MR imaging of intraventricular neurocytoma

The purpose of this study is to investigate the MRI features of intraventricular neurocytoma (IN). The MR findings in ten cases of pathological proved intraventricular neurocytoma were reviewed retrospectively. There were 5 men and 5 women with a mean age of 34.6 years. The MR images were obtained at 1.5 Tesla and analyzed with respect to the location, signal intensities, contrast enhancement pattern, intratumoral cystic changes and hemorrhage in the lesions. Typically, all tumors were originated from the lateral ventricles or septum pellucidum and extended intraventricularly. They all contained multiple various-size intratumoral cysts. The solid components of the tumors were generally isointense in both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Contrast enhancement was found in six cases. Vascular signal void was observed in four cases and intratumoral hemorrhage was noted in two cases. The MR findings of intraventricular neurocytomas are quite characteristic. Accurate understanding of these MR features is helpful in preoperative diagnosis and planning of surgery.