Hydrocephalus in pineal and tectal tumors

Abstract

Pineal and tectal tumors are most common brain tumors causing obstruction of the aqueduct and required CSF diversion procedures. Success rate of ETV in this type of hydrocephalus is definitely high. In addition, endoscopic approach allows for sampling of CSF, direct visualization of the tumor with surrounding structures, and biopsy for decision-making of therapeutic strategy. Therefore, simultaneous ETV and endoscopic biopsy has become an important procedure lately. MR images of sagittal section, especially with high resolution, are extremely useful for preoperative evaluation. Combination of trajectory and type of endoscope (i.e., rigid-, fiber-, and videoscope) should be considered depending on changes in the ventricular anatomy as well as size of tumors and types of existing equipment.