Extraventricular neurocytoma: case report

Abstract

Background: Extraventricular neurocytoma is a rare low-grade tumor of the central nervous system according to WHO, arising from the brain parenchyma, cerebellum or spinal cord. Due to the similarity to other brain tumors, diagnosis is difficult. Case presentation: 15-year-old male patient with focal epileptic seizures of 10 months' duration, accompanied by headache, without alterations on the neurological physical examination. MRI reveals a lesion in the right temporal lobe, surrounded by edema. A craniotomy and total resection of the lesion was performed. The histopathological study supported the diagnosis of EVN grade 2 due to immunopositivity to synaptophysin and GFAP. Discussion: Extraventricular neurocytoma commonly occurs in the temporal lobe in children, causing symptoms such as seizures and headache. Its diagnosis is complex, requiring imaging and histopathological studies. The main treatment is surgical resection, with a good survival rate of 95% if total resection is achieved. In this case, the patient was operated on successfully, without post-surgical complications. Conclusion: Extraventricular neurocytomas are rare low-grade tumors that affect young people. They present symptoms depending on their location. The diagnosis is confirmed with a pathological study, and the prognosis is favorable after total surgical resection.