Imaging study of central neurocytoma

Objective: To study the imaging findings of central neurocytoma. Methods: MRI and CT findings of 12 cases central neurocytoma proved by pathology were reviewed retrospectively. The patients included 6 males and 6 females, age 17-55 with the average of 33.8 years old. Results: All tumors with well-defined margins and large size located in septum pellucidum and lateral ventricles adjacent to foramen Monro. Five of them proturded into the third ventricle. Solid part of the tumors presented as iso- or slightly hyper-intense to cortical gray matter on T1WI and T2WI. Multiple cystic degenaration can be seen in most of the patients. Calcification was common. CT is a more sensitive method in indentifying calcification. Conclusions: Central neurocytoma should be highly suspected when a mass located in septum pellucidum and lateral ventricles in a young patient. MRI is useful in making a preoperative diagnosis and prognosis of central neurocytoma. CT is more sensitive in identifying calcification in the tumor.