Colloid cyst with hyphal-like structures: A rarity that mimics actinomycosis of athe third ventricle.

Colloid cysts are histologically well defined and consist of three main components, a capsule, with an underlying epithelial layer, and a mucinous heart. In our case, we present a 35-year-old female with acute deterioration of level of consciousness. An emergent CT scan showed a cystic lesion occluding the intraventricular foramen. The lesion was endoscopically excised through a transfrontal approach. Microscopic examination of the resected specimen revealed hyphal-like structures (HLS). This rare finding was first described by Dodds and Powers in 1977 and, in its microscopic nature, it mimics actinomyces of the third ventricle.

First reported case of hydrocephalus in jointly diagnosed bacterial meningitis and a colloid cyst: how Ockham's razor became Hickam's dictum.

We report the first case in the literature of acute hydrocephalus due to a simultaneous diagnosis of bacterial (not asceptic) meningitis and a colloid cyst. Diagnosing disease is the cornerstone skill of a medical practitioner. Both education and experience allow for sharpening of this skill throughout years of medical practice. Disease is fraught with nuances and inconsistencies which can render an accurate diagnosis a difficult task. Medical practitioners can be guilty of cognitive biases such as Ockham's razor. We present the case of a patient with an initial diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a colloid cyst. However, pneumococcal meningitis blunted Ockham's razor in favour of Hickam's dictum.

Are familial colloid cysts of the third ventricle associated with a worse clinical course than sporadic forms?

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of asymptomatic colloid cysts is increasing due to the widespread use of neuroimaging tools. According to previous works, familial forms (within first-degree relatives) represent 5-25% of the cases, and it is not clear whether they display specific features influencing the clinical behavior of the disease. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We reviewed the literature to extract data from papers dealing with familial colloid cysts. For comparison, previous series dealing with the natural history of sporadic cases were identified. Also, we present two more cases of familiar colloid cysts from our experience. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Fifty-one patients (23 reports, plus our cases) were analyzed from the literature. Familial cases showed a younger age at diagnosis (P=0.02) and fewer asymptomatic cases (P<0.001) compared to non-familial colloid cysts. The odds ratio and relative risk of needing surgery with a positive family history for surgical cyst removal were respectively 17.5 (CI: 1.6-197.4) and 1.9 (CI: 0.71 - 5.1). Screening of other family members identified further colloid cysts in 4% of families. CONCLUSIONS: Familial colloid cysts show a higher percentage of younger and symptomatic patients compared to non-familiar forms. A positive family history for surgical evacuation is a predictor for a similar outcome. This could indicate a predisposition to an earlier formation and faster growth, and the need for a stricter follow-up in asymptomatic patients. If confirmed in the future, this could suggest a review of the criteria for cyst treatment and extend the surgical indication to asymptomatic familial cases.

Inchoate guidelines of endoscopic resection of colloid cysts.

Colloid cyst are cystic lesions in the third ventricle and could render patients asymptomatic. However, there is an inherent risk of symptomatic progression, acute decompensation, and sudden death. Therefore, there is no clear consensus as how to observe or when to treat a newly diagnosed patient with a colloid cyst. The authors' objective is to identify the risk factors and then develop a risk stratification score to guide neurosurgeons during acute or chronic presentation. Radiological imaging characteristics have been outlined for the risk stratification as well preoperative evaluation. A baseline neuropsychological evaluation is helpful to obtain during an incidental presentation because history and neurological examination could be inconclusive in these cases. Radiological imaging with an MRI brain scan plays a vital role for the initial screening (determination of the cyst size, exact location, and the imaging characteristics) as well as for the preoperative planning. Stereotactic guidance is a high yield, followed by neuroendoscopic resection of the colloid cyst has been an established approach to resect these lesions. Modified colloid cyst risk scoring (mCCRS) system is robust and detailed for the optimal risk stratification of colloid cyst presentation. Stereotactic guided neuroendoscopic resection of the colloid cyst is a safe and efficacious approach to manage these lesions. The intended use, crucial steps involved, and the limitations of the technique have been discussed especially with a focus on the recurrence. Moreover, a comprehensive treatment algorithm has been presented.

