Abstract
Tumors of the pineal region account for 3 to 8% of the tumors involving the central
nervous system. The most common are germ cell tumors (39%). Less common examples include
teratomas, primitive neuroectodermic tumors, astrocytomas, and choriocarcinomas. Clinical
presentation in pediatric patients is in direct relation to the anatomical structures
surrounding the pineal region and to the associated hydrocephalus that is present
in almost 90% of cases. The diagnosis of a tumor in the pineal region is based on
radiological findings and the presence of tumor markers such as α-fetoprotein and
human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone subfraction β. Neuroendoscopy is considered
to be one of the minimally invasive techniques useful for the management of such patients.
This minimally invasive approach to pineal region tumors allows the treatment of hydrocephalus
in a safe and effective way, avoiding the complications derived from other procedures
such as external ventricular drainage or shunt surgery.
Keywords
hydrocephalus - obstructive hydrocephalus - neuroendoscopy - brain neoplasms - primary
- germ cell tumors
