Magnetic resonance imaging of pineal region tumours

Neuroradiological Correlation of the Lateral Third Periventricular, Pituitary Gland and Stalk, Pineal Gland, Cerebral Aqueduct, and Foramen Magendie and Luschka With Intraventricular Neuroendoscopic Images: A Case Series

Neuroendoscopy procedures in pediatrics have expanded beyond the endoscopic third ventriculostomy. As such, a direct and angled endoscope allows further visualization around the corner, capturing the surrounding anatomy. Intraoperative live images look different than radiological images. Hence, in this single institutional experience, we correlate neuroradiology images with intraoperative intraventricular endoscopic views of the third-fourth ventricle, pituitary, pineal gland, cerebral aqueduct, and foramen magendie and luschka. Our collective case series reveals a few interesting case scenarios of normal and abnormal findings during the procedure. Careful navigation of the neuroendoscope is crucial to prevent injury to the neurovascular bundle. A close relationship with normal anatomy from radiological imaging is necessary to prevent it from getting lost once inside the ventricular cavity.

Survival and Malignant Transformation of Pineal Parenchymal Tumors: A 30-Year Retrospective Analysis in a Single-Institution

BACKGROUND

This study aims to elucidate clinical features, therapeutic strategies, and prognosis of pineal parenchymal tumors (PPT) by analyzing a 30-year dataset of a single institution.

METHODS

We reviewed data from 43 patients diagnosed with PPT at Seoul National University Hospital between 1990 and 2020. We performed survival analyses and assessed prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The cohort included 10 patients with pineocytoma (PC), 13 with pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation (PPTID), and 20 with pineoblastoma (PB). Most patients presented with hydrocephalus at diagnosis. Most patients underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy, with some undergoing additional resection after diagnosis confirmation. Radiotherapy was administered with a high prevalence of gamma knife radiosurgery for PC and PPTID, and craniospinal irradiation for PB. Chemotherapy was essential in the treatment of grade 3 PPTID and PB. The 5-year progression-free survival rates for PC, grade 2 PPTID, grade 3 PPTID, and PB were 100%, 83.3%, 0%, and 40%, respectively, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 100%, 100%, 40%, and 55%, respectively. High-grade tumor histology was associated with lower survival rates. Significant prognostic factors varied among tumor types, with World Health Organization (WHO) grade and leptomeningeal seeding (LMS) for PPTID, and the extent of resection and LMS for PB. Three patients experienced malignant transformations.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the prognostic significance of WHO grades in PPT. It is necessary to provide specific treatment according to tumor grade. Grade 3 PPTID showed a poor prognosis. Potential LMS and malignant transformations necessitate aggressive multimodal treatment and close-interval screening.

Differentiation between germinoma and other pineal region tumors using diffusion-and susceptibility-weighted MRI

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for differentiation between germinoma and other pineal region tumors.

METHOD

This retrospective study consisted of 72 patients with pathologically proven pineal region tumors between January 2010 and August 2020. Tumors were classified as germinomas (40), non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (11) (NGGCT), pineal parenchymal tumors (10) (PPT), and other types of tumors (11). Visual scale score, ADC values and SWI intratumoral susceptibility signal (ITSS) score were analyzed and compared to histopathology data.

RESULTS

The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean) and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) ratio of germinoma were significantly lower than NGGCT. ADCmean or ADCmin cut-off ratio of ≤ 1.48 or ≤ 1.32 allowed for discrimination between germinoma and NGGCT with sensitivity and specificity of 100 % and 63.6 %. An ADCmin cut-off ratio of ≥ 0.93 allowed for discrimination between germinoma and PPT with sensitivity and specificity of 60 % and 80.0 %. ADCmin cut-off ratio of ≤ 1.15 allowed for discrimination of germinoma from other types of tumors with sensitivity and specificity of 87.5 % and 54.5 %.

CONCLUSIONS

ADC ratio can differentiate germinoma from other types of pineal region tumors. Our initial results suggest that ITSS score was not significantly correlated with specific histology subtype.

