A Case of Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumor of the Pineal Region: Risks and Advantages of Biopsy by Endoscopic Approach

Surgical strategy for symptomatic pineal cyst: is endoscopit third ventriculostomy necessary in addition to cyst fenestration?

Symptomatic large pineal cyst (PC) remains a rare entity. The stable natural course of asymptomatic PCs is well established. However, large cysts may cause pressure-related symptoms necessitating surgical intervention. The surgical strategy for symptomatic PCs is still controversial. Regardless of the approach, total resection of the cyst is not mandatory. The endoscopic approach allows cyst fenestration in patients with associated obstructive hydrocephalus. On the other hand, the necessity of simultaneous endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is still debatable. Here, we report a case of a woman who underwent endoscopic cyst fenestration, biopsy, and third ventriculostomy for a large symptomatic PC and discuss the surgical strategy. A 30-year-old woman presented with headache and diplopia, MRI showed a large PC and accompanying obstructive hydrocephalus. Simultaneous cyst fenestration, biopsy and ETV with endoscopy was successfully completed. She had an uneventful recovery period with immediate relief of symptoms. Although, the aqueduct was communicated due to cyst shrinkage, the patency of the third ventricular stoma was demonstrated in long-term follow-up scans. Based on clinical course of the present case, we concluded that ETV in addition to cyst fenestration should be considered necessary and beneficial in cases of large symptomatic PC with associated hydrocephalus whenever an endoscopic intraventricular approach is considered.