemorrhage is rare. Differentials include choroid plexus paiplloma, astrocytoma, meningioma, ependymoma, subependymoma and oligodendroglioma.
Reference: Zhang et al. Central neurocytoma: clinical, pathological and neuroradiological findings. Clin Rad (2006): 61: 348-357 .