Benign and Malignant Tumors of the Pineal Region

Pineal region tumors fall into five broad categories: benign pineal region tumors, glial tumors, papillary tumors, pineal parenchymal tumors, and germ cell tumors. Genetic and transcriptional studies have identified key chromosomal alterations in germinomas (RUNDC3A, ASAH1, LPL) and in pineocytomas/pineoblastomas (DROSHA/DICER1, RB1). Pineal region tumors generally present with symptoms of hydrocephalus including nausea, vomiting, papilledema, and the classical Parinaud's triad of upgaze paralysis, convergence-retraction nystagmus, and light-near pupillary dissociation. Workup requires neuroimaging and tissue diagnosis via biopsy. In germinoma cases, diagnosis may be made based on serum or CSF studies for alpha-fetoprotein or beta-HCG making the preferred treatment radiosurgery, thereby preventing the need for unnecessary surgeries. Treatment generally involves three steps: CSF diversion in cases of hydrocephalus, biopsy through endoscopic or stereotactic methods, and open surgical resection. Multiple surgical approaches are possible for approach to the pineal region. The original approach to the pineal region was the interhemispheric transcallosal first described by Dandy. The most common approach is the supracerebellar infratentorial approach as it utilizes a natural anatomic corridor for access to the pineal region. The paramedian or lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach is another improvement that uses a similar anatomic corridor but allows for preservation of midline bridging veins; this minimizes the chance for brainstem or cerebellar venous infarction. Determination of the optimal approach relies on tumor characteristics, namely location of deep venous structures to the tumor along with the lateral eccentricity of the tumor. The immediate post-operative period is important as hemorrhage or swelling can cause obstructive hydrocephalus and lead to rapid deterioration. Adjuvant therapy, whether chemotherapy or radiation, is based on tumor pathology. Improvements within pineal surgery will require improved technology for access to the pineal region along with targeted therapies that can effectively treat and prevent recurrence of malignant pineal region tumors.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pineal Region Tumors in Adults: A EURACAN Overview

Simple Summary

Pineal region tumors are rare intracranial tumors. A deeper knowledge of these tumors’ molecular mechanisms has been gained in recent years, which has led to a new classification and new potential systemic treatments. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, while radiotherapy and systemic therapy depend on histological, molecular, and clinical characteristics. This paper highlights recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.

Abstract

Pineal region tumors are rare intracranial tumors, accounting for less than 1% of all adult intracranial tumor lesions. These lesions represent a histologically heterogeneous group of tumors. Among these tumors, pineal parenchymal tumors and germ cell tumors (GCT) represent the most frequent types of lesions. According to the new WHO 2021 classification, pineal parenchymal tumors include five distinct histotypes: pineocytoma (PC), pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation (PPTID), papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR), pinealoblastoma (PB), and desmoplastic myxoid tumor of the pineal region, SMARCB1-mutant; GCTs include germinoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, teratoma, mixed GCTs. Neuroradiological assessment has a pivotal role in the diagnostic work-up, surgical planning, and follow-up of patients with pineal masses. Surgery can represent the mainstay of treatment, ranging from biopsy to gross total resection, yet pineal region tumors associated with obstructive hydrocephalus may be surgically managed via ventricular internal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Radiotherapy remains an essential component of the multidisciplinary treatment approach for most pineal region tumors; however, treatment volumes depend on the histological subtypes, grading, extent of disease, and the combination with chemotherapy. For localized germinoma, the current standard of care is chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose whole ventricular irradiation plus a boost to the primary tumor. For pinealoblastoma patients, postoperative radiation has been associated with higher overall survival. For the other pineal tumors, the role of radiotherapy remains poorly studied and it is usually reserved for aggressive (grade 3) or recurrent tumors. The use of systemic treatments mainly depends on histology and prognostic factors such as residual disease and metastases. For pinealoblastoma patients, chemotherapy protocols are based on various alkylating or platinum-based agents, vincristine, etoposide, cyclophosphamide and are used in association with radiotherapy. About GCTs, their chemosensitivity is well known and is based on cisplatin or carboplatin and may include etoposide, cyclophosphamide, or ifosfamide prior to irradiation. Similar regimens containing platinum derivatives are also used for non-germinomatous GCTs with very encouraging results. However, due to a greater understanding of the biology of the disease’s various molecular subtypes, new agents based on targeted therapy are expected in the future. On behalf of the EURACAN domain 10 group, we reviewed the most important and recent developments in histopathological characteristics, neuro-radiological assessments, and treatments for pineal region tumors.

