Choroid plexus papilloma: a clinicopathological study of 23 cases

Pediatric choroid plexus papilloma arising from the cerebellopontine angle: systematic review with illustrative case

INTRODUCTION

Choroid plexus tumors are uncommon intraventricular tumors that develop from the choroid plexus of the central nervous system. Choroid plexus papillomas arising from the cerebellopontine angle have been reported to almost exclusively occur in adults and are rarely found in children.

METHODS

We report a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines of SCOPUS and PubMed databases for case reports and case series of choroid plexus papillomas arising in the cerebellopontine angle in the pediatric population and discuss clinical presentation, imaging features, management options, and outcomes. We also report a case managed at our center.

RESULTS

Ten cases of pediatric choroid plexus papillomas arising in the cerebellopontine angle were identified from the systematic review in addition to the case reported here, resulting in a total of eleven cases. The patients' median age was 8 years with a slight female sex predilection (1.2:1). Patients most commonly presented with headache, cerebellar signs, and cranial nerve palsies with median duration of symptoms at 4 months. All patients underwent surgical treatment with majority achieving gross total excision. No deaths were reported at median follow-up of 12 months. Complete neurologic recovery was attained in seven cases while partial recovery was seen in two cases.

CONCLUSION

Choroid plexus papillomas found in the cerebellopontine angle in the pediatric population are extremely rare but they should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment with excellent outcomes achievable in majority of patients.

Choroid plexus papilloma of the third ventricle. A case report

Choroid plexus papilloma is an uncommon tumour of the central nervous system, accounting for less than 1% of all intracranial neoplasm. The usual locations are the lateral ventricle in infants and children and the fourth ventricle in adults. The third ventricle is a rare location, with few cases reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 3-month-old boy who was admitted to our centre with signs of raised intracranial pressure. Neuroimaging studies showed a third ventricular mass with associated hydrocephalus. The patient underwent complete tumour removal through a transfrontal approach and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt surgery. Postoperative course of the child was uneventful and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed no residual tumour. Histopathology of the resected lesion confirmed the diagnosis of choroid plexus papilloma. We discuss the clinical, radiological and histological features of this infrequent type of tumours.

Choroid Plexus Papilloma of the Fourth Ventricle: A Pediatric Patient

Choroid plexus papilloma is a low-frequency entity in both the adult and pediatric populations. Its clinical presentation is very variable as it depends on its location and length. We must always do the differential diagnosis between papilloma and other intraventricular pathologies. This article is about a case report of a pediatric patient with a Choroid plexus papilloma located in the fourth ventricle, a location that is atypical for the pediatric population.

Case series of choroid plexus papilloma in children at uncommon locations and review of the literature

Background:

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) comprise around 1% of intracranial neoplasms. The most common location is atrium of the lateral ventricle in children and fourth ventricle in adults. Other rare locations include third ventricle, cerebellopontine (CP) angle and cerebral parenchyma, with only a few cases reported. Authors report three cases of CPP at uncommon locations in pediatric patients. The rarity of these locations, diagnostic dilemma and management aspects are discussed along with an extensive review of the literature.

Methods:

Retrospective institutional data analysis of histopathologically confirmed pediatric CPPs from 2010 to 2014.

Results:

Authors noted three cases of CPP in children in uncommon locations-one each in the posterior third ventricle, fourth ventricle, and CP angle. All were males in the first decade. Two cases presented with features of obstructive hydrocephalus while the latter presented with compressive effects. Complete excision was achieved in two cases while subtotal removal was performed in one case (fourth ventricular) because of excess blood loss. Mean follow-up duration was 24.6 months (range 20–30 months). One case (of subtotal removal) had fair recovery while other two had excellent outcomes.

Conclusions:

Posterior third ventricle, fourth ventricle, and CP angle are uncommon locations for these tumors in children. Complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice and approach needs to be tailored according to the site and size of the lesion. Blood loss is a major concern in young children as they are highly vascular tumors. Complete removal leads to excellent long-term survival rates. Adjuvant treatment is not required.

