Rapid Recurrence of a Colloid Cyst after Endoscopic Resection

Background: Endoscopic resection of colloid cysts has gained popularity as a less invasive alternative to removal via open craniotomy. Previous publications have emphasized that recurrence rates are low after endoscopic removal of colloid cysts even when the resection is subtotal. Case Description: We review the case of a 36 year-old man who underwent endoscopic resection of a large colloid cyst. All of the cyst contents and the majority of the cyst wall were removed, with a small remnant of the cyst wall left behind. Postoperative imaging studies immediately after surgery and six weeks later did not definitively demonstrate residual colloid cyst. A subsequent MRI scan nearly seven months post-operatively demonstrated a definitive recurrence of the colloid cyst, which was ultimately removed via an open craniotomy. Conclusions: This unusually rapid recurrence of a colloid cyst following endoscopic resection has not been well-documented in previously published literature. This case is reported to alert neurosurgeons that close radiographic follow-up is important after endoscopic resection of colloid cysts and to add to the ongoing debate regarding the optimal means of managing these lesions.