High Myoinositol on Proton MR Spectroscopy Could Be a Potential Signature of Papillary Tumors of the Pineal Region-Case Report of Two Patients

Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is an uncommon entity in which a presurgical suspicion may be crucial for patient management. Maximal safe neurosurgical resection is of choice when PTPR is suspected, whereas non-surgical approaches can be considered in other tumors of the pineal region, such as pineocytoma or concrete subtypes of germ-cell tumors. In general terms, imaging features of tumors of the pineal region have been reported to be unspecific. Nevertheless, in this report, we describe two pathology-confirmed PTPRs in which presurgical proton MR spectroscopy demonstrated extremely high myoinositol, a pattern which drastically differs from that of other pineal tumors. We hypothesize that this high myoinositol may be related to PTPR’s known ependymal component, and that it could be used as a specific non-invasive diagnostic signature.

Characterization of high-grade pineal region lesions: the usefulness of apparent diffusion coefficient volumetric values

BACKGROUND

High-grade pineal region tumors are rare and heterogeneous types of primary central nervous system neoplasms; radiological differential diagnosis is challenging but it is important because it has a therapeutic relevance.

PURPOSE

To discriminate among high-grade pineal region tumors by combining apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) volumetric values and qualitative features in order to predict their histology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients with high-grade pineal region tumors were assessed by qualitative and quantitative analysis. Margins, T2-weighted signal intensity, contrast enhancement, hemorrhage, calcifications, different volumetric ADC fractions (ADC_mean, ADC_max, ADC_min) were evaluated and were compared to the histopathologic findings (cell count and proliferation index).

RESULTS

Our qualitative imaging data showed that only margins were different among different tumors and each tumor type showed peculiar age onset. ADC_mean was found the best quantitative value to discriminate high-grade tumors of the pineal region. ADC_mean correlated with proliferation index but not with cell count. ADC_mean values were lower in tumors with higher proliferation rate and a significant difference in ADC_mean values were found between germinomas and pineoblastomas, between germinomas and papillary tumors and between papillary tumors and pineoblastomas. Moreover, the cut-off value of 0.865 × 10^-3 mm²/s for ADC_mean (ADC mean threshold value) could differentiate germinoma from pineoblastomas with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSION

The ADC_mean value measured on the whole tumor, reflecting tumor proliferative activity, may be a practical and non-invasive marker for predicting tumor histology in high-grade pineal region lesions and might be useful in preoperative assessment.

Pineal Gland Metastasis From Gastric Carcinoid-A Rare Manifestation

ABSTRACT

Pineal region metastases are very rare, occurring in 0.4% to 3.8% of patients with solid tumors and most frequently arise from a lung cancer primary tumor. We present a case of a 67-year-old man with a gastric well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) metastatic to the pineal gland identified on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging followed by MRI confirmation. To our knowledge, this is the third NET case to be reported in the literature with such presentation and first case to be described on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. A case of metastatic bronchial NET as well as a case of metastatic esophageal NET to the pineal gland were reported previously.

In and around the pineal gland: a neuroimaging review

Lesions arising in or around the pineal gland comprise a heterogeneous group of pathologies ranging from benign non-neoplastic cysts to highly malignant neoplasms. Pineal cysts are frequently encountered as an incidental finding in daily radiology practice but there is no universal agreement on the criteria for, frequency of, and duration of follow-up imaging. Solid pineal neoplasms pose a diagnostic challenge owing to considerable overlap in their imaging characteristics, although a combination of radiological appearances, clinical findings, and tumour markers allows for narrowing of the differential diagnosis. In this review, we describe the radiological anatomy of the pineal region, clinical symptoms, imaging appearances, and differential diagnosis of lesions arising in this area, and highlight the clinical management of these conditions.

