Extraventricular neurocytoma, a comprehensive review.
Akshay S Patil1, G Menon, H V Easwer
1Department of Neurosurgery, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences &Technology, Trivandrum, India, 695011, dr.akshayarbat@hotmail.com.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|December 21, 2013
Summary
Extraventricular neurocytomas (EVNs) are rare brain tumors. Surgical resection with or without adjuvant therapy offers comparable survival, though long-term outcomes require further study.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Extraventricular neurocytomas (EVNs) are rare parenchymal brain tumors distinct from central neurocytomas.
- Limited literature exists on EVNs, necessitating further analysis of case series.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze a series of seven EVN cases from a single institute.
- To review clinical manifestations, pathological features, imaging, treatment, and survival of EVNs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of seven EVN cases operated between 2000-2012.
- Evaluation of clinical, pathological, imaging, and treatment data.
- Assessment of progression-free survival.
Main Results:
- Seven patients (5 female, 2 male; age 7-65) with EVNs in various locations (lobar, cerebellum, pineal, spinal).
- Distinct imaging characteristics included cystic changes, perilesional edema, heterogeneous enhancement, and calcification.
- Surgical resection is the primary strategy; gross total resection (GTR) and subtotal resection (STR) with radiotherapy (RT) showed comparable outcomes. Age extremes and atypical histology were adverse prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
- EVNs exhibit glial or neuronal differentiation with potential for atypical changes.
- GTR and STR combined with RT provide good outcomes and comparable survival.
- Larger series and long-term follow-ups are needed to establish management protocols; the role of adjuvant therapy requires validation.
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