Primary glioblastoma multiforme of the pineal region with leptomeningeal metastases: A case report

Abstract

The incidence of primary intracranial glioblastoma multiforme originating in the pineal region is exceedingly rare. Diffuse leptomeningeal involvement, including spinal subarachnoid metastases, by a primary glioblastoma multiforme of the pineal region has not been reported. A report of a case of primary glioblastoma multiforme of the pineal region accompanied by diffuse leptomeningeal and nodular spinal subarachnoid metastases is presented. Extensive evaluation of the complete neuraxis, including histologic examination, in all cases of primary pineal neoplasm appears to be of both diagnostic and therapeutic value.

Primary pineal glioblastoma: a case report

“…Although glioblastoma is the most primary malign tumor of brain, it is seen rarely in the pineal region. Only a few cases of GBM of the pineal region have been reported (4,5,6,8,10,14,15).…”

Glioblastoma multiforme of the pineal region: case report

“…Although GBM (WHO's astrocytoma grade IV) is the most frequent brain tumor, it is exceedingly rare at the pineal region with only few-reported cases 1,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] . Because these tumors are usually included within series of pineal region tumors it is difficult to study the clinical and imaging features of these cases (Table 1).…”

“…The predominant symptoms were related to hydrocephalus and ophthalmologic symptoms (specially Parinaud's syndrome) 2,6,8,9,15 . The CT scan examination often showed hydrocephalus 8,9,11,12 . The lesion on CT has different patterns such as a calcified mass in the midline 8 , a mass lesion in the posterior third ventricle 9 , or a rounded hyperdense mass at the pineal region with ring enhancement after contrast administration 12 .…”

“…The CT scan examination often showed hydrocephalus 8,9,11,12 . The lesion on CT has different patterns such as a calcified mass in the midline 8 , a mass lesion in the posterior third ventricle 9 , or a rounded hyperdense mass at the pineal region with ring enhancement after contrast administration 12 . One of the reported cases had a diffuse leptomeningeal involvement, with spinal subarachnoid metastases 9 .…”

“…Pineocytomas and pineoblastomas can also be found. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most malignant and frequent brain tumor, is rare at this location with only few cases reported 1,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] .…”