Multinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumor of the Cerebrum (MVNT): A case series and review of the literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Multinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumor of the cerebrum (MVNT) is a benign -seizure associated- lesion affecting mostly adults. This new entity has been included in the 2016 World Health Organization classification of tumors of the central nervous system. Its pathologic hallmark consist of a subcortical cluster of nodular lesions located on the subcortical white matter. We aim to report a series of cases of presumed MVNT observed in our institution and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a search was performed on our hospital information system. Sixteen cases were included. Demographic, clinical and radiological features were detailed in a table. All patients had an MRI acquired either on a 1.5 or a 3 Tesla scanner. Sequences performed included T1, T2, GRE/SWI, T2 FLAIR and DWI. Gadolinium enhanced T1-WI wer available in 11 patients and follow-up MRI were available in 7 patients. RESULTS: Patient ages ranged from 16 to 77 years (mean 42 years). Seizure and non-focal headache were by far the most common neurological complaints for which MRI was requested. All lesions consisted of clusters of multiple, discrete, round or ovoid, intra-axial, FLAIR and T2-WI hyperintense nodules. Follow-up MRI scans showed no changes between studies. CONCLUSIONS: MVNT is a benign, stable lesion that exhibits a typical radiological pattern that most of the times sufficed to arrive to a diagnosis, without the need of pathological confirmation. We confirm that our demographic, clinical and radiological findings are in accordance with those published in international literature.