Endoscopic biopsy during third ventriculostomy in paediatric pineal region tumours.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of the study was to establish if endoscopic biopsy during third ventriculostomy contributes to morbidity in the management of paediatric pineal region tumours presenting with hydrocephalus.


METHODS
This study was a retrospective descriptive study in patients less than 18 years of age who have presented with a pineal region tumour between 2000 and 2006. Data were obtained from case notes. Twelve patients had presented with a pineal region mass with symptomatic hydrocephalus. Of these, eight had endoscopic biopsy during third ventriculostomy.


CONCLUSIONS
No mortality or permanent morbidity was seen following endoscopic biopsy. Two cases of transient worsening of pre-operative diplopia were noted. Diagnostic sensitivity for endoscopic biopsy is 75%. Tumour markers were not significantly raised in any plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Endoscopic biopsy during third ventriculostomy in paediatric pineal region tumours is safe and results in good diagnostic yields. It should play an integral role in the initial management of patients in this setting.
Al-Tamimi
Yahia Z
YZ
Neurosurgery Department, Level G Jubilee Wing, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3EX, UK. yahia27@hotmail.com
Bhargava
Deepti
D
Surash
Surash
S
Ramirez
Roberto E
RE
Novegno
Federica
F
Crimmins
Darach W
DW
Tyagi
Atul K
AK
Chumas
Paul D
PD
D000293:Adolescent; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010871:Pinealoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020542:Third Ventricle / Q000601:surgery; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000379:methods