Out-of-third ventricle colloid cysts: review of the literature on pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of an uncommon condition, with a focus on headache.

INTRODUCTION: Colloid cysts are rare benign intracranial lesions classically described as "third ventricle colloid cysts" because of their location within the third ventricle. These lesions' clinical and diagnostic features are mainly related to intermittent or persistent obstruction of foramina of Monro causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation impairment and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. Few reports on colloid cysts located outside the third ventricle have been published over the years. This paper aims to review the existing literature on out-of-third ventricle colloid cysts, and introduces a new illustrative case of lateral ventricle colloid cyst surgically managed with endoscopic technique. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature review was performed through a Medline web-search, using "colloid cysts," "lateral ventricle colloid cysts," "fourth ventricle colloid cysts," "brain colloid cyst," "spinal colloid cysts" as keywords. All retrieved abstracts were screened and full-length text of papers suitable for inclusion were examined. An illustrative case has been added to the existing literature. A 45-year-old man complaining of recurrent headache underwent conservative treatment for 4 years. The unusual headache features as well as the uncommon onset and association with episodic mental impairment led to an initial diagnosis of anxiety disorder triggering the headache. A further worsening of headache and the lack of significant clinical benefit prompted further investigation. Computed-tomography (CT) of the brain showed asymmetrical dilatation of the right lateral ventricle, due to the presence of a cystic mass obstructing the foramen of Monroe. Patient underwent endoscopic resection of the cyst. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The literature review revealed 16 papers reported between 1952 and 2016. In all cases included histological diagnosis of colloid cyst had been obtained. Clinical and radiological features, as well as surgical management in each case have been analyzed. In the case here reported, histological examination documented a colloid cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful, with progressive resolution of headache. CONCLUSIONS: Despite third ventricle colloid cysts are related to typical clinical and diagnostic features, non-third ventricle colloid cysts may be responsible for unusual clinical presentation, so making a correct diagnostic approach challenging. We submit that in cases of recurrent headache with unusual features and lacking signs of neurological deficits, a rare neurosurgical condition as an "ectopic" colloid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Tailoring Endoscopic Approach to Colloid Cysts of the Third Ventricle: A Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic removal of third ventricular colloid cysts has grown in popularity. The biggest issues concern radicality, cure or at least long-term control of the disease, and endoscopic remnants. Technologic advances in instrumentation and introduction of novel tools have greatly improved endoscopic results. Deeper knowledge of surrounding anatomy and awareness that colloid cysts vary in their position (foraminal or retroforaminal) can further improve with the selection of a tailored approach for each patient. METHODS: During the last 12 years, 22 colloid cysts were treated endoscopically in our centers. Cysts were classified into 3 groups: A, foraminal (n = 6); B, foraminal with retroforaminal extension (n = 10); C, retroforaminal (n = 6). The following entry points and trajectories were selected: precoronal foraminal (n = 7), precoronal retroforaminal (n = 4), precoronal combined retroforaminal/foraminal (n = 5), supraorbital foraminal (n = 6). Navigation guidance was used in 17 cases. RESULTS: Major complications resulted in permanent deficits in 1 case, and 2 other patients experienced transient memory impairment. Remnants were noted by surgeon's intraoperative assessment in 6 cases; only 2 remnants were large, whereas the others were small bits of coagulated cyst stem. In 18 cases, no remnant was found on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: A traditional precoronal transforaminal approach should be considered only for pure foraminal cysts (group A), as the retroforaminal component is poorly controlled. Retroforaminal cysts (groups B and C) should be resected through a retroforaminal transpellucidum interfornicialis route. A supraorbital transforaminal approach is a more versatile approach suitable for most cases.

