Symptomatic xanthogranuloma of the third ventricle: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Two patients with symptomatic xanthogranuloma of the third ventricle are presented. Both presented with a short history of increased intracranial pressure owing to hydrocephalus secondary to obstruction of the foramina of Monro. Computed tomography scanning demonstrated in both cases a round hypoisodense nonenhancing mass localized in the third ventricle, with dilatation of the lateral ventricles. Macroscopically complete surgical removal by a right transventricular approach was achieved in both patients. Eleven cases of xanthogranulomas of the third ventricle, including our own, have been published in the literature. The pathogenesis, clinical and radiological features, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this rare benign lesion are briefly discussed.