Synchronous tricompartmental benign CNS tumors with tonsillar herniation, cervicodorsal syringomyelia and hydrocephalus.

In this study, three primary central nervous system tumors of different histological cell types occurring together without neurofibromatosis are reported. These included a sellar pituitary adenoma with apoplexy, a large torculo-tentorial meningioma in the posterior fossa, and a cervical spinal intramedullary schwannoma. Displacement of primitive multipotent cells in different central nervous system compartments or the oncogenic effects of activated signaling of growth factor receptors are the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for the simultaneous genesis of different types of tumors. There was associated tonsillar herniation, cervicodorsal syringomyelia, and hydrocephalus. The radiological features and treatment strategy of these rare synchronous tumors are highlighted.