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3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse
Published on: May 19, 2015
Lateral ventricle tumors in children: a series of 54 cases
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Nacional de Pediatría "Juan P. Garrahan", Buenos Aires, Argentina. gnzuccaro@ciudad.com.ar
Insights
This study reviewed 54 pediatric lateral ventricle tumors, finding they are often large and benign. Total surgical resection is the preferred treatment for these brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Neurosurgical Oncology
Background:
- Lateral ventricle tumors are rare in pediatric patients.
- These tumors can cause significant neurological deficits due to mass effect and hydrocephalus.
- Understanding the characteristics and outcomes of these tumors is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical characteristics, surgical management, and outcomes of pediatric patients with lateral ventricle tumors.
- To identify the most common tumor types, locations, and presenting symptoms.
- To evaluate the surgical approaches and complications associated with these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 54 patients with lateral ventricle tumors treated between 1988 and 1998.
- Exclusion of tumors invading ventricles or originating outside their walls.
- Analysis of patient demographics, tumor histology, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 54 patients (35 male, 19 female) aged 15 days to 20 years, with peak incidence at 2 and 11 years.
- Most frequent symptoms were related to increased intracranial pressure; 41 patients developed hydrocephalus, with 15 requiring shunting.
- Common tumor types included subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, choroid plexus tumors, ependymoma, and astrocytoma; trigonal region and frontal horn were common origins.
- Most common complications were intraventricular hemorrhage, cortical collapse, subdural collection, and seizures.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric lateral ventricle tumors are often voluminous and predominantly benign.
- Total surgical resection is the primary treatment of choice.
- Malignant tumors may require postsurgical radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
Abstract:
A series of 54 patients with lateral ventricle tumors diagnosed and surgically treated from 1988 to 1998 was reviewed. Neoplasms invading ventricles and originating beyond their walls were excluded. There were 35 male and 19 female patients. Their ages ranged from 15 days to 20 years, and two frequency peaks were observed, one at 2 and one at 11 years. The most frequent signs and symptoms were attributed to increased intracranial pressure. The 54 patients included 41 who developed hydrocephalus, but only 15 of these required shunting. The trigonal region and frontal horn were the most common sites of origin. Surgery was planned with due consideration for the localization of the tumor, its presumptive histology, its main feeding vessels, the parenchymal functionality, and the presence or absence of hydrocephalus. The most frequent tumor types were subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, choroid plexus tumors, ependymoma, and astrocytoma. The most common complications were intraventricular hemorrhage, cortical collapse, subdural collection and seizures. To conclude, tumors located within the lateral ventricles are often very voluminous and are predominantly benign, and the treatment of choice is total resection. In the case of malignancy, postsurgical radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy should be given.