Choroid plexus papilloma of posterior third ventricle: A case report and review of literature

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are rare intracranial neoplasms, especially in the third ventricle. The most common site of presentation of these lesions is in the fourth ventricle in adults and lateral ventricles in children. We report a male child with a posterior third ventricular CPP who presented with the symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydrocephalus related to a mass in the posterior third ventricle, occluding the aqueduct of Sylvius. After endoscopic third ventriculostomy, tumor was approached through the infratentorial-supracerebellar approach and completely excised. Pathological examination revealed a typical CPP. This entity should be considered an extremely rare cause of a lesion in the posterior third ventricle.

Clinical outcome of adult choroid plexus tumors: retrospective analysis of a single institute

BACKGROUND

Choroid plexus tumors are rare brain tumors with clinical features that vary according to the histological grade. We reviewed the treatment outcomes of 15 adult patients with choroid plexus tumors, focusing on surgical outcomes and current therapeutic strategies.

METHOD

Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, operative findings, adjuvant therapies, disease progression and survival rates were reviewed.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 33.7 ± 10 years (19-59 years) for patients with choroid plexus tumors. Postoperative chemotherapy was given to 26.7 % of patients, and 13.3 % of patients received radiotherapy. The Ki-67 labeling index and mitotic index increased at higher histological grades. All of the choroid plexus papilloma and atypical choroid plexus papilloma patients have survived. The overall survival rate of patients with choroid plexus carcinoma was 50 % in the first year, but none of the patients survived to the second year. Five patients underwent permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery because of hydrocephalus or subdural effusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Choroid plexus papilloma and atypical choroid plexus papilloma patients can be treated with complete surgical resection. Choroid plexus carcinoma has a poor prognosis, and aggressive multi-modal treatments are generally needed for treatment. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are important adjuvant therapies for choroid plexus carcinoma. If hydrocephalus and/or subdural effusion occur, permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion should be added to the therapeutic strategy.

An unusual location for a choroid plexus papilloma: the pineal region

PURPOSE

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) are rare benign neoplasms of the central nervous system that occur most often in children during the first decade of life. They occur most often in the lateral ventricle. It is extremely rare for a CPP to occur in the pineal region. We describe the case of a child with a CPP located in the pineal region, who was initially diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus by cranial computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

A 9-year-old female patient presented with complaints of visual disturbance, nausea, and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a poor contrast-enhanced pineal-localized lesion. Anatomical variations within the patient caused her surgery to proceed using a supratentorial-occipital interhemispheric approach.

RESULTS

The tumor was totally removed, and a histological examination revealed the tumor to be a typical CPP. The patient received follow-up neurological and ophthalmologic examinations at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively, which demonstrated her progressive improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

CPPs may have a wide range of locations and resulting symptoms. However, the pineal region is a rarely encountered location, particularly for pediatric patients. It is of great value to correctly differentiate neoplasms such as germ cell tumors, pineocytomas, meningiomas, and astrocytomas, so that patients receive the correct diagnosis and treatment approach.

Atypical choroid plexus papilloma treated with single agent bevacizumab

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are usually not malignant and occur in less than 1% of brain tumors in patients of all ages. They represent 3% of childhood intracranial neoplasms with a predilection in younger ages. Papillomas have an indolent course and carry a good long-term outcome if gross total surgical resection is achieved. However malignant evolution may occur, with a 10-30% incidence. Chemotherapy has been used with varied degrees of success. Most series are very small, some are only limited to case reports and cannot lead to guidelines or therapeutic recommendations. We are reporting the first case of recurrent CPP treated with 5 mg/kg of bevacizumab administered once every two weeks. Complete patient evaluations with follow-up contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained after the initial two treatments and every 8 weeks thereafter. Only after two treatments, the MRI scans showed radiological stabilization of the tumor, and the patient achieved an excellent clinical response with significant resolution of all skin lesions.

