Presentation
Recurrent headaches.
Patient Data
MRI demonstrates a large cyst at the foramen of Munro with low T1 signal (higher than CSF), high T2 which does not attenuate on FLAIR, and with no restricted diffusion. No convincing solid enhancement can be demonstrated although a small nodule is of high T1 and low T2 signal.
Features most likely represent an atypical colloid cyst.
Case Discussion
The patient went on to have a resection.
Histology
Macroscopic description
A thin-walled cyst 17x12x8mm. The cyst contains friable dark brown and pale yellow material. The wall is fibrous and measures less than 1mm in thickness. The external surface is partly smooth and partly roughened.
Microscopic description
The section shows a cyst with surrounding brain parenchyma and choroid plexus. The lumen contains amorphous eosinophilic material. The cyst is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. Rare cells have mucinous vacuoles in the cytoplasm. They show no atypical features. The cyst wall is fibrous and it contains foamy macrophages, chronic inflammatory cells with dystrophic calcification. The brain parenchyma is gliotic showing a few Rosenthal fibers. No evidence of malignancy is identified.
Final diagnosis
The features are those of a colloid cyst.