Choroid plexus tumors in pediatric patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Neuropathology

Background:

• Choroid plexus tumors are rare intraventricular neoplasms, comprising <1% of intracranial and 2-4% of pediatric brain tumors.
• These tumors present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to their location and potential for aggressive behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present institutional experience in managing pediatric choroid plexus tumors.
• To review the literature on the management and outcomes of these rare tumors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with choroid plexus tumors.
• Surgical resection was the primary treatment modality.
• Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, surgical details, and follow-up outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eighteen tumors were analyzed: 14 papillomas, 2 atypical papillomas, and 2 carcinomas.
• All patients underwent surgical resection with no perioperative mortality.
• Choroid plexus papilloma patients had a 100% survival rate with excellent functional outcomes.
• Choroid plexus carcinoma patients had a 50% survival rate.
• Postoperative extraventricular drainage (EVD) was used in 12 patients, and 27.8% required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for persistent hydrocephalus.

Conclusions:

• Choroid plexus papilloma is a surgically curable pediatric brain tumor.
• Postoperative EVD can mitigate shunt requirements by clearing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and tumor debris.