Lateral ventricular medulloepithelioma in children: a case report

Medulloepithelioma is an extremely rare highly malignant and rapidly growing tumor that occurs in the central nervous system. There are few reports of medulloepithelioma located in the ventricle. Medulloepithelioma is common in young children and adolescence. Herein, we described an unusual case of vomiting in a 4-year-old male patient with medulloepithelioma, presenting with enlarging head circumference. Because of computed tomography (CT) scan of the head showed signs of brain tumors and hydrocephalus, and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence showed increased heterogeneity and honeycomb-like changes on the mass after the administration of a contrast agent, the patient was first diagnosed as choroid plexus papilloma. After undergoing a surgical craniotomy, the patient was diagnosed as medulloepithelioma through pathological examination. We hope that this work will provide more understanding and knowledge of intracranial medulloepithelioma. For medulloepithelioma that occurs in the central nervous system, radiological examination is not sufficient to make a definite diagnosis of the tumor. Pathological examination can confirm the diagnosis of medulloepithelioma and distinguish it from other central system tumors. Surgical resection is a safe and effective method that can prolong the life of patients. However, the prognosis of medulloepithelioma is still poor, and further research is needed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease.