Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Published on: August 11, 2015
Infant with unusually large choroid plexus papilloma undergoing emergency surgery. Case report with special emphasis
T Picht1, J Jansons, A van Baalen
1Department of Neurosurgery, Charité, Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany. thomas.picht@charite.de
Insights
Choroid plexus papillomas are common infant brain tumors. A large tumor in a 3-month-old was successfully removed, leading to a full recovery despite critical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Choroid plexus papillomas are frequent central nervous system tumors in infants.
- Symptoms like hydrocephalus and vomiting can delay diagnosis until critical stages.
Observation:
- A 3-month-old infant presented with a large (7x8x6 cm) choroid plexus papilloma in the right lateral ventricle.
- The infant exhibited acute herniation symptoms with fixed, dilated pupils, indicating a critical clinical state.
Findings:
- Despite the tumor's significant size, proximity to eloquent brain areas, and the infant's critical condition, complete surgical resection was achieved.
- The infant experienced a complete clinical recovery post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of successful surgical intervention and complete recovery even in neonates with large, critically located brain tumors.
- Early diagnosis and prompt surgical management are crucial for improving outcomes in infant choroid plexus papilloma cases.
Abstract:
Choroid plexus papillomas are one of the most common tumors of the nervous system in infants. The most frequent early symptoms, megalocephalia and vomiting, caused by elevated intracranial pressure often lead to a diagnosis only at a critical clinical stage. This study describes a case of a 3-month-old infant with a choroid plexus papilloma measuring 7 x 8 x 6 cm originating in the right lateral ventricle. The infant underwent emergency surgery in an acutely deteriorated state, i.e., acute herniation symptoms with fixed and dilated pupils. Despite of the size of the tumor, the proximity to eloquent cortex, and clinically deteriorated state, the infant recovered completely.
