Neuroendoscopy and pineal tumors: A review of the literature and our considerations regarding its utility

Neurosurgical application of pineal region tumor resection with 3D 4K exoscopy via infratentorial approach: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The pineal region tumors are challenging for neurosurgeons and can lead to secondary hydrocephalus. The introduction of the exoscope has provided clinical interventions with high image quality and an ergonomic system for pineal region tumor operations. In this study, the authors describe the exoscopic approach used to facilitate the surgical resection of pineal region tumors and relieve hydrocephalus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we consecutively reviewed the clinical and radiological data of 25 patients with pineal region lesions who underwent three-dimensional exoscopic tumor resection at a single center.

RESULTS

The patient cohort consisted of 16 males and 9 females, with an average age of 34.6 years (range, 6-62 years; 8 cases aged ≤18). Pathological examination confirmed eight pineal gland tumors, four gliomas, nine germ cell neoplasms, two ependymomas, and two metastatic tumors. Preoperative hydrocephalus was present in 23 patients. Prior to tumor resection, external ventricular drainage (EVD) with Ommaya reservoir implantation was performed in 17 patients. Two patients received preoperative endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and five patients received a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, including one who received both procedures. Gross total resection was achieved in 19 patients (76%) in the 'head-up' park bench position using the exoscope. Eight patients (31.6%) with third ventricle invasion received subtotal resection, mainly in glioma cases, which was higher than those without invasion (0%), but not statistically significant ( P =0.278, Fisher's exact test). No new neurological dysfunction was observed after surgery. Two patients (8%) developed intracranial and pulmonary infections, and two patients (8%) suffered from pneumothorax. Hydrocephalus was significantly relieved in all patients postoperatively, and four patients with relapse hydrocephalus were cured during the long-term follow-up. Postoperative adjuvant management was recommended for indicated patients, and a mean follow-up of 24.8±14.3 months showed a satisfied outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The exoscope is a useful tool for pineal region tumor resection and hydrocephalus relief, particularly with posterior third ventricle invasion, as total resection could be achieved without obvious complication. The special superiority of the exoscope for the indicated pineal region tumors should be highlighted.

The sub-occipital transtentorial approach for pineal region tumors: how I do it

BACKGROUND

Two major approaches exist for the surgical removal of pineal region tumors: the supracebellar infratentorial and the sub-occipital transtentorial.

METHODS

We present the Lyon's technique of the sub-occipital transtentorial approach for pineal region tumors and our tricks to avoid complications. The principle is to expose the pineal region under the occipital lobe and not through the interhemispheric fissure.

CONCLUSIONS

The sub-occipital transtentorial approach is a direct, extra cerebral, safe, and effective way to access tumors of the pineal region.

Results of the treatment of pineal tumors in children: the Lyon experience

INTRODUCTION

Pineal tumors are rare and their incidence is of 1% among all pediatric tumors of the central nervous system. Patient survival depends on the histology, the extension of the surgical removal, and the efficacy of the complementary treatment (chemotherapy and cranio-spinal irradiation), as well as the age of the patient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we analyzed 151 pediatric patients treated for pineal tumors from 1997 to 2020 in Lyon, France. All patients were recorded in the French Register of Pineal tumors, which has been centralized and maintained in Lyon since 2010.

RESULTS

Our analysis shows that benign tumors have an overall positive prognosis with total surgical removal. Concerning pineal parenchymal tumors, pinealoblastomas have a poor prognosis , especially in children less than three years old. A new pathological classification system allows for a better stratification of patient risk within different groups of patients with pineal tumors. It is also important to note that the identification of DICER 1 syndrome in families with pinealoblastomas warrant further medical investigation. Patients with Germ Cell Tumors have more favorable outcomes, with a global survival rate of 87 % and a pure germinoma survival rate of almost 97%. When analyzing the prognosis of pineal gland gliomas, otherwise known as tectal plate gliomas, pilocytic astrocytomas had a promising prognosis. Otherwise, prognosis of other tectal plate gliomas are related to the grade of malignancy and the efficacy of complementary treatment. Lastly, papillary tumors need a complete removal for the best chance of survival, and Atypical teratoid/ rabdoid tumors (AT/TR) still have a bad prognosis, regardless of surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that, with regards to pediatric pineal region tumors, there are still areas in prognostic indicators that need to be improved. Similarly, these pathologies need to be treated via a multidisciplinary approach to improve a patient's survival rate and their quality of life.

