Colloid Cyst of Third Ventricle

Alberto Iaia, MD
Liangge Hsu, MD

October 10, 1996

Presentation

Imaging Findings

Nonenhanced computed tomographs (CT) of the head demonstrate a hyperdense, round structure in the third ventricle (arrows), near the confluence of the foramina of Munro. There is enlargement of the lateral ventricles, effacement of the sulci, and transependymal cerebrospinal fluid leak (arrows), consistent with acute hydrocephalus.

Diagnosis

Discussion

On nonenhanced CT, the majority of colloid cysts are hyperdense to brain tissue. A thin rim of enhancement is visible after intravenous contrast administration.

Due to the proteinaceous nature of its contents, a colloid cyst is typically hyperdense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images and hypointense on T2-weighted MR.

Although these lesions do not have a malignant potential, they are managed surgically because they tend to cause hydrocephalus by obstructing cerebrospinal fluid flow at the third ventricle. Such a scenario is life threatening and is considered a neurosurgical emergency.

References

2. Weisz RR, Fazal M. Colloid cyst of the third ventricle: a neurological emergency. Ann Emerg Med 1983; 12 (12): 783-785.

3. Osborn A. Diagnostic neuroradiology. St Louis: Mosby, 1994.

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