Pineal region pilocytic astrocytoma showing uncommon growth: a case report

Pineal region pilocytic astrocytomas are extremely rare, and there is limited information about their radiological features. We report the case of a 22-year-old woman with a cystic lesion in the pineal region. In the 2 years after diagnosis, the lesion irregularly extended along the bilateral internal cerebral veins and the inferolateral surface of the corpus callosum. Gross total resection was achieved, and the histopathological study revealed that the lesion was a pilocytic astrocytoma. The lesion exhibited uncommon growth, leading to difficulty in establishing an accurate preoperative diagnosis. It should be noted that pineal region pilocytic astrocytomas can demonstrate atypical appearances.

Retractorless interforniceal approach for microsurgical resection of a papillary tumor of the pineal region: operative video and technical nuances

In this illustrative video, the authors demonstrate microsurgical resection of a papillary tumor of the pineal region using a retractorless interforniceal approach via the anterior interhemispheric transcallosal route. The tumor presented to the posterior third ventricle occluding the cerebral aqueduct, resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. The retractorless interforniceal approach is performed in the lateral position with BICOL collagen spacers to keep the corridor open. Gross-total resection was achieved, and the patient was neurologically intact without needing a permanent shunt. The operative nuances and pearls of technique for safe microdissection and gentle handling of the retractorless interforniceal approach are demonstrated.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.4.FOCVID2139.

An Elderly Man Suffers a Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis in the Pineal Gland: Lessons Learned and Ethical Considerations

Metastases to the pineal gland are rare and reported cases have consisted mainly of lung and gastrointestinal primary malignancies. Here we report the third case in the literature of pineal gland metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

A 69-year-old man, status post excision of right renal cell carcinoma 20 years ago, presented with a one-month history of urinary incontinence. Images revealed a solitary mass in the pineal region with obstructive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and biopsy of pineal mass were performed. The histological diagnosis of the biopsy was inconclusive. The patient was scheduled for a follow-up and readmission for a repeat biopsy, however, was lost to follow-up. No attempts were made by the hospital team or patient relations department to contact him. Eventually, the patient presented after 18 months to the emergency room (ER) with confusion, forgetfulness, gait disturbance, weakness of lower extremities, and vision loss due to enlarged pineal mass. Another ETV and biopsy were performed. The histological findings were compatible with metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. The patient died after three months due to rapid general deterioration in his condition.

The lessons that have been learned from this case are: 1) Metastatic tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors, particularly in elderly patients and with a known history of malignancy; 2) If the first biopsy is inconclusive, a rapid plan and a strict follow-up for a repeat biopsy should be made; 3) Elderly patients should have special care; they should be well informed about their condition and should be contacted regularly to ensure that they receive the optimal management plan.

Mixed germ cell tumor infiltrating the pineal gland without elevated tumor markers: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Tumors in the pineal region consist of various histological types, and correct diagnosis from biopsy specimens is sometimes difficult. The authors report the case of a patient with a mixed germ cell tumor infiltrating into the pineal gland despite showing no elevation of tumor markers.

OBSERVATIONS

An 18-year-old man complained of headache and nausea and showed disturbance of consciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hydrocephalus associated with a cystic pineal tumor. The patient underwent tumor biopsy followed by endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus in a local hospital. A pineocytoma was diagnosed, and the patient was referred to the authors' hospital for treatment. Concentrations of placental alkaline phosphatase, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in cerebrospinal fluid were not elevated. However, the authors' review of the tumor specimen revealed some immature cells infiltrating the pineal gland. These cells were positive for AFP, Sal-like protein 4, and octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4; and the diagnosis was changed to mixed germ cell tumor. Chemoradiotherapy was initiated, followed by surgical removal of the residual tumor.

