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Updated: May 12, 2026
02:30
Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection
Published on: May 23, 2025
Enterogenous cyst of the third ventricle
David J Salvetti1, Brian J Williams1, Jocelyn S Posthumus2
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Box 800212, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Summary
The second reported case of an enterogenous cyst in the third ventricle was a 28-year-old woman experiencing headaches and memory loss. Surgical removal revealed a cyst lined with ciliated cuboidal epithelium, highlighting its importance in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Enterogenous cysts are rare congenital malformations that can occur in various locations, including the central nervous system.
- Cysts of the third ventricle are uncommon and can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old female presented with a two-year history of progressive headaches and memory loss.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic lesion in the anterior third ventricle.
- The lesion was surgically resected using a transcallosal approach.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination showed a simple cyst lined by ciliated cuboidal epithelium with goblet cells, consistent with an enterogenous cyst.
- The patient's memory loss was attributed to the mass effect of the cyst on adjacent structures, likely the fornices.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering enterogenous cysts in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions within the third ventricle.
- The unusual presentation with significant memory loss emphasizes the potential for mass effect on critical neuroanatomical structures.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal management of third ventricular enterogenous cysts is warranted.
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