Unique presentation of cerebellopontine angle choroid plexus papillomas: case report and review of the literature

Objectives We present the case of a choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), describe the different appearances of CPPs with a variety of imaging techniques, and discuss the differential diagnosis of CPA tumors.

Participant and Design We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with headache, tinnitus, and unilateral hearing impairment whose preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhancing CPA mass that extended into the internal auditory canal.

Main Outcome Measures, Results, and Conclusion The preoperative imaging appearance of the lesion was most consistent with that of a schwannoma. Postoperative histopathologic examination found the tumor to be a CPP with cuboidal epithelial cells overlying fibrovascular stroma. CPPs are rare benign central nervous system neoplasms arising from choroid plexus epithelium. The most common site of presentation is in the fourth ventricle in adults and the lateral ventricles in children. CPPs rarely occur in the CPA, and when they do, clinical-radiologic diagnosis is difficult due to both the rarity of this presentation and to nonspecific radiological features.

Ossified choroid plexus papilloma of the fourth ventricle: elucidation of the mechanism of osteogenesis in benign brain tumors

True ossification within benign brain tumors is rare, and the molecular mechanism for this process is poorly understood. The authors report a case of ossified choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) and analyze it to help elucidate the underlying molecular basis of osteogenesis in benign brain tumors. A 21-year-old man presented with headache and depression that progressed over years. Computed tomography, MRI, and angiography demonstrated a large heavily calcified fourth ventricular tumor with a vascular blush and no hydrocephalus. The tumor was resected and was found to be an ossified CPP. Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF, Sox2, BMP-2, osterix, osteopontin, and osteocalcin was performed in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of bone formation. The tumor was extensively ossified with mature bone trabeculae. Immunostaining for VEGF was positive. Additional staining showed the presence of osteocalcin in this ossified tumor but not in samples of nonossified CPPs collected from other patients. Staining for osterix and osteopontin was equivocally positive in the ossified CPP but also in the nonossified CPPs examined. The presence of osteocalcin in the ossified CPP demonstrates that there is true bone formation rather than simple calcification. Its appearance within cells around the trabeculae suggests the presence of osteoblasts. The presence of osterix suggests that a pluripotent cell, or one that is already partially differentiated, may be differentiated into an osteoblast through this pathway. This represents the first systematic immunohistochemical analysis of osteogenesis within choroid plexus tumors.

Choroid plexus papillomas: advances in molecular biology and understanding of tumorigenesis

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare, benign tumors originating from the choroid plexus. Although generally found within the ventricular system, they can arise ectopically in the brain parenchyma or disseminate throughout the neuraxis. We sought to review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular biology and oncogenic pathways associated with this disease. A comprehensive PubMed literature review was conducted to identify manuscripts discussing the clinical, molecular, and genetic features of choroid plexus papillomas. Articles concerning diagnosis, treatment, and long-term patient outcomes were also reviewed. The introduction of atypical choroid plexus papilloma as a distinct entity has increased the need for accurate histopathologic diagnosis. Advances in immunohistochemical staining have improved our ability to differentiate choroid plexus papillomas from other intracranial tumors or metastatic lesions using combinations of key markers and mitotic indices. Recent findings have implicated Notch3 signaling, the transcription factor TWIST1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand pathway in choroid plexus papilloma tumorigenesis. A combination of commonly occurring chromosomal duplications and deletions has also been identified. Surgical resection remains the standard of care, although chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be considered for recurrent or metastatic lesions. While generally considered benign, these tumors possess a complex biology that sheds insight into other choroid plexus tumors, particularly malignant choroid plexus carcinomas. Improving our understanding of the molecular biology, genetics, and oncogenic pathways associated with this tumor will allow for the development of targeted therapies and improved outcomes for patients with this disease.

