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Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2008; 51(4): 231-233
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1073171
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Symptomatic Pineal Cyst: Case Report and Review of the Literature

F. Costa 1 , M. Fornari 1 , P. Valla 2 , D. Servello 1
  • 1U. O. Neurosurgery, Istituto O. Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
  • 2Division of Neurology, Ospedale di Melegnano, Melegnano (MI), Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
05 August 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Asymptomatic cysts of the pineal region are common incidental findings in adults. In contrast, symptomatic pineal cysts are rare and their management is not well defined. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman suffering from intracranial hypertension, with visual disturbance and mild papilledema. The MR images showed a voluminous cyst of the pineal region responsible for an obstructive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic treatment with the aid of computerized neuronavigation consisting in third ventriculostomy and fenestration of the cyst was performed. Intracranial hypertension symptoms resolved in 24 hours. The one year follow-up cerebral MR images demonstrated the normalization of ventricular size with patency of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Reviewing the literature demonstrates that the endoscopic approach represents a minimally invasive and safe procedure in the treatment of symptomatic pineal cysts.

Key words

symptomatic pineal cyst - glial cyst - hydrocephalus - intraventricular tumor - neuroendoscopy - third ventriculostomy

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Correspondence

Dr. F. Costa

U. O. Neurosurgery

Istituto O. Galeazzi

Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4

20100 Milano

Italy

Phone: +39/02/6621 49 03

Fax: +39/02/6621 49 16

Email: f.costa@fastwebnet.it

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