Concomitant, Single Burr Hole Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Tumor Biopsy for Pineal Lesions: Feasibility, Safety, and Benefits

Obtaining a prompt diagnosis, avoiding indwelling ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and enhancing the predictive value of pathologic examinations are only some of the advantages conferred by a simultaneous third ventriculostomy and tumor biopsy in patients with pineal region tumors. The objective of this study was to retrospectively search the literature on concomitant, single burr hole endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and tumor biopsy (TB) for pineal region tumors and to analyze the feasibility, surgical safety, and benefits of these 2 combined procedures. Consequently, a comprehensive, systematic literature search was performed in compliance with the updated PRISMA 2020 guidelines within electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, PLOS, and Cochrane Library. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 28.0.1.1(14), using Kendall's and Spearman's tests, with a P < 0.05 considered significant. A total of 25 studies were selected and included in this review, for a total of 368 patients (mean age 20.6 years; range 1-86 years; SD 17.5). More than two-thirds of the procedures were operated with a rigid endoscope and 27.6% were performed with either a flexible endoscope, a combination of the 2, or not otherwise specified. Germinoma represented the most frequent diagnosis (20.1%) followed by astrocytoma (12.9%) and pineocytoma (9.9%). The single-entry approach allowed a correct histologic diagnosis in 88.7% of the examined cases. Summing up, concomitant ETV and TB represent a valuable option for the management of non-communicating hydrocephalus and the initial assessment of pineal region tumors. The histologic confirmation rate was 88.7% in the examined cohort, with only 10% of the biopsies yielding inconclusive results.

Endoscopic resection of a low-grade ependymoma of the pineal region

Background

Full endoscopic resection of solid brain tumors represents a challenge for neurosurgeons. This can be achieved with modern technology and advanced surgical tools.

Case Description

A 23-years-old male was referred to our unit with raised intracranial pressure. Head computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed obstructive hydrocephalus and a third ventricle lesion. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy were performed, a left frontal external ventricular drain was left in place. A second-look surgery for endoscopic removal was planned. Decision to proceed with an endoscopic removal was supported by the following characteristics found during the first surgery: tumor exophytic, soft texture, scarce vascularity, and low-grade appearance. A rescue strategy for microscopic resection via transcallosal approach was decided. A straight trajectory to the tumor was planned with navigation. A further anterior left frontal burr-hole was performed, and the ventricular system was entered via the left frontal horn. Resection was carried out alternating laser for hemostasis and cutting, endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator, and endoscopic forceps for piecemeal resection. Laser hemostasis and cutting (1 Watt power at tip, continuous wave mode) were useful at the ventricular wall-tumor interface. Relevant landmarks guided the approach and the resection (foramen of Monro, mammillary bodies, aqueduct, pineal and suprapineal recess, and posterior commissure). The surgery was carried uneventfully. Histopathology confirmed a lowgrade ependymoma. Post-operative MRI showed residual tumor within the lower aqueduct. At 3 years follow-up, residual tumor is stable.

Conclusion

In selected cases, endoscopic resection for third ventricular tumors is feasible and safe, and represents a valid alternative to microsurgical approaches.

Management of Obstructive Hydrocephalus Associated with Pineal Region Cysts and Tumors and Its Implication in Long-Term Outcome

BACKGROUND

Different treatment options have been proposed for obstructive hydrocephalus associated with pineal lesions. We discuss the obstructive hydrocephalus management associated with pineal region tumors and cysts in Helsinki Neurosurgery.

METHODS

In this article, hydrocephalus treatment by tumor-cyst removal (n = 40), shunt surgery (n = 25), and endoscopic ventriculostomies (n = 3) is evaluated in 68 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus among 136 patients with pineal region tumor and cyst. Multivariate statistical analysis was followed by univariate and multivariate regression models of last functional status, last tumor-free imaging, and disease-specific mortality of the study population.