Unusual radiologic findings and pathologic growth patterns on choroid plexus papillomas

Objective

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are generally regarded as benign tumors with typical radiologic and pathologic findings. However, they sometimes have unusual findings. We have analyzed radiologic findings and pathologic growth patterns on CPPs.

Methods

The study group included 5 male and 5 female patients (age range, 3 months to 58 years : median, 29 years). The study group included 3 pediatric and 7 adult patients. All patients underwent surgery; 9 patients had a gross total resection and 1 patient had a subtotal resection. We analyzed the radiologic findings (location, size, mottle-like appearance, enhancement, calcifications, and hydrocephalus) and pathologic growth patterns (typical papillary, papillary and solid, and papillary and tubular).

Results

The median follow-up duration was 21.3 months (range, 4-47.8 months). There were no recurrences after initial treatment. All patients had benign CPPs. Pediatric CPPs were 3.2 cm masses (range, 2.7-4 cm) with homogeneous enhancement and a mottle-like appearance, which pathologically showed the papillary growth pattern. Hydrocephalus was present in all pediatric patients. Postoperatively, subdural hygroma had occurred in two patients. In adults, CPPs were located in the fourth ventricle in 6 patients and suprasellar area in 1 patient. The size varied from 0.5-4.2 cm. Hydrocephalus and calcifications occurred in 3 and 4 patients, respectively. Three patients showed the heterogeneous enhancement without a mottle-like appearance and pathologically showed combined papillary and solid growth in 2 patients and papillary and tubular growth in one. Postoperatively, two patients with large masses had injuries of the brainstem and underwent shunt procedures for aggravation of hydrocephalus.

Conclusion

CPPs may show unusual radiologic findings, which preoperatively give the difficulty to be differentiated from other tumors. CPPs with unusual radiologic findings showed the combined pathologic growth patterns.

A case of choroid plexus papilloma with stromal sclerosis and indistinct papillary structures

We present a case of choroid plexus papilloma with unusual histopathological findings. A 41-year-old Japanese man presented with dizziness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a distinct mass in the fourth ventricle. Histopathological examination showed proliferation of cuboidal cells forming irregular trabeculae, small nests, and pseudoglandular and indistinct papillary structures, accompanied by a variable degree of stromal sclerosis. The tissue sections also showed rare mitotic activity, no hypercellularity, cellular pleomorphism, or necrosis. The immunohistochemical findings were tumor cells positive for cytokeratin 7, vimentin, S-100 protein, and transthyretin but negative for cytokeratin 20, BerEP4 and carcinoembryonic antigen. These findings were consistent with choroid plexus papilloma. The combination of these immunohistochemical markers was helpful in establishing the diagnosis, although the morphological finding of stromal sclerosis is rare for choroid plexus papilloma.

Primary choroid plexus papilloma in the pituitary fossa: case report and literature review

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system and are usually confined to the ventricular system. We illustrated a primary choroid plexus papilloma in the pituitary fossa. A 31-year-old female presented with amenorrhea and intermittent galactorrhoea, with no visual complaints in the last 2 years. Endocrine testing showed no hormone excess or deficiency of the pituitary and target glands, except for a higher prolactin level (56 ng/ml). A sharply circumscribed regular mass in the sellar region occupying the entire sella turcica and extending into the suprasellar cistern was demonstrated on MR imaging with gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. The patient underwent an endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach. Complete microsurgical excision and complete preservation of the normal pituitary gland was achieved, with normal prolactin level. The histopathology showed that the lesion was a choroid plexus papilloma. Theories of the origin, the differential diagnosis, and treatment of the rare tumor are discussed.