Fatal Colloid Cysts: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To accurately describe patient characteristics and the clinical presentation of fatal colloid cysts. METHODS: A systematic literature search of 3 popular databases was performed. Inclusion criteria were individuals with sudden-onset death and colloid cysts identified on imaging and/or autopsy. The cause of death must have been ascribed to the colloid cyst to be eligible for data extraction. Deaths precipitated by lumbar puncture were excluded. Clinical data were extracted and descriptive statistics were ascertained. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare adults with pediatric patients. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were included in the quantitative synthesis. The mean age was 28.5 years (standard deviation 13.3, range 6-79 years). Male and female patients were affected equally. Headache was the most frequent symptom (n = 86, 80%). There were 6 patients (5 adults and 1 child) who reported positional headaches. The mean duration of signs and symptoms was shorter in adults versus pediatric patients (2.1 days vs. 6.5 days, P = 0.02), and more adults presented with signs and symptoms for less than 24 hours than did pediatric patients (38% vs. 6%, P = 0.01). Colloid cyst mean diameter was 2.0 cm (standard deviation 1.1, range 0.5-7.9 cm) and 96% measured 1 cm or larger. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that the prodrome preceding sudden death in the setting of a colloid cyst may be shorter in adults. Also, most fatal colloid cysts measured 1 cm or larger.

Surgical management of colloid cyst of the third ventricle.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study of third ventricular colloid cysts (TVCC) from a defined population was to estimate the incidence, the presenting features, the surgical treatment, the treatment related complications, and the clinical and surgical outcomes. METHODS: A reprospective study of 32 consecutive primary surgeries for TVCC was performed at Oslo University Hospital in the time period 2002-2015. RESULTS: The estimated incidence rate for TVCC was 0.9 per million. Mean age was 41 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.5. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (100%), ataxia (25%), reduced level of consciousness (22%), and impaired vision (19%). The surgical mortality was 0%. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 69% based on intraoperative findings and in 81% based on postoperative imaging. The rate of surgery-related complications was 13%. There was no statistically significant difference between microsurgery and endoscopic surgery with respect to surgery-related complications and grade of resection. At time of follow-up, all patients were able to care for themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the risk of acute neurological deterioration and sudden death, surgical treatment is recommended for patients with symptomatic TVCC. This study shows that surgical resection can be performed with a fairly low risk and with a good long-term outcome.

Natural history of colloid cysts of the third ventricle.

OBJECTIVE Colloid cysts are rare, histologically benign lesions that may result in obstructive hydrocephalus and death. Understanding the natural history of colloid cysts has been challenging given their low incidence and the small number of cases in most reported series. This has complicated efforts to establish reliable prognostic factors and surgical indications, particularly for asymptomatic patients with incidental lesions. Risk factors for obstructive hydrocephalus in the setting of colloid cysts remain poorly defined, and there are no grading scales on which to develop standard management strategies. METHODS The authors performed a single-center retrospective review of all cases of colloid cysts of the third ventricle treated over nearly 2 decades at Washington University. Univariate analysis was used to identify clinical, imaging, and anatomical factors associated with 2 outcome variables: symptomatic clinical status and presentation with obstructive hydrocephalus. A risk-prediction model was defined using bootstrapped logistic regression. Predictive factors were then combined into a simple 5-point clinical scale referred to as the Colloid Cyst Risk Score (CCRS), and this was evaluated with receiver-operator characteristics. RESULTS The study included 163 colloid cysts, more than half of which were discovered incidentally. More than half of the incidental cysts (58%) were followed with surveillance neuroimaging (mean follow-up 5.1 years). Five patients with incidental cysts (8.8%) progressed and underwent resection. No patient with an incidental, asymptomatic colloid cyst experienced acute obstructive hydrocephalus or sudden neurological deterioration in the absence of antecedent trauma. Nearly half (46.2%) of symptomatic patients presented with hydrocephalus. Eight patients (12.3%) presented acutely, and there were 2 deaths due to obstructive hydrocephalus and herniation. The authors identified several factors that were strongly correlated with the 2 outcome variables and defined third ventricle risk zones where colloid cysts can cause obstructive hydrocephalus. No patient with a lesion outside these risk zones presented with obstructive hydrocephalus. The CCRS had significant predictive capacity for symptomatic clinical status (area under the curve [AUC] 0.917) and obstructive hydrocephalus (AUC 0.845). A CCRS ≥ 4 was significantly associated with obstructive hydrocephalus (p < 0.0001, RR 19.4). CONCLUSIONS Patients with incidentally discovered colloid cysts can experience both lesion enlargement and symptom progression or less commonly, contraction and symptom regression. Incidental lesions rarely cause acute obstructive hydrocephalus or sudden neurological deterioration in the absence of antecedent trauma. Nearly one-half of patients with symptomatic colloid cysts present with obstructive hydrocephalus, which has an associated 3.1% risk of death. The CCRS is a simple 5-point clinical tool that can be used to identify symptomatic lesions and stratify the risk of obstructive hydrocephalus. External validation of the CCRS will be necessary before objective surgical indications can be established. Surgical intervention should be considered for all patients with CCRS ≥ 4, as they represent the high-risk subgroup.

