CRANIOSPINAL DISSEMINATION OF CENTRAL NEUROCYTOMA - REPORT OF 2 CASES

Central neurocytoma was first described in the literature in 1982 and has been noted to be a benign neuronal tumor usually located in the ve ntricular system. Of the more than 100 reported cases, only seven recu rrences have been reported, all of which have been local. The authors report two cases of recurrent central neurocytoma that disseminated th rough the ventricular system with seeding to the spine, as evidenced b y magnetic resonance images and positive cerebrospinal fluid cytology. The histological appearance of these two tumors was typical for the l esion and lacked evidence of malignant change. Central neurocytoma may not be as benign as previously thought, and the recognition of this m ore malignant behavior has implications for patient follow up and ther apy.