Colloid Cysts of the Third Ventricle: A Review of Literature with Personal Experience

Colloid cyst is a cystic brain lesion comprising 0.5–1% of all intracranial neoplasms. It contains gelatinous material enclosed within a membrane of epithelial tissue. Wallman first reported on a colloid cyst in 1858.[1] It’s paraphyseal origin was first described by Sjövall in 1909, who termed it a paraphyseal cyst of the third ventricle.[2] Its developmental origin is unclear, although the presence of ciliated epithelium and mucinous contents may point toward an endodermal source. The strategic nature of its location is likely to cause obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway at the foramen of Monro. A majority of earlier cases were discovered only at the time of autopsy, due to the non-specificity of symptoms and its propensity to cause sudden death. We briefly review the existing theories about its embryopathogenesis, natural history, and management based on existing English literature. We have also described our own personal experience with the surgical case series with changes in management over the past 20 years.