Extraventricular neurocytoma: morphological and immunohistochemical considerations on differential diagnosis

Pathol Res Pract. 2002;198(9):627-33; discussion 635-8. doi: 10.1078/0344-0338-00312.

Abstract

Neurocytoma is an unusual neuronal tumor especially affecting young people. It commonly arises in the ventricles and has a benign outcome. Herein, we report on a rare case of extraventricular neurocytomas (right parietal lobe) in a young girl admitted to hospital for a cranial trauma subsequent to a seizure. The tumor, radiologically well-circumscribed, cystic and enhancing, was surgically excised. The patient, who received no post surgical treatment, is alive and well after 18 months of follow-up. Pathological examination showed a well-differentiated lesion composed of uniform, round cells with perinuclear halos in a neuropil background and immunohistochemically positive for neuronal markers (synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase, neurofilaments). The authors emphasize the role of the morphological and immunohistochemical evaluations to recognize this rare tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Ependymoma / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurocytoma / complications
  • Neurocytoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurocytoma / metabolism
  • Neurocytoma / pathology*
  • Neurocytoma / surgery
  • Oligodendroglioma / pathology
  • Parietal Lobe / pathology
  • Radiography
  • Seizures / etiology