Choroid plexus papilloma presenting with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and otorrhea: case report

A 52-year-old woman presented with right rhinorrhea and right otorrhea manifesting as aural fullness for 2 years caused by a choroid plexus papilloma in the right cerebellomedullary cistern. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well defined lobulated mass at the foramen of Luschka, which extended towards the right cerebellomedullary cistern with slight dilation of the ventricular systems. The tumor was totally resected via a right lateral suboccipital approach. Histological examination revealed a choroid plexus papilloma. Postoperative course was uneventful, just after the operation rhinorrhea ceased completely, and hearing of the right ear dramatically improved. Choroid plexus papillomas rarely cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Total removal of the tumor resulted in the cessation of CSF leaks.

Choroid plexus papilloma originating in the sella turcica--case report

A 51-year-old female presented with a rare case of choroid plexus papilloma originating in the sella turcica manifesting as headaches that was not readily distinguishable preoperatively from pituitary adenoma. Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor extending from the sella turcica to the suprasellar cistern. The tumor was removed via an endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Histological examination indicated a papillary structure covered with a layer of columnar epithelial cells that resembled normal choroid plexus. These findings, together with immunohistochemistry, led to a diagnosis of choroid plexus papilloma.

Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of choroid plexus tumors: single-institution experience in Mexican population

In recent years, few studies have specifically focused on only histological features in choroid plexus tumors. We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic and histological features in 37 patients with choroid plexus tumors and correlated these with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53, p21, and Rb labeling indexes, with special attention to tumor recurrence/regrowth. The study included 24 choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs), 4 atypical choroid plexus papillomas (ACPPs), and 9 choroid plexus carcinomas (CPCs). Patient age ranged from 15 to 70 years (mean 44 years). Most of the choroid plexus tumors were located in the IV ventricle. Recurrence was observed in 21 (52%) cases, 14 of which were CPP and 7 of which were CPC (P = 0.032). Histologic findings included major necrosis, fibrosis and psammoma bodies, amyloid deposits, inflammation, and thick vessels in recurrent tumors. The PCNA labeling index was 52.04 + or - 13.92 in CPPs, 76.50 + or - 17 in ACPPs, and 95.22 + or - 21.34 in CPCs (P = 0.009), and 67.43 + or - 28 in recurrent tumors. Similar values were found for p53, p21, and Rb. Furthermore, we observed that these presented more histological changes, adding, than nonrecurrent tumors, as well as a higher proliferation index of cell-cycle markers, and these were dependent predictor factors of survival. Recurrent tumors showed a different biological behavior than nonrecurrent tumors, but histological observations showed no mitotic features in order to consider them as grade II.

Does choroid plexus tumour differ with age?

Choroid plexus neoplasms are rare intracranial neoplasms. Significant differences exist in their presentation and management in paediatric and adult populations. The present study aims to study the differences among the paediatric and adult population, various factors affecting the outcome, and the clinical and histological correlation. This is a retrospective study of 47 patients with choroid plexus neoplasms managed at NIMHANS from 1984 to 2004. The case records and images were retrieved and reviewed. The various histopathological features were outlined and histopathology reviewed accordingly. For follow-up, patients were contacted by letter or telephone and the necessary information obtained. Follow-up was available in 41 out of 47 patients. Sixty per cent patients were in the paediatric age group and 40% were adults. Forty-three per cent of children with tumours were less than 1 year of age. The lateral ventricle was the most common site of involvement in the paediatric group compared with the fourth ventricle in adults. Calcification is seen on CT scan more often in papillomas and in adult tumours. Invasion of surrounding parenchyma may be seen in both papillomas and carcinomas. However, in papillomas it is by nests of tumour cells compared with carcinomas wherein invasion is by individual tumour cells. Hydrocephalus is present irrespective of location and size of the tumour. Gross total excision is more feasible in adults. Large tumour size, excessive blood loss, higher incidence of carcinomas result in partial excision of these tumours in the paediatric group. Subdural collections and tumour bed haematomas are more common complications in the paediatric group after resection of tumour. These tumours have significant differences among paediatric and adult groups. Carcinomas are predominantly seen in younger children. Invasion of brain parenchyma by nests of cells does not carry a poor prognosis. The outcomes are better in adults.

