Colloid cysts are among rare benign tumours of the third ventricle. Although the most frequent symptoms are
headache and
syncope, arrest
hydrocephalus or
sudden death could appear with
colloid cysts. The aim of this pictorial essay was to increase awareness of the clinical presentation, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging spectrum, and treatment options of the
colloid cysts. The data of 11 patients with histopathologically and/or clinically proven
colloid cyst were analysed, retrospectively; and the neuroradiologic appearances of the
cysts were evaluated. The CT and MR appearance of
colloid cysts may change, depending on the viscosity or the
cholesterol content of the
cysts. However, the cystic content is the most important factor that could affect the success of treatment.
Cysts that are especially rich in
protein and
cholesterol tend to be hyperdense on CT, hypointense on T2-weighted sequences and hyperintense on T1-weighted sequences. These
cysts are viscous, and the success of aspiration is significantly low. In the diagnosis and evaluation of small-sized
cysts that have an ingredient similar to cerebrospinal fluid, 3-dimensional sequences might be useful. The radiologic appearances of
colloid cysts could play an important role in directing these patients to alternative surgical modalities, including resection.