Intraventricular ganglioglioma and psychosis in adolescence

Abstract

We present the case of a 17 year-old adolescent male without any previous psychiatric history, and with a previous good level of academic and social functioning. In a sudden manner, he presents with behavioral problems, positive psychotic symptomatology, negative symptoms, and a lack of disease insight. During his first hospitalization, through neuroimaging a brain tumor is found: a right intraventricularganglioglioma. In spite of neuroleptic and corticosteroid treatment, his progress was poor, with a persistence of psychotic symptomatology, as well as mnesic disturbances, confusional episodes, and convulsive crises during the following hospitalizations. After 3 months the decision was made to fully resect the tumor, with a complication-free surgery and recovery period. The following course proved unalterable, with a worsening of the cited symptomatology, as well as the patient’s isolation and abandonment of regular activities. During this period various treatments were tried, until clozapine was introduced.