Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Author Spotlight: A Single-Entry Point Endoscopic Intraventricular Approach for Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy
Published on: June 28, 2024
An unusual location for a choroid plexus papilloma: the pineal region
Mehdi Sasani1, Bilgehan Solmaz, Tunc Oktenoglu
1Neurosurgery Department, American Hospital, Guzelbahce Sk. No: 20, 34365, Nisantasi, Istanbul, Turkey, sasanim@gmail.com.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of a pediatric choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) in the pineal region, successfully treated with complete surgical removal. Early diagnosis and differentiation from other pineal tumors are crucial for optimal outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Central nervous system neoplasms
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are rare, benign CNS tumors predominantly affecting children.
- CPPs typically occur in the lateral ventricles, with pineal region location being exceptionally uncommon.
- Accurate diagnosis is vital to distinguish CPPs from other pediatric pineal region tumors.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old female presented with visual disturbances, nausea, and vomiting.
- Cranial CT indicated obstructive hydrocephalus; MRI revealed a poorly contrast-enhanced pineal lesion.
- A rare pineal choroid plexus papilloma was diagnosed after surgical resection.
Findings:
- Complete surgical resection of the pineal CPP was achieved.
- Histological examination confirmed a typical choroid plexus papilloma.
- The patient showed progressive neurological and ophthalmological improvement post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering CPPs in the differential diagnosis of pediatric pineal region masses.
- The findings underscore that CPPs can occur in rare locations, presenting unique diagnostic and surgical challenges.
- Optimal management requires precise differentiation from germ cell tumors, pineocytomas, meningiomas, and astrocytomas for appropriate treatment strategies.
Purpose:
Choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) are rare benign neoplasms of the central nervous system that occur most often in children during the first decade of life. They occur most often in the lateral ventricle. It is extremely rare for a CPP to occur in the pineal region. We describe the case of a child with a CPP located in the pineal region, who was initially diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus by cranial computed tomography (CT).
Methods:
A 9-year-old female patient presented with complaints of visual disturbance, nausea, and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a poor contrast-enhanced pineal-localized lesion. Anatomical variations within the patient caused her surgery to proceed using a supratentorial-occipital interhemispheric approach.
Results:
The tumor was totally removed, and a histological examination revealed the tumor to be a typical CPP. The patient received follow-up neurological and ophthalmologic examinations at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively, which demonstrated her progressive improvement.
Conclusions:
CPPs may have a wide range of locations and resulting symptoms. However, the pineal region is a rarely encountered location, particularly for pediatric patients. It is of great value to correctly differentiate neoplasms such as germ cell tumors, pineocytomas, meningiomas, and astrocytomas, so that patients receive the correct diagnosis and treatment approach.
Related Concept Videos
01:02The Pineal Gland
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
01:17The Pituitary Gland
01:30Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
01:18Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
01:19Brainstem
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...