Central Neurocytoma in the Fourth Ventricle: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Background: Central neurocytoma is a rare primary intracranial tumour that usually occurs in young people. Central neurocytoma is more common in the lateral ventricle, but it is rare in the fourth ventricle. Herein, we report a case of central neurocytoma in the fourth ventricle. To improve our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease, we reviewed the literature to analyse the age, gender, clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, and surgical prognosis of CNC in the fourth ventricle.Case presentation: A 44-year-old Chinese women presented with headache and dizziness for 8 years, walking instability for 2 years, and aggravation for 1 month. MRI revealed a 3.0 cm × 3.6 cm ×3.4 cm lesion located in the fourth ventricle. The tumour was completely resected. Pathological results were consistent with central neurocytoma. The patient could not walk or speak fluently during post-operative period, and no recurrence was found during the seventh month of follow-up.Conclusions: Central neurocytoma in the fourth ventricle is a rare intracranial tumour that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. However, it can be considered when cystic and solid lesions are present in the fourth ventricle, especially when the morphology is like a soap bubble. Surgery is the main treatment for CNC. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be considered for partial or subtotal resection cases, and the prognosis is good. No recurrence of central neurocytoma in the fourth ventricle has been reported thus far.