Subependymoma of the lateral ventricles

Four subependymomas of the lateral ventricle were reviewed with regard to c linical presentation, neuroimaging features, treatment, histopathological f eatures, and long-term follow-up. There were two male and two female patien ts ranging in age from 27 to 60 years (mean 48.3 years). While two patients presented with symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure, two oth ers were found incidentally during neuroimaging investigations to have intr aventricular tumors. Neuroimaging characteristics of these tumors included no paraventricular extension, iso- or hypodensity with minimal enhancement on computerized tomography (CT), or iso- or hypointensity on T1-weighted an d hyperintensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI). The usual finding on MRI was of no or scarce contrast enhancement, but one case showe d heterogeneous enhancement. Three patients underwent total resection of th e tumor and one underwent partial resection. No patients received postopera tive radiation therapy. All patients have been doing well 4.8 to 15.4 years (mean 8.8 years), after surgery. Although there are no absolutely specific features to distinguish these tumors from other intraventricular tumors pr eoperatively, subependymoma should be kept in mind for differential diagnos is, as this tumor may safely be removed without sacrificing contiguous norm al tissue and with good long-term results.