Choroid plexus papillomas of the III ventricle in childhood - Their diagnosis and surgical management

Ten infants and children with choroid plexus papilloma of the III ventricle are presented. Hydrocephalus of various degrees was present in all patients, and seven patients had bilateral ventriculoperitoneal shunts prior to craniotomy. All patients were investigated with computed tomography and angiography. Tumor was resected through the transfrontal-transventricular approach in nine and through a transcallosal approach in one. One patient died intraoperatively due to an uncontrollable hemorrhage from a subependymal vein at its point of entry into the homolateral internal cerebral vein, and another died shortly after surgery due to hypothalamic trauma. The remaining eight patients are alive without recurrence over a minimum follow-up period of 3 years; three have mental retardation and seizure disorder. Despite this tumor's deep location and vascularity and occurrence in infancy, choroid plexus papillomas of the III ventricle can be successfully resected. Appropriate care for hydrocephalus and intra- and postoperative management are important.