LESSONS

Careful examination of all tumor specimens and immunohistochemical analyses are important for accurate diagnosis of pineal tumors.

Removal of pineal region teratomas using occipital transtentorial approach (OTA) technique: Case report and literature review

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Pathological tumors originating purely from the pineal gland are very rare, which mainly found in children and adolescents.

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Clinical manifestations of pineal tumor mosty: visual impairment, headaches, and a decrease of cognitive and consciousness.

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It is recommended to install VP-shunt several days before definitive tumor surgery for ventricular decompression.

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The choice of technique is determined by the tumor location, pathological findings, and risk of complications.

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The OTA technique allows excellent views of pineal region, and access to the midline, superior vermis, and ventricle III.

Introduction

The development of improved micro-surgery techniques and neuroanesthesia has become increasingly sophisticated makes open-microsurgery tumor resection a choice for the management of the pineal region.

Case presentation

An 11-year-old male with a pineal body tumor post ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt, underwent tumor resection. Patients complain of headaches, relieve with medication but often recurrent, and often experience a decrease in consciousness. One month before the procedure, the patient experienced blurred vision, staggering, nausea, vomiting, and decrease of consciousness. The operation is performed with an occipital transtentorial approach (OTA) technique. During surgery, hemodynamics was relatively stable. Postoperatively, the patient underwent controlled ventilation in the intensive care room, and recover significantly within one week.

Discussion

Various surgical approaches have been proposed for pineal region tumors. We review the available literature (PubMed) with 11 reported cases of pineal tumor therapy with the occipital transtentorial approach and evaluate general symptoms in clinical manifestations, histopathological features, radiological findings, and survival times to demonstrate therapeutic effectiveness. Several cases of the pineal tumor were also reported using tumor extraction by occipital transtentorial approach.

Conclusion

The choice of approach is influenced by the location of the tumor, pathology findings, the neurosurgeon’s comfort and consideration of the risk of complications.

Pineal Dysgerminoma: A Misleading Clinical Course With Potential Life-Threatening Consequences

Pineal dysgerminomas are sporadic pediatric intracranial tumors that usually grow as midline lesions around the third ventricle, most frequently the pineal gland and the pituitary regions of the brain. The severity of symptoms is dependent on the location of the lesion and can present with increased intracranial symptoms. We report a 20-year-old man who presented with new-onset headaches over the past month that would wake him from his sleep at night. The headaches, however, resolved completely one week prior to his first neurological evaluation. A thorough neurological examination was normal. A careful review of the literature does not show a case of a pineal tumor presenting with spontaneous regression of intracranial pressure, and therefore we would like to raise awareness among clinicians about this potential course. A delay in obtaining imaging could have been life-threatening; thus, we recommend a high index of suspicion when patients present with recent symptoms suggesting increased intracranial pressure. Our patient had an excellent outcome two years after his presentation, with appropriate management including drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Isolated pineal gland metastasis of acute lymphocytic leukemia: case report

Metastasis in the pineal region is a rare condition. To best of our knowledge, there is no case report of isolated pineal metastasis secondary to acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The aim of this study is to show the pineal gland involvement of ALL in a case for the first time in the literature. A 25-year-old male patient diagnosed with ALL 2 years ago presented with headache and visual impairment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined solid lesion which was revealed intensive enhancement after contrast. On diffusion-weighted images, the lesion showed significant diffusion restriction. Three months after therapy, control MRI demonstrated a completely resorbed pineal lesion. The pineal region may be a possible site of metastasis and involvement due to the absence of a blood-brain barrier, and should not be overlooked in patients with not only solid cancers but also ALL.

Management of mature pineal region teratomas in pediatric age group

PURPOSE

Mature pineal region teratomas differ from other pineal tumors in terms of their characteristic radiological appearance and their clinical outcome after gross total excision. Our aim is to share our clinical experience and treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with mature pineal region teratoma.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we reviewed clinical, radiological, and surgical data of ten patients who had radiologically predicted diagnosis of pineal region teratoma and pathologically confirmed diagnosis of mature pineal region teratoma between years 2004 and 2017 in our clinic. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.

