QOL-36. Functional outcomes in central neurocytoma: a retrospective single-institution case series

BACKGROUND Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare CNS WHO Grade 2 intraventricular tumor most commonly affecting adults aged 20-40. Despite increasing recognition, the relationship between initial clinical features, such as symptoms, imaging, and histopathology, and long-term functional outcomes remains poorly understood. This retrospective chart review aims to address this gap. METHODS Records of patients diagnosed with CN at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed. Functional status was assessed using Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and ECOG scores, assigned when direct assessments were unavailable. RESULTS Six cases were included (5 initial diagnosis, 1 recurrence). Mean age at surgery was 37±5.1 years (range: 29-42), and average follow-up was 35.6±60.9 months (range: 1-144). Most patients presented with headaches; other symptoms included visual changes, nausea, dizziness, syncopal events, and memory deficits. Symptom duration ranged from 2 days to 8 months. Preoperative KPS was ≥80 in all cases. Imaging showed lateral ventricular tumors with mixed solid-cystic features and prominent vascularity. Treatment of newly diagnosed CN included gross total resection (n=3), subtotal resection (n=2), and adjuvant radiotherapy (n=2). Ki-67 ranged from <1% to 13%, with three low (≤5%) and two high (>5%) cases. At 1 year postoperatively, two patients had KPS 90 (Ki-67 4-5% and 13%), one had KPS 70 (Ki-67 <1%), and two lacked follow-up at this interval. CONCLUSION Despite variability in clinical presentation, several patients regained functional independence, while others exhibited residual limitations or were lost to follow-up. As the sample size is small, these observations are exploratory and warrant further investigation.