Intraoperative high-field MRI maximizes the extent of resection in intraventricular central neurocytoma surgery

• Microsurgical resection is considered to be the mainstay of treatment for intraventricular CNs.
• Intraoperative MRI can be used as immediate intraoperative quality control and to evaluate the extent of tumor removal.
• GTR was achieved in 88.9% with intraoperative MRI together with microscope-based neuronavigation.
• Intraoperative MRI could minimize the risks of neurological impairment.

Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare benign neuronal tumor of the ventricular system. Microsurgical resection is considered to be the mainstay of treatment for intraventricular CN, and the extent of resection is the most important prognostic factor. We describe our initial experience in the management of intraventricular CN with intraoperative MRI together with microscope-based neuronavigation. During a 5 year period between February 2009 and June 2014, 18 consecutive patients with histologically proven CN were included in this study. Gross total tumor resection was achieved in 88.9% (16/18) of patients. There were no perioperative deaths, and the overall complication rate was 61.1% (11/18). The Karnofsky Performance Status score at the last follow-up was 100 in eight (44.4%), 90 in seven (38.9%), and ⩽70 in three patients (16.7%). We conclude that intraoperative high-field MRI combined with microscope-based neuronavigation can maximize the extent of resection in intraventricular CN surgery and minimize the risks of neurological impairment.