Neuroendoscopic management of a solitary pineal region tumor. Case report of an adenocarcinoma metastasis

Minim Invasive Neurosurg. 2006 Aug;49(4):247-50. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-948301.

Abstract

The present case describes a two-step endoscopic management of hydrocephalus and diagnosis of a single pineal region metastasis arising from a gastric adenocarcinoma. A 62-year-old man presenting with signs of subacute obstructive hydrocephalus from a pineal region mass had at first been treated with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. As cerebrospinal fluid tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) were negative, an endoscopic biopsy of the pineal region tumor was performed through a more anterior frontal burr hole. Pathology showed an adenocarcinoma and primary tumor work-up revealed an unsuspected gastric tumor, the pathology of which matched with the intracranial metastasis. The present report emphasizes the role of neuroendoscopy in pineal region tumors and reports a rare case of a solitary gastric adenocarcinoma metastasis in this location.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cerebral Aqueduct / pathology
  • Cerebral Aqueduct / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Endoscopy / standards
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus / physiopathology
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Pineal Gland / pathology
  • Pineal Gland / physiopathology
  • Pineal Gland / surgery*
  • Pinealoma / secondary*
  • Pinealoma / surgery
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Third Ventricle / pathology
  • Third Ventricle / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor