IMCC Journal of Science

Abstract: 

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a low-grade glial tumor and the most common pediatric intracranial tumor, typically located in the infratentorial region. The cerebellum is the most frequent site for PA, and it usually affects children and young adults. While PA can arise anywhere in the central nervous system, its occurrence in the ventricles, particularly the lateral ventricles, is exceptionally rare, accounting for approximately 4% of all pilocytic tumors. We present a series of three cases with the uncommon intraventricular location of PA and an unusual presentation in old age in one of the cases. Due to its unusual location and unexpected age of presentation, intraventricular PA (IVPA) can be misinterpreted in adults. Some IVPAs are highly vascular, and patients may experience profuse intraoperative blood loss if the tumor is not identified on preoperative imaging. Therefore, we aim to highlight the occurrence of such unusual presentations of IVPA, as very few cases have been reported in the literature. It is essential to consider IVPA in adult patients with calcified intraventricular lesions.

Keywords: adult; intraventricular; lateral ventricle; pilocytic astrocytoma