RESULTS

All patients were male. Ages of patients ranged between 5 and 17 (median age was 9.5). All of them presented with headache. Magnetic resonance imaging showed characteristic appearance of teratomas with variable degree of hydrocephalus. All patients had negative results for AFP and b-HCG levels. All patients had gross total resection of pineal tumor through occipital transtentorial approach with no permanent neurological deficit. Pathological results of all tumor samples were consistent with mature teratoma. None of them had adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Follow-up periods ranged between 3 and 170 months (median follow-up period was 60.5 months). All patients are alive with no tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric mature pineal region teratomas are benign tumors with characteristic MRI appearance and negative tumor markers. Their definitive treatment is gross total surgical excision. Occipital transtentorial approach is a safe procedure for treatment of pediatric mature pineal teratomas.

Ventriculostomy and endoscopic biopsy of pineal mass with hydrocephalus and unexpected definitive diagnosis

A 72-year-old female with no relevant medical history consulted in the emergency room for a two-week history of headache, vomiting and gait disturbance. Head CT scan revealed obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a pineal mass with compression of the third ventricle. Magnetic Resonance showed another mass located in the right Lushcka foramen. Endoscopic third-ventriculostomy and biopsy of pineal mass were performed. Pathological analysis was consistent with metastasis of carcinoma. Full-body CT scan showed a lung mass related to primary carcinoma. The patient received systemic treatment for metastatic lung cancer. She died two months after diagnosis.

Evaluation of pineal cysts with magnetic resonance imaging

AIM

To evaluate radiological imaging findings of patients who had been found to have pineal cyst (PC) in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

A total of 9546 patients who had brain MRI examination in March 2010-January 2018 period were studied. Fifty-six patients (44 female and 12 male) found to have PC were evaluated. Eighteen of the patients had had follow-up examinations of 2-94 mo (mean 30.50 ± 28.83). PC dimensions and volume, radiological imaging features (signal intensities, contours, internal septation-loculation and contrast-enhancement features) and natural history in cases who had been followed-up were evaluated by two radiologists.

RESULTS

Of 9546 patients, 5555 were female (58.2%) and 3991 male (41.8%). Age range was 1-99 (mean 43.18 ± 20.94). PC frequency was calculated to be 0.58%. Forty-four of the 56 patients (78.57%) with PC were female and 12 male (21.43%), and their age range was 5-61 (mean 31.26 ± 12.73). Thirty-five of the PCs were typical (62.50%) and 21 (37.50%) were atypical. No significant difference was found between initial and final imaging sizes of PCs which were monitored by follow-up examinations (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PCs are cysts which do not show clear size and natural changes and are more frequently observed in females and in adult ages. Most of them are isointense with cerebrospinal fluid on T1 and T2A weighted images, hyperintense compared to cerebrospinal fluid on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery; sequence and smoothly contoured. Their typical forms have peripheral rim and multilocular ones may have septal contrast-enhancement.

Diagnostic accuracy of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of pineal gland calcification

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SWMR) for the detection of pineal gland calcifications (PGC) compared to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, using computed tomography (CT) as a reference standard.

Methods

384 patients who received a 1.5 Tesla MRI scan including SWMR sequences and a CT scan of the brain between January 2014 and October 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. 346 patients were included in the analysis, of which 214 showed PGC on CT scans. To assess correlation between imaging modalities, the maximum calcification diameter was used. Sensitivity and specificity and intra- and interobserver reliability were calculated for SWMR and conventional MRI sequences.

Results

SWMR reached a sensitivity of 95% (95% CI: 91%-97%) and a specificity of 96% (95% CI: 91%-99%) for the detection of PGC, whereas conventional MRI achieved a sensitivity of 43% (95% CI: 36%-50%) and a specificity of 96% (95% CI: 91%-99%). Detection rates for calcifications in SWMR and conventional MRI differed significantly (95% versus 43%, p<0.001). Diameter measurements between SWMR and CT showed a close correlation (R² = 0.85, p<0.001) with a slight but not significant overestimation of size (SWMR: 6.5 mm ± 2.5; CT: 5.9 mm ± 2.4, p = 0.02). Interobserver-agreement for diameter measurements was excellent on SWMR (ICC = 0.984, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Combining SWMR magnitude and phase information enables the accurate detection of PGC and offers a better diagnostic performance than conventional MRI with CT as a reference standard.

