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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse
Published on: May 19, 2015
Neuropsychological findings in patients with intraventricular tumors
Ralf Buhl1, Hongguang Huang, Birgit Gottwald
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany. buhlr@nch.uni-kiel.de
Background:
Intraventricular tumors are quite rare and become symptomatic with hydrocephalus-related signs such as headache, double vision, and seizures. Also, most of the patients show neuropsychological deficits, especially memory problems and lack of attention.
Methods:
We reviewed the charts and computed tomographic/magnetic resonance images of 15 patients with tumors of the lateral and third ventricle, who were also examined by a neuropsychologist pre- and postoperatively. Neuropsychological testing included tests of attention, memory, executive functions, and concentration.
Results:
Between 1995 and 2003, 7 patients with colloid cysts of the third ventricle (3 men, 4 women; mean age, 38 years), 5 patients with meningiomas of the lateral ventricle (2 men, 3 women; mean age, 51 years), and 3 patients with astrocytomas and ependymoma (2 men, 1 woman; mean age, 38 years) were treated. All patients with colloid cysts and meningiomas showed mental changes, especially attention and memory deficits. Symptoms improved markedly after surgical intervention. The 3 patients with astrocytoma and ependymoma showed normal results pre- and postoperatively.
Conclusion:
Neuropsychological testing is very useful in patients with intraventricular lesions and important for follow-up examinations. It should be included in every workup examination in this small patient group.