Quistes coloides subcutáneos posquirúrgicos / Post-surgical subcutaneous coloid cyst

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Combination of Neuroendoscopic and Stereotactic Procedures for Total Resection of Colloid Cysts with Favorable Neurological and Cognitive Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Despite a wide range of surgical procedures, an unresolved debate remains regarding which attempt is optimal for the treatment of colloid cysts in the third ventricle. In this article, we present a new combination of stereotactic and endoscopic techniques. METHODS: This prospective study includes 27 consecutive patients with symptomatic primary and recurrent colloid cysts. All cysts were removed via a neuroendoscope through a rostral transfrontal, transforaminal approach. The endoscope was supported by an additional cannula fixed in the stereotactic frame. Both tools were inserted into one lateral ventricle through two separate burr holes using stereotactic guidance. RESULTS: The median operating time was 135 minutes. All cysts were removed completely, and no mortality or permanent complications related to surgery occurred. The mean time of observation was 43.5 months (range, 3-78 months), and no clinical or radiologic recurrences were observed. One patient with a history of an infected ventriculoperitoneal shunt did not improve after cyst removal, but improved after subsequent reimplantation of the shunt. In all other cases, symptoms resolved (67%) or decreased (30%). Cognitive functions improved or remained unchanged in all 10 elective cases examined neuropsychologically before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The techniques we describe for removal of colloid cysts are safe and effective, even for recurrent cases, and they provide 100% total resection, favorable cognitive outcomes, low risk of recurrence, and low risk of morbidity. The disadvantages of this method are a longer time for surgery and the need for more complex instrumentation compared with conventional endoscopic resection.

Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Colloid Cysts: a review of the literature.

Colloid cysts account for approximately 2% of primary brain tumours and the majority of cases are identified in the fourth and fifth decade. They are small, gelatinous neoplasms lined by a single layer of mucin-secreting columnar epithelium that are thought to arise from errors in folding of the primitive neuroepithelium. They develop in the rostral aspect of the third ventricle in the foramen of Monro in 99% of cases and despite their benign histology carry a poor prognosis, with a mortality greater than 10% in symptomatic cases. The location of colloid cysts within the ventricular system results in obstruction of the foramen of Monro as the cyst grows, disrupting the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and causing hydrocephalus. This is the mechanism behind the most common presenting symptoms of postural headache, nausea and vomiting - a clinical picture synonymous with hydrocephalus and intracranial pathology. In addition to these classical neurological symptoms, there is a high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in the patient population, with symptoms ranging from anterograde amnesia to gustatory hallucination. These symptoms can occur with or without the presence of hydrocephalus, and are thought to be secondary to compression of connecting pathways between the mesocortices and subcortical limbic regions. These symptoms have been shown to be comparative in frequency to the classical symptoms, yet are rarely the reason for referral to a neurological or neurosurgical service for investigation.

Resección neuroendoscópica de un quiste coloide del tercer ventrículo: reporte de caso / Resection by neuroendoscopy of third ventricle colloid cyst: a case report

