Neuroepithelial (colloid) cysts of the nervous system

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Abstract
The telencephalic choroid plexus in 124 cases and the diencephalic and the myelencephalic choroid plexus in 40 cases were studied for incidence of tubules and cysts lined either by epithelium or connective tissue. Tubules with compound ducts were found in these plexuses in the majority of cases at ages from early fetal life to 90 years. Cysts at least 5 times larger than the average tubule diameter were also found but in lesser frequency. Illustrative cases were used to demonstrate the common occurrence and widespread location of neuroepithelial cysts in any cerebral ventricle and in the region of the iter. The mechanism of formation of cysts proposed is simple folding of neuroepithelium into or out of the ventricle. The presence of connective tissue inside or outside the cyst does not offer a fundamental distinction but is an incidental feature. Review of the literature reveals that these cysts may occur in the spinal canal and posterior fossa as well as in or near any ependymal-lined cerebral ventricle. In the third ventricle, the cyst may arise in the paraphysis, hut the latter is reemphasized as being choroid plexus. Origin from the paraphysis cannot be determined cytologically. Neuroepithelial cysts are common at all ages and are prUharily the resolt of altered histogenesis rather than increased age or retrogressive processes. The diameter of the cyst ranges from a millimeter to 9 cm. Most cysts are asymptomatic. Mechanisms are discussed whereby tuules become cysts and in some instances clinically significant. Mucicarmine-reactive material was identified in the mature as well as in the developing choroid plexuses of man. The finding elucidates the origin of the mucus-secreting cells or goblet cells and mucin in some reported neuroepithelial cysts in the literature. Choroid plexus and ependyma are capable of mucus secretion.

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