Risk Analysis and Management of Third Ventricular Colloid Cysts.

Abstract Objective Colloid cysts (CCs) are histologically benign lesions that carry risks of causing obstructive hydrocephalus. Surgery for symptomatic cysts is unquestioned, but the management of incidentally detected lesions remains controversial. Herein we independently evaluate the colloid cyst risk score (CCRS) as a useful risk stratification scheme. Methods Demographics, imaging characteristics and clinical presentations of 103 CC patients over a 10-year period were correlated with symptoms and hydrocephalus. The discriminate capacity of the CCRS was quantified and a decision algorithm formulated. Results orrelates of symptoms included: age Conclusions The CCRS performs exceptionally well in distinguishing the highest risk patients. Closer follow-up is recommended for younger asymptomatic patients with cysts near the foramen of Monro. Hyper-intensity on T2-FLAIR may indicate greater growth potential of small lesions.