Paranoid Syndrome as the First Sign of Central Neurocytoma: A Case Report

J Psychiatr Pract. 2018 Sep;24(5):359-363. doi: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000332.

Abstract

Central neurocytoma (CN), first described in 1982 by Hassoun and colleagues, is a rare tumor accounting for 0.25% to 0.5% of all tumors of the central nervous system. The tumor is a neoplasm of neuroepithelial origin, with intermediate malignancy (WHO grade II), detectable with both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Complete excision of the tumor gives favorable long-term results, with infrequent recurrences and/or metastases. Only 3 previous cases in which CN presented with co-occurring psychotic symptoms were found in the PubMed database. This report presents the case of a 27-year-old patient with paranoid syndrome without neurological symptoms, in whom magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a large intracranial tumor located predominantly in the right lateral ventricle and third ventricle reaching down to the hypothalamus. Resection of the tumor (histopathologically a CN) resulted in complete remission of the psychotic symptoms. This case supports the need for neuroimaging in all patients with first-episode psychosis because of the possibility of neurologically silent brain tumors. Quick diagnosis in such cases is crucial for the selection of treatment methods and prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neurocytoma / complications*
  • Neurocytoma / surgery
  • Paranoid Disorders / etiology*
  • Paranoid Disorders / surgery