Introducción: Los quistes coloides son poco frecuentes en relación con los tumores del sistema nervioso central, sin embargo, constituyen el 14 por ciento de los localizados en el tercer ventrículo. Su incidencia es mayor entre los 20 y 50 años. Pueden llegar a ocupartotalmente el ventrículo, obstruir los agujeros de Monro y producir hidrocefalia biventricular. Su forma clínica de presentación principal es lacefalea, trastornos de la marcha y papiledema. La resonancia magnética constituye el método de elección para su diagnóstico y muestra una lesión de bordes bien definidos, homogénea, hiperintensa en T1 e iso/hipointensa en T2. Las principales vías de abordaje son la transcortical transventricular, transcallosa, estereotáxica y la endoscópica.Caso clínico: En el mes de octubre del 2013 se realiza por primera vez en el Hospital Militar “Dr. Carlos J. Finlay” (La Habana, Cuba) la resección endoscópica de un quiste coloide del tercer ventrículo. Se trató de un paciente de 56 años de edad con hipertensión endocraneana. Se realizó primeramente septostomía. Posteriormente, se aplicó la aspiración del quiste, foraminoplastia del Monro, tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica y finalmente la resección de la cápsula. Se logró la exéresis macroscópica total de la lesión y la regresión de los síntomas neurológicos presentados.Conclusiones: El abordaje endoscópico para el tratamiento del quiste coloide del tercer ventrículo suele ser un método de mínimo acceso, eficaz y seguro. Así se logra una amplia resección con un mínimo de complicaciones, como ocurrió en el paciente reportado(AU)

Introduction: Colloids cysts are not very frequent in relation with the tumors of the nervous central system. However, it´s constitute 14 per cent of those located in the third ventricle. Their incidence is bigger between the 20 and 50 years. These lesions can occupy the ventricle totally, and also obstruct both foramina of Monro with biventricular hydrocephalus. Main clinical presentation is headache, gait disturbance and papilledema. Magnetic resonance image constitutes the election method for diagnosis, showing hyperintense lesion in T1 andiso/hypointense in T2. The main approaches are the transcortical transventricular, transcallosal, stereotaxic and endoscopic.Clinical case: In October of 2013, was made for first time in “Dr. Carlos J. Finlay” Military Hospital (La Habana, Cuba) the resection by neuroendoscopy of third ventricle colloid cyst. A male patient, 56 year-old with symptoms of intracraneal hypertension was admitted. In the first place was due a septostomy. Then, cyst aspiration, Monro foraminoplasty, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, and finally capsuleresection were done. With this procedure was achieved a total macroscopic excision of the lesion and the regression of the neurologicalsymptoms presented by the patient.Conclusions: Endoscopic excision is a safe and effective, minimally invasive method for colloid cyst removal. Excision of these lesions can be made with a minimum of complications, like it happened in this report(AU)

An unusual location and presentation of a usual pathology-Colloid cyst of fourth ventricle presenting as spontaneous rhinorrhea.

Colloid cysts are relatively rare benign intracranial lesions preferentially located within the third ventricle. There are only a few reports in which they have been found to be ectopic, such as in the fourth ventricle. A young female presented on with spontaneous non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea for three months which was positional in nature, relieved temporarily by neck flexion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a focal well-defined rounded cystic lesion along the fourth ventricle, showing subtle peripheral rim enhancement. Significant hydrocephalus was also noted. A suboccipital craniotomy and total excision of the lesion was done. Postoperatively, the patient recovered quickly with no neurological deficits. Her rhinorrhoea was completely cured. Histopathology was consistent with a colloid cyst. Colloid cyst is rarely found in infratentorial location. However, such a rare diagnosis has to be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients who present with an infratentorial cystic lesion associated with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea.

Colloid cyst mimicking intracranial hemorrhage after head trauma.

Trauma patients consist vast majority of the patients who admit to emergency department, and most of them have a head trauma. A 58-year-old patient was taken to emergency department with head trauma, and a hyperdense lesion neighboring to third ventricle was detected. A diagnosis of colloid cyst was made in the patient who was being followed up for hemorrhage. In patients with head trauma, colloid cyst may easly be confused with intracranial hemorrhage due to hyperdensity. The aim of this report is to emphasize the importance of clinical thinking in the differential diagnosis of hyperdense lesion on computed tomography imaging of a patient with head injury.

Symptomatic colloid cysts in the third ventricle of monozygotic twins.

In this case report we describe colloid cysts in the third ventricles of monozygotic twin sisters. They were 26 years old when their condition was discovered. One woman was admitted to us on an emergency basis, with signs of high intracranial pressure such as unconsciousness and extension posturing. Her sister was also brought to the hospital since she had a history of attacks of headache. They were both operated with removal of the colloid cysts, and the clinical courses are described in the case report. In reviewing the literature another 30 familial cases were found. Of these were two pairs of monozygotic and one pair of dizygotic twins.