A Single-Institution Experience with Pineal Region Tumors: 50 Tumors Over 1 Decade

Pineal region tumors are rare intracranial tumors that are more common in children than adults. Surgical management of tumors in this region using a tailored approach is a strategy that enhances extent of resection and neurological outcome.

To review our institutional experience with pineal region tumors in children and adults over the past 10 years.

Our institutional pathology database and patient records were retrospectively reviewed for details regarding clinical and radiological presentation, surgical management, extent of resection, morbidity, and neurological outcome. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for variables related to functional outcomes.

Fifty patients were identified as having undergone surgical management of a pineal region tumor with at least 1 year of follow-up. Forty-one percent presented with a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of 70 or less, all of whom had concomitant hydrocephalus that required urgent treatment. The following variables were statistically significant to KPS score on admission: age, tumor volume, preoperative hydrocephalus, length of hospitalization (total and intensive care unit), and elevations in serum tumor markers. The median postoperative (2 months) KPS score was 90. The following variables were statistically significant with respect to change in KPS score postoperatively: tumor maximum diameter, KPS score on admission, and intensive care unit length of stay. The specific surgical strategy did not correlate to extent of tumor resection, morbidity, immediate neurological outcome, and progression-free survival.

Extent of resection, neurological outcome, and progression-free survival in the patients in our series were not related to the specific surgical approach employed and its perioperative complications.