Endoscopic Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach. Pineal tumor with intermediate differentiation. Case report and literature review.

Case report and literature review.

Abstract

Introduction:

Pineal region tumors are a variable group of lesions located in the posterior Wall of the third ventricle under the corpus callous splenium and below the tectal plate. Pineal gland tumors are usual. There are not a standard protocol in this lesions due the lack of large series. A combination of surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy are recommended. The completely surgical resection is the choicetreatment. However, usually is not possible to accomplished this goal due technical limitations. In this scenario, the endoscopic visualization could contribute to archive the goal.

Patient characteristics:

A 22 years old young male patient with a pineal region lesion and obstructive hydrocephalus is presented. A third ventriculostomy was performed and ainfratentorial supracerebelous approach with full endoscopic visualization. The surgical technique is described and a critical review of literature is performed.

Conclusions:

Pineal region tumors represents a therapeutic challenge. Total removal is the most important objective in mild or  low grade lesions. The infratentorialsupracerebelous approach with full endoscopic visualization is effective and improve the visualization while reduced the cerebellar retraction.