Clinical characteristics of central neurocytoma

Objective To investigate clinical characteristics of central neurocytoma so as to diagnose correctly and to manage properly this tumor. Method All cases of central neurocytoma operated on in our hospital between Jan. 1995 and Dec. 2006 were reviewed for age, gender, clinical presentation,features of imaging and neuropatholagy, treatment options and outcome, which follow-up data were obtained from out-patient clinic or from direct contact with the patients. Results There were 41 males and 32females. The mean age of presentation was 31.9 years. Central neurocytoma comprised 0.3% of brain tumors. Intracranial hypertension was the first clinical symptom in 72.6% of the patients, dizziness in 24.7%, weakness of limb(s) in 17.8%, visual disturbance in 12.3%, 68.5% of the tumors originated from septum pelhicidum. Central neurocytoma were diagnosed pre-operatively only in 26 of 73 patients. The rate of total resection of the tumors was 80.8%. The death rate related to operation was 8.2%. Clinical follow-up was available for 36 of 73 patients, ranging from 6 to 105 months postoperatively. All patients were alive and well at last follow-up and none of patients presented signs of recurrence or progression of the disease. 19 patients performed radiotherapy after operation as an adjuvant treatment. Conclusions Central neurocytomas are rare brain tumors occurring in young adults with a predilection for male. Symptoms of intracranial hypertension are main clinical presentation of the tumors. The majority of the tumors originate from septum pellucidum. Misdiagnosis is more frequent. Total removal is the best treatment option for thetumors. However, death rate of operation is high. It is no necessary to perform radiotherapy after total resection. Central neurocytomns have a favorable prognosis. Key words: Central nervous system neoplasms;  Surgical procedures, operative;  Septumpellucidum;  Prognosis