Isolation and characterization of tumorspheres from a recurrent pineoblastoma patient: Feasibility of a patient-derived xenograft

The existence of tumorspheres (TSs) might confer treatment resistance to pineoblastoma (PB). The existence of PB TSs with cellular immortalization potential has not yet been reported. We developed a procedure for isolating TSs from recurrent PB (rPB) and tested whether their properties made them suitable for use as a patient-derived xenograft (PDX). Immunocytochemical staining, RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR showed that, among stemness proteins, CD133, musashi and podoplanin were expressed at elevated levels in rPB TSs, but nestin was not. rPB TSs cultured under neuro-glial differentiation conditions expressed TUBB3, but not GFAP, MBP or NeuN. Unlike glioblastoma TSs, rPB TSs showed no clear evidence of invasion in 3D invasion assay or increased expression of genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. An orthotopic xenograft showed that tumor xenografts replicated the histopathological features of the patient tumor and expressed similar genome profiles, as determined by short tandem repeat genotyping. These data demonstrate the isolation and the characterization of rPB TSs for the first time. Using an orthotopic xenograft, we showed that rPB TSs could replicate the patient tumor, demonstrating their potential as a PDX for precision medicine.

Unique Case Report of Pineal Gland Metastasis From Bladder Carcinoma

Pineal metastasis is uncommon and most metastatic pineal lesions are asymptomatic. To our knowledge the herein reported case is the first in which the pineal gland was confirmed as the metastatic site of a bladder carcinoma.The patient reported in this case is a 59-year-old man who suffered from headache and delirium for 4 days after surgical treatment for removal of a bladder carcinoma 1 year ago. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a solid tumor involving the pineal gland with significant enhancement.The patient underwent surgical treatment for removal of the neoplastic lesion in the pineal gland. Histopathological examination confirmed invasion of the pineal gland by metastatic urothelial carcinoma.This case highlighted that the presence of pineal lesions in patient with known malignancy should raise suspicion of metastatic involvement.

Are we over treating Pineal Parenchymal tumour with intermediate differentiation? Assessing the role of localised radiation therapy and literature review

Pineal Parenchymal tumour with intermediate differentiation (PPTID) is a rare disorder, first classified by World Health Organisation in 2000. There are very few published data available and optimal management is yet to be determined. Management has varied from surgery alone to craniospinal radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. We present our experience of PPTID treated with radiotherapy alone. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed with PPTID and treated with radiation therapy at our institute from 2010 onwards. Between January 2010 to January 2013, 5 patients of PPTID were treated at our institute. Median age is 44 (range 24-62). All patients had preoperative MRI scan of brain and spine. Imaging did not identify any spinal dissemination. None of the patients underwent a gross total resection, due to the tumour location and technical difficulties. All patients were treated with external beam radiation therapy to primary lesion only with a dose of 54 Gy in 30 fractions after surgery. 4 patients had good partial response and the remaining 1 has stable disease. After 21.4 months of median follow up no disease recurrence was reported. So far there is no evidence of cerebral white matter abnormalities on MRI scan or neurocognitive disorders. Our experience indicated that localised radiation therapy could be an effective treatment strategy for PPTID, considering the long natural course of the disease and the late adverse effects of intensive treatment.

