Early recurrence from stereotactic aspiration of a colloid cyst of the third ventricle

The case of a 66 year old woman who underwent successful stereotactic aspiration of a symptomatic colloid cyst of the third ventricle, but who had recurrence after only 5 weeks, is presented. Stereotactic aspiration is a well established technique for the treatment of colloid cysts, however disagreement exists regarding its efficacy. Two factors, both from pre-operative CT, help to predict success from aspiration: the cyst's density and size. The literature reports that recurrence after successful stereotactic aspiration should not occur for many years.