RESULTS

Preoperative hydrocephalus was linked to higher World Health Organization tumor grades, poor functional status, higher mortality, and incomplete resection of pineal region cysts and tumors. Preoperative hydrocephalus remained a predictor of poor last functional status after multivariate regression. Pineal lesion removal with the posterior third ventricle opening as primary hydrocephalus treatment resulted in better last functional status, fewer postoperative shunts, fewer hydrocephalus-related procedures, and fewer postoperative infections than in the shunt-treatment group. Multivariate regression analysis linked higher World Health Organization tumor grade, poor immediate functional status, postoperative complications, and incomplete surgical resection as independent predictors of disease mortality in patients with hydrocephalus. Same variables (except immediate modified Rankin Scale score) and higher number of shunt surgeries became independent predictors of poor last functional status at multivariate analysis. Incomplete resection was the only independent predictor of tumor-free magnetic resonance imaging at the last evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct removal of pineal lesions with the opening of the posterior third ventricle could represent effective and reliable management of the associated obstructive hydrocephalus. Further research is required to generalize our inferences.

A light on the dark side: in vivo endoscopic anatomy of the posterior third ventricle and its variations in hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVE

Despite the technological advancements of neurosurgery, the posterior part of the third ventricle has always been the "dark side" of the ventricle. However, flexible endoscopy offers the opportunity for a direct, in vivo inspection and detailed description of the posterior third ventricle in physiological and pathological conditions. The purposes of this study were to describe the posterior wall of the third ventricle, detailing its normal anatomy and surgical landmarks, and to assess the effect of chronic hydrocephalus on the anatomy of this hidden region.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the video recordings of 59 in vivo endoscopic explorations of the posterior third ventricle to describe every identifiable anatomical landmark. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the absence or presence of a chronic dilation of the third ventricle. The first group provided the basis for the description of normal anatomy.

RESULTS

The following anatomical structures were identified in all cases: adytum of the cerebral aqueduct, posterior commissure, pineal recess, habenular commissure, and suprapineal recess. Comparing the 2 groups of patients, the authors were able to detect significant variations in the shape of the adytum of the cerebral aqueduct and in the thickness of the habenular and posterior commissures. Exploration with sodium fluorescein excluded the presence of any fluorescent area in the posterior third ventricle, other than the subependymal vascular network.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a flexible scope allows the complete inspection of the posterior third ventricle. The anatomical variations caused by chronic hydrocephalus might be clinically relevant, in light of the commissure functions.

Neuroendoscopic Surgery versus Craniotomy for Supratentorial Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

No consensus has been achieved on the superiority between neuroendoscopy (NE) and craniotomy (CT) for the treatment of supratentorial hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). The purpose of this study is to analyze the efficacy and safety of NE versus CT for supratentorial HICH.

METHODS

A systematic search of English databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was performed to identify related studies reported from September 1994 to June 2019. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook 5.0.0 were separately used to evaluate the quality of the included observational studies and randomized controlled trials. RevMan 5.3 software was adopted to conduct the meta-analysis. The outcome measures included the primary and secondary outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the impact of year of publication, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, age, time to surgery, hematoma volume, and surgical methods on the outcome measures.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies), comprising 1859 patients with supratentorial HICH, were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that NE could increase the good functional outcome (GFO) (P < 0.0003) and hematoma evacuation rate (P = 0.0007) and reduce the mortality (P < 0.00001), blood loss (P = 0.004), operation time (P < 0.00001), hospital stays (P = 0.006), and intensive care unit stays (P < 0.0001) compared with CT. In addition, NE could also have a positive effect on preventing postoperative infection (P < 0.00001) and total complications (P < 0.00001). However, in postoperative rebleeding incidence (P = 0.12), no obvious difference was found between the 2 groups. Publication bias was low regarding GFO, mortality, and hematoma evacuation rate. Subgroup analysis suggested that year of publication, initial GCS score, age, hematoma volume, and surgical methods did not affect the hematoma evacuation rate significantly. The difference in mortality was not statistically significant in the subgroup of hematoma volume <50 mL (P = 0.44) and initial GCS score >8 (P = 0.09). In addition, the data suggested that time to surgery and surgical methods might be the important factors affecting GFO and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

NE might be a safer and more effective surgical method than CT in the treatment of patients with supratentorial HICH. However, because of the existence of some limitations, the safety and validity of NE were weakened. More high-quality trials should be included to verify our conclusion.

Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Pineal Region: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign vascular lesion that is uncommon in the central nervous system. To our knowledge, there has been only one previous report of occurrence in the pineal region. We present a second case and a review of the literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 28-year-old woman presented with 1 month of headaches and visual auras. Brain magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a 2.6- × 1.8- × 1.3-cm nonenhancing T1-hypointense, T2-/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-hyperintense pineal region mass with cerebral aqueduct obstruction and hydrocephalus. She underwent placement of a right extraventricular drain followed by complete surgical resection. Histologic analysis was consistent with IPEH.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, IPEH is an entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis for intracranial masses with radiographic features characteristic of vascular lesions. Tissue sampling is imperative for distinction from more malignant entities. Complete resection is curative and is the standard of care when feasible. Given the risk of local progression and neurologic compromise with subtotal resection of central nervous system lesions, further study regarding adjuvant treatment options is warranted.

Pineal region tumors: Long-term results of endoscopic third ventriculostomy and concurrent tumor biopsy with a single entry approach in a series of 64 cases

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and concurrent biopsy is increasingly used in management of the pineal region tumors. Our objective was to assess the results of single entry approach to surgically manage the tumors of the pineal region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was designed, and a series of 64 consecutive patients (31 male, 33 female) with pineal region tumor undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy and concurrent biopsy of the tumor was undertaken.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients underwent simultaneous endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy of the pineal tumors with a single entry approach. A positive initial diagnosis was established in 97% of patients. 5 patients (7%) required the insertion of an external ventricular drain which was removed in all patients after 72 h but in one case (1%) undergoing permanent VP shunt insertion. The postoperative complications were divided into two transient and permanent complications. The transient complications included intraventricular hemorrhage (18%), seizure (1 to two episodes of seizure) (5%), diabetes insipidus (3%) and meningitis (3%) all were successfully managed. The only permanent complication was memory deficits occurred in one patient (1%). There was no mortality rate in current study.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study support the safety and efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy and concurrent biopsy of the pineal region tumors as a less invasive surgical method associated with low morbidity and mortality rate. Our data demonstrated how simultaneous endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy of the pineal region tumors with a single entry approach can produce favorable results.

Outcome of single-trajectory rigid endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy in the management algorithm of pineal region tumors: a case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Tumors within the pineal region represent 1.5 to 8.5% of the pediatric brain tumors and 1.2% of all brain tumors. A management algorithm has been proposed in several publications. The algorithm includes endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and biopsy in cases presenting with hydrocephalus. In this series, we are presenting the efficacy of a single-trajectory approach for both ETV and biopsy.

METHODS

Eleven cases were admitted to Alexandria main university hospital from 2013 to 2016 presenting with pineal region tumors and hydrocephalus. Mean age at diagnosis was 11 years (1-27 years). All cases had ETV and biopsy using rigid ventriculoscope through a single trajectory from a burr hole planned on preoperative imaging. Follow-up period was 7-48 months.

RESULTS

All 11 cases presented with hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure manifestations. Histopathological diagnosis was successful in 9 out of 11 cases (81.8%). Three cases were germ-cell tumors, two cases were pineoblastomas, two cases were pilocytic astrocytomas, and two cases were grade 2 tectal gliomas. Five of the ETV cases (45.5%) failed and required VPS later on. Other complications of ETV included one case of intraventricular hemorrhage and a case with tumor disseminated to the basal cisterns.

CONCLUSION

In our series, we were able to achieve ETV and biopsy through a single trajectory and a rigid endoscope with results comparable to other studies in the literature.