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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Manual Segmentation of the Human Choroid Plexus Using Brain MRI
Published on: December 15, 2023
Does choroid plexus tumour differ with age?
S Sampath1, Garg Nitin, T C Yasha
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. sampath@nimhans.kar.nic.in
Insights
Choroid plexus neoplasms show distinct differences between pediatric and adult patients. Outcomes are generally better in adults, with carcinomas more common in younger children.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Choroid plexus neoplasms are rare intracranial tumors with distinct pediatric and adult presentations.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in presentation, management, and outcomes of choroid plexus neoplasms between pediatric and adult populations.
- To identify factors influencing patient outcomes and correlate clinical and histological findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 47 patients with choroid plexus neoplasms managed between 1984 and 2004.
- Analysis of case records, images, histopathology, and follow-up data (41 patients).
Main Results:
- 60% of patients were pediatric, with 43% of children under 1 year old.
- Lateral ventricle tumors were more common in children; fourth ventricle tumors in adults.
- Calcification on CT was more frequent in papillomas and adult tumors.
- Carcinomas were more prevalent in younger children.
- Gross total excision was more feasible in adults; complications like subdural collections were more common in pediatric patients.
- Invasion by nests of cells in papillomas did not portend a poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Choroid plexus neoplasms exhibit significant differences between pediatric and adult populations.
- Outcomes are generally better in adults, while carcinomas are more common in younger children.
- Histological invasion patterns require careful interpretation for prognostic accuracy.
Abstract:
Choroid plexus neoplasms are rare intracranial neoplasms. Significant differences exist in their presentation and management in paediatric and adult populations. The present study aims to study the differences among the paediatric and adult population, various factors affecting the outcome, and the clinical and histological correlation. This is a retrospective study of 47 patients with choroid plexus neoplasms managed at NIMHANS from 1984 to 2004. The case records and images were retrieved and reviewed. The various histopathological features were outlined and histopathology reviewed accordingly. For follow-up, patients were contacted by letter or telephone and the necessary information obtained. Follow-up was available in 41 out of 47 patients. Sixty per cent patients were in the paediatric age group and 40% were adults. Forty-three per cent of children with tumours were less than 1 year of age. The lateral ventricle was the most common site of involvement in the paediatric group compared with the fourth ventricle in adults. Calcification is seen on CT scan more often in papillomas and in adult tumours. Invasion of surrounding parenchyma may be seen in both papillomas and carcinomas. However, in papillomas it is by nests of tumour cells compared with carcinomas wherein invasion is by individual tumour cells. Hydrocephalus is present irrespective of location and size of the tumour. Gross total excision is more feasible in adults. Large tumour size, excessive blood loss, higher incidence of carcinomas result in partial excision of these tumours in the paediatric group. Subdural collections and tumour bed haematomas are more common complications in the paediatric group after resection of tumour. These tumours have significant differences among paediatric and adult groups. Carcinomas are predominantly seen in younger children. Invasion of brain parenchyma by nests of cells does not carry a poor prognosis. The outcomes are better in adults.
