Yuanxin Chen1, John A. Ronald2,3, Hagen Kitzler4, Andrew Alejski4, Kem A. Rogers5, Brian K. Rutt4,6
1Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; 2Robarts Research Institute , London, Ontario, Canada; 3University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario, Canada; 4Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; 5University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; 6University of Western Ontario , London , Ontario, Canada
High-resolution in vivo brain MRI reveals sizable xanthogranulomatous choroid plexus present in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits, which was confirmed by the histology and immunohistochemistry in these brains. FIESTA images show these masses as tumorous swellings of the choroid plexus with focal areas of hypointensity. The lesions mainly confined to the choroid plexus of lateral ventricle and the third ventricle accompanied by hydrocephalus and remarkable enlargement of the ventricular system. Histological studies show the lesions consisted characteristic foamy macrophages interspersed among prominent crystalline cholesterol clefts and lipid globules. These suggest that hyperlipemia/hypercholesterolemia may predispose to the formation of xanthogranuloma of the choroid plexus.