High-failure Rate of ETV in Pineal Region Glioblastoma

Abstract

Pineal region glioblastoma is a rare entity that presents a propensity for failure of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) when compared with other pineal region tumors. We present a case of pineal region glioblastoma multiforme that initially failed ETV and required subsequent shunting. In a review of the literature, this seems to be a characteristic of previously reported cases. Although ETV is commonly used to treat hydrocephalus related to a variety of pineal region tumors and is usually a very successful strategy, treating physicians should be aware that in the case of a pineal region glioblastoma multiforme there is a high failure rate of ETV and these cases are better managed by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.