Primary choroid plexus papilloma of the sellar region

BACKGROUND

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system and are usually confined to the ventricle system. We describe a choroid plexus papilloma located in the sella turcica that was identified pathologically.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 49-year-old woman with a 5-year history of progressive visual deterioration in the left eye was admitted to our hospital. Neurological examination found no abnormality except for the perception of light and secondary optic atrophy in her left eye. Careful endocrine testing did not show any hormone excess or deficiency of the pituitary and target glands. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a hemorrhagic mass in the sellar region, which occupied the entire sella turcica and extended to the suprasellar cistern. The mass was excised via an endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach. Histologic examination proved that the lesion was a choroid plexus papilloma.

CONCLUSION

Choroid plexus papillomas arising in and occupying the sella are rare, although some radiographic patterns of ectopic choroid plexus papillomas have been reported. A review of the current literature revealed no similar cases of a choroid plexus papilloma. We discuss the different radiological appearances of choroid plexus papillomas, the differential diagnosis, and treatment.

Heterotopic ossification: Review of histologic findings and tissue distribution in a 10-year experience

Heterotopic ossification (HO) within tissues involved by a pathologic process is a well-recognized phenomenon. It is most frequently observed in atherosclerotic plaques, in soft tissue around joints, and in the central nervous system. Less frequently, carcinomas and some benign neoplasms will undergo heterotopic ossification. We performed a retrospective review of our experience with HO over a 10-year period to determine the frequency and tissue site distribution of heterotopic ossification. A computerized review of surgical pathology records of approximately 126,000 reports revealed 85 cases in which heterotopic ossification, ectopic bone or metaplastic bone was specifically mentioned in the surgical pathology diagnosis. Twenty-two cases were neoplasms of non-osseous tissues, and 63 cases were non-neoplastic lesions. Immunohistochemical staining for bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) 1, 4, and 6 was performed. Fourteen cases showed staining for BMP-1, 22 cases showed staining for BMP-4, and five cases showed weak staining for BMP-6. HO is a relatively infrequent finding and is more commonly seen in degenerative and reparative conditions than in neoplasms.

Infant with unusually large choroid plexus papilloma undergoing emergency surgery. Case report with special emphasis on the surgical strategy

Choroid plexus papillomas are one of the most common tumors of the nervous system in infants. The most frequent early symptoms, megalocephalia and vomiting, caused by elevated intracranial pressure often lead to a diagnosis only at a critical clinical stage. This study describes a case of a 3-month-old infant with a choroid plexus papilloma measuring 7 x 8 x 6 cm originating in the right lateral ventricle. The infant underwent emergency surgery in an acutely deteriorated state, i.e., acute herniation symptoms with fixed and dilated pupils. Despite of the size of the tumor, the proximity to eloquent cortex, and clinically deteriorated state, the infant recovered completely.

Pigmented astrocytoma with suprasellar location: case report and literature review

A large suprasellar, partly cystic, contrast-enhancing tumor was resected from a 19-year-old woman who presented with bitemporal visual field defects and reduced visual acuity. Grossly, the tumor was brown and located in the subarachnoid space. Histologically, it was composed of spindle and pleomorphic cells, including giant tumor cells, with markedly pleomorphic nuclei. Reticulin fibers surrounded single cells and small groups of cells. Very few mitotic figures were found in the tumor, and no necrosis or microvascular proliferation was seen. The tumor thereby resembled a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. Many of the tumor cells contained a dark-brown intracytoplasmic pigment, shown to be melanosomal melanin by ultrastructural examination. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated that the pigment was present in glial tumor cells. Only four cases of pigmented astrocytic tumors have been published, none of these were suprasellar. Our patient received fractionated radiotherapy with a total dose of 48.6 Gy 14 months after gross total removal of the tumor. She is alive without relapse after 12-year follow-up.

