Hemorrhagic colloid cyst of the third ventricle: A rare cause of colloid cyst growth and progressive hydrocephalus. Case report.

Introduction: Acute spontaneous bleeding within a colloid cyst of the third ventricle is extremely rare. Accordingly, is difficult to establish reliable prognostic factors, risk factors for obstructive hydrocephalus remain poorly defined, and there are no standard management strategies.

Case Presentation: 19-Year-old man with a colloid cyst of the third ventricle causing obstructive hydrocephalus is described, initially treated with partial endoscopic removal and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. Serial neuroimaging follow-up showed gradual growth of the cyst due to clinically silent intracystic recurrent hemorrhage. Microsurgical transcallosal approach was performed and the cyst was totally resected. Pathological examination demonstrated hemorrhages of varying ages within the tumor.

Conclusion: Bleeding within a colloid cyst must be considered when neuroimaging follow-up shows cyst growth, even with no clinical events associated. Hemorrhagic changes within the colloid cyst should be considered in the surgical indication and approach.