Lateral ventricular liponeurocytoma: Review of literature and case illustration

Background: Liponeurocytoma is an uncommon tumor of the central nervous system. It is very rare for this tumor to originate within the lateral ventricle. In the context of the rarity of this tumor entity, this review article aims to summarize the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of lateral ventricular liponeurocytoma to facilitate its diagnosis and management.

Methods: Here, we conduct a systematic literature review using the Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library database for all cases of lateral ventricular liponeurocytoma. A case illustration complements this review.

Results: The described cases from 1997 onward include 14 cases that have been published in full papers in the English literature. Six additional cases are reported in short English abstracts in full non-English papers, and one case was described in a central neurocytoma report. There is a definite male predominance of 70% (14 male) and a mean age of 37 years (range 24-62). Heterogenous enhancement and signals in magnetic resonant images (MRI) are the radiological characteristics. In all reported cases, the presence of lipocytes and fat vacuoles is considered the paramount histopathological feature. Total surgical resection was achieved in 80% (12 out of 15) of the cases. Only two cases (including ours) received radiation therapy. Recurrence was seen in two patients during follow-up that was treated by radiation therapy in one and surgery in the other. The proliferation index is mostly below 5% in all cases, with the Ki-67 range between<1% to 10%.

Conclusions: Lateral ventricular liponeurocytoma has been treated effectively by surgical resection in a limited number of cases. The decision for radiation therapy is based on a high proliferation index and tumor recurrence.