Choroid plexus papilloma associated with developmental delay

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare, benign tumors of neuroectodermal origin usually observed in the lateral ventricles of children. The usual presenting signs of choroid plexus papillomas are related to hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure. A child presented to us with clinical features of delayed milestones, which was later diagnosed as a case of choroid plexus papilloma with hydrocephalus. He underwent complete excision of the tumour with gradual recovery of milestones.

Intrinsic brainstem choroid plexus papilloma

✓ The authors report an intrinsic brainstem lesion that was diagnosed initially as a pontine cavernoma, which finally proved to be a choroid plexus papilloma. Choroid plexus papillomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system and are usually intraventricular in location. The occurrence of this tumor in an intraparenchymal location is extremely rare, and its occurrence within the brainstem is previously unreported. The authors also report a trial of chemotherapy with lomustine in the management of the residual tumor.

Choroid plexus tumors in children

Choroid plexus tumors represent a well-defined subset of brain tumors that occur mainly in young children. Surgical resection for papilloma is usually curative, although careful surgical planning is required to minimize the potential risks. Although adjunctive therapy for carcinoma includes chemotherapy or radiation, the long-term survival for carcinoma remains poor.

From the archives of the AFIP. Cerebral intraventricular neoplasms: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Intraventricular neoplasms are readily seen on cross-sectional images, but the myriad possibilities may make a focused differential diagnosis elusive. Consideration of the tissue within and composing the ventricular lining and the clinical findings provide the means to limit the differential diagnosis when analyzing an intraventricular mass on an imaging study. Ependymomas are typically calcified, are more common in children, are more common in the fourth ventricle, and show intense enhancement on contrast-enhanced images. Subependymomas and central neurocytomas have an affinity for the anterior portion of the lateral ventricle, and both commonly demonstrate a heterogeneous cystic appearance on cross-sectional images. Subependymomas are more common in older adults, whereas central neurocytomas are more common before 40 years of age. Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas always lie near the foramen of Monro and are characterized by frequent calcification, intense enhancement on contrast-enhanced studies, and the presence of other stigmata seen in tuberous sclerosis. When a mass is centered on the choroid plexus, a highly vascular tumor-either choroid plexus papilloma, choroid plexus carcinoma, meningioma, or metastasis-should be suspected. The characteristic heavily lobulated appearance of a choroid plexus tumor favors this diagnosis over other possibilities, although it is not always possible to distinguish between the more common benign form, the choroid plexus papilloma, and the less common malignant counterpart, the choroid plexus carcinoma. By using clinical, demographic, and imaging findings, one can significantly limit the differential diagnosis for many of the most common intraventricular neoplasms.

Choroid plexus papilloma diagnosed by crush cytology

In a 32-yr-old man, an infratentorial cystic lesion with a mural nodule was interpreted to be either a hemangioblastoma or a cystic astrocytoma on CT scan. Intraoperative crush cytology revealed it to be a choroid plexus papilloma (CPP). The utility of crush cytology in the rapid diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and the differential diagnosis of CNS papillary lesions are highlighted in this report.

Pigmented pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: report of a rare case with review of the literature

We describe a rare case of melanotic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a 32-year-old man who presented with partial complex seizures. Radiologically, the mass was located in the medial temporal lobe and was solid and cystic. Microscopic examination revealed features of a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with some heavily pigmented cells. The pigment was demonstrated to be melanosomal melanin, which was confirmed by special stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.

Choroid plexus papilloma in the posterior cranial fossa: MR, CT, and angiographic findings

In this study, we reviewed the magnetic resonance (MR, n=5), computed tomography (CT, n=3), and angiography (n=3) of six patients with pathologically confirmed choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) in the posterior cranial fossa. CPPs in the posterior cranial fossa have several features, including a propensity to arise at the foramen of Luschka with extraventricular extension, occasional peritumoral signal voids/cysts or calcification, weaker enhancement on MR or CT, and less strong tumor staining by the anterior or posterior inferior cerebellar artery or angiography.