Central Neurocytoma Presenting with Progressive Headache: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare benign brain tumor primarily diagnosed in young patients. It mainly occupies the lateral ventricle and has relatively characteristic imaging features that aid in its diagnosis. This tumor causes obstructive hydrocephalus and manifests with signs of increased intracranial pressure. Herein, we present a case of a 53-year-old female diabetic patient who presented to our neurology clinic with an eight-month history of diffuse progressive headaches. Her headache was associated with nausea but not vomiting. There was no motor or sensory deficits or paresthesia. Likewise, the examination revealed no diplopia, ophthalmoparesis, cranial nerve impairments, or papilledema. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a heterogeneous intraventricular mass measuring 45x41 mm in size with surrounding mild tissue edema, typical for a central neurocytoma. The patient was referred to the neurosurgery department for surgical removal of the tumor; however, the patient did not consent to surgery. Brain MRI should be done in young patients with a headache that does not have the characteristics of primary headaches.