Adult gangliocytoma arising within the lateral ventricle: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Gangliocytomas are rare neuronal tumors with an incidence of <1% of all central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms. They occur mostly in the pediatric age group, localizing within the cerebral cortex, most often the temporal lobe. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of an intracranial gangliocytoma arising within the lateral ventricle in a 66-year-old female. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a diffusely enhancing lobulated mass situated within the frontal horn of the right lateral ventricle with extension into the foramen of Monro and obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient underwent an interhemispheric transcallosal approach with gross total resection and relief of her hydrocephalus. Pathological examination showed clusters of highly pleomorphic neuron-like cells without evidence of neoplastic glial cells. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with the diagnosis of gangliocytoma (World Health Organization Grade 1). CONCLUSION: Gangliocytomas are rare low-grade CNS neoplasms that can present in an older population within unusual locations and should be included within the differential whenever a suspicious lesion is encountered.