Intraventricular schwannoma in a child. Literature review and case illustration

Intraventricular schwannoma remains a rare entity in the literature. Controversy exists on the possible pathogenesis of such a tumor within cerebral ventricles. Literature is sparse on tumor characteristics and differences between pediatric and adult patients. We present a case of intraventricular schwannoma in a 9-year-old patient presenting with headache, hemiparesis, and focal seizure. Brain CT scan and MRI revealed an intraventricular tumor within left atrium of lateral ventricle. The patient underwent total resection of the tumor via posterior parietal approach. Histopathological exam was in favor of schwannoma. Postoperative brain MRI and MRS showed no recurrence after 18 months. Our review of the literature indicates there are some significant differences between pediatric and adult cases in different aspects including gender predominance, intraventricular location, malignant transformation, tendency for recurrence, and surgical outcome. This needs to be taken into account in the literature.