Pineal Region Lesions

Description:

Neurosurgical lesions of the pineal region are extremely rare, accounting for roughly 1% of the total number of neurosurgical expansive lesions in modern practice. This book offers an up-to-date review of the relevant literature, combined with the personal perspectives of some highly experienced figures in the field. The book is divided into two main parts, the first of which offers an overview of the pineal region from an anatomic, pathologic, imaging and therapeutic perspective. Special attention is given to surgical approaches to pineal region lesions. Microsurgical techniques are presented, together with detailed indications regarding specific locations of these lesions, specific complications, and controversial aspects concerning some of the approaches. A dedicated chapter addresses endoscopic techniques, their indications and limitations. Adjuvant therapies are also discussed, along with their particular indications and debated aspects. In turn, the chapters in the second part cover specific lesions such as pineal region tumors, vascular lesions, and cystic and cyst-like lesions. Regarding pineal region tumors, the most frequent pathologies are presented in the most comprehensive and practical manner possible, with special attention to the appropriate therapeutic management for each type. Further, there is a dedicated chapter on pineal region cysts. Given its depth of content, the book will allow neurosurgeons and specialists to greatly expand their understanding of pineal region lesions in daily clinical practice.

Table of Contents:

Part I. Overview

1. Historical Landmarks in Pineal Region Surgery

2. Pineal Region Anatomy

3. Histopathology of the Pineal Region Tumors

4. Clinical Presentation

5. Imaging Diagnosis

6. The Usefulness of Biomarkers for Diagnosis

7. Surgical Adjuvants for the Pineal Region Approach

Part II. Surgical Approaches for Pineal Region Lesions

8. A Supracerebellar-Infratentorial Approach in Pineal Region Lesions

9. The Suboccipital Transtentorial Approach: How and Why We Do It—the Lyon Experience

10. The Transcallosal Approach to Pineal Region Lesions

11. Endoscopic Approach for Pineal Region Lesions

12. Management of Hydrocephalus

Part III. Adjuvant Therapies

13. Radiosurgery

14. Other Radiotherapeutic Techniques

15. Chemotherapy

Part IV. Pineal Region Tumors

16. Tumors of Pineal Cell Origin

17. Tumors of Germ Cell Origin

18. Tumors of Glial Origin

19. Meningiomas of the Pineal Region

20. Metastatic Tumors

Part V. Vascular Lesions of the Pineal Region

21. Arteriovenous Malformations of the Pineal Region: Management and Controversies

22. Cavernous Malformations of the Pineal Region: Overview, Management, and Controversies

23. Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation

Part VI. Cysts and Cyst-Like Lesions of the Pineal Region

24. Pineal Epidermoid and Dermoid Cysts of the Pineal Region

25. Pineal Cysts

Part VII. Miscellanea

26. Management Algorithm in Pineal Lesions

27. Conclusions