Diffusion characteristics of pediatric pineal tumors

BACKGROUND

Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has been shown to be helpful in characterizing tumor cellularity, and predicting histology. Several works have evaluated this technique for pineal tumors; however studies to date have not focused on pediatric pineal tumors.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the diffusion characteristics of pediatric pineal tumors to confirm if patterns seen in studies using mixed pediatric and adult populations remain valid.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was performed after Institutional Review Board approval. We retrospectively evaluated all patients 18 years of age and younger with pineal tumors from a single institution where preoperative diffusion weighted imaging as well as histologic characterization was available.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (13 male, 7 female) with pineal tumors were identified: seven with pineoblastoma, four with Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), two with other pineal tumors, and seven with germ cell tumors including two germinomas, three teratomas, and one mixed germinoma-teratoma. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in pineoblastoma (544 ± 65 × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s) and pineoblastoma/PNET (595 ± 144 × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s) was lower than that of the germ cell tumors (1284 ± 334 × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s; p < 0.0001 vs pineoblastoma). One highly cellular germinoma had an ADC value of 694 × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s.

CONCLUSION

ADC values can aid in differentiation of pineoblastoma/PNET from germ cell tumors in a population of children with pineal masses.

Intracranial fat migration: A newly described complication of autologous fat repair of a cerebrospinal fluid leak following supracerebellar infratentorial approach

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We examine a case of fat graft migration following autologous fat repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak that occurred after a supracerebellar infratentorial approach.

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Symptoms from migration resolved with supportive care.

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Physicians should be aware of the possibility of autologous fat migration when explaining fat graft CSF leak repair to patients.

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Physicians should consider supportive care when autologous fat migration occurs.

Introduction

Intracranial fat migration following autologous fat graft and placement of a lumbar drain for cerebrospinal fluid leak after pineal cyst resection surgery has not been previously reported.

Case presentation

The authors present a case of a 39-year-old male with a history of headaches who presented for removal of a pineal cyst from the pineal region. He subsequently experienced cerebrospinal fluid leak and postoperative Escherichia coli (E. Coli) wound infection, and meningitis, which were treated initially with wound washout and antibiotics in addition to bone removal and primary repair with primary suture-closure of the durotomy. A lumbar drain was left in place. The cerebrospinal fluid leak returned two weeks following removal of the lumbar drain; therefore, autologous fat graft repair and lumbar drain placement were performed. Three days later, the patient began experiencing right homonymous hemianopia and was found via computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to have autologous fat in the infra‑ and supratentorial space, including intraparenchymal and subarachnoid spread. Symptoms began to resolve with supportive care over 48 hours and had almost fully resolved within one week.

Discussion

This is the first known report of a patient with an autologous fat graft entering the subarachnoid space, intraparenchymal space, and ventricles following fat graft and lumbar drainage.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of monitoring for complications of lumbar drain placement.

Neuroimaging diagnosis of pineal region tumors-quest for pathognomonic finding of germinoma

INTRODUCTION

Our study aimed to elucidate the imaging features for the differentiation of pineal germinoma and other pineal region tumors.

METHODS

Image data sets of computed tomographic (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of 93 pineal region tumors including 33 germinomas, 30 nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs), 20 pineal parenchymal tumors (PPTs), and 10 miscellaneous tumors of pineal region were reviewed. Imaging features on CT and MRI were qualitatively assessed by three readers. To know the reasons for morphological differences between germinomas and NGGCTs, histological investigation was done.

RESULTS

Localized calcification was seen in more than 70 % of germ cells tumors (GCTs: germinomas and NGGCTs) while it was scattered in more than half of PPTs. Cystic components in tumors were most frequent in NGGCTs (62 %). Multiplicity of lesion was restricted to GCTs: 39.4 % in germinoma and 10.0 % in NGGCTs. Thick peritumoral edema was more frequent in germinoma than in NGGCT: 40.6 vs. 14.8 % (p=0.0433, Fisher's test). Bithalamic extension of tumor was seen in 78.8 % of germinomas. It was significantly rare in other groups of tumors (p<0.0001, Fisher's test). The relative collagen amount per unit area was significantly lower in germinoma than in NGGCTs.

CONCLUSION

By paying attention to characteristic features as bithalamic extension, thick peritumoral edema, calcification pattern, multiplicity, and their combination, the preoperative differential diagnosis of pineal germinoma will become more accurate.