Management strategies for pediatric patients with tectal gliomas: a systematic review.

Pediatric tectal gliomas generally have a benign clinical course with the majority of these observed radiologically. However, patients often need treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus and occasionally require cytotoxic therapy. Given the lack of level I data, there is a need to further characterize management strategies for these rare tumors. We have therefore performed the first systematic review comparing various management strategies. The literature was systematically searched from January 1, 2000, to July 30, 2020, to identify studies reporting treatment strategies for pediatric tectal gliomas. The systematic review included 355 patients from 14 studies. Abnormal ocular findings-including gaze palsies, papilledema, diplopia, and visual field changes-were a common presentation with between 13.6 and 88.9% of patients experiencing such findings. CSF diversion was the most performed procedure, occurring in 317 patients (89.3%). In individual studies, use of CSF diversion ranged from 73.1 to 100.0%. For management options, 232 patients were radiologically monitored (65.4%), 69 received resection (19.4%), 30 received radiotherapy (8.4%), and 19 received chemotherapy (5.4%). When examining frequencies within individual studies, chemotherapy ranged from 2.5 to 29.6% and radiotherapy ranged from 2.5 to 28.6%. Resection was the most variable treatment option between individual studies, ranging from 2.3 to 100.0%. Most tectal gliomas in the pediatric population can be observed through radiographic surveillance and CSF diversion. Other forms of management (i.e., chemotherapy and radiotherapy) are warranted for more aggressive tumors demonstrating radiological progression. Surgical resection should be reserved for large tumors and/or those that are refractory to other treatment modalities.

Demonstration of Microsurgical Technique and Nuances for the Resection of a Midbrain Tectal Glioma via the Transcollicular Approach: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Tectal gliomas are a rare subset of intrinsic brainstem lesions. The microsurgical resection of these lesions remains a major challenge.1,2 Transcollicular approaches on one side, via the superior or inferior colliculi or both, are neurologically well tolerated without obvious or major auditory or oculomotor consequences. However, any postoperative acute visually triggered saccadic abnormalities caused by iatrogenic superior colliculus damage generally resolve during the postoperative period, as other oculomotor structures compensate for these functions in unilateral lesions. In this surgical video, we present a 37-yr-old man with long-standing seizures, new onset headaches, progressive ataxic gait, and imbalance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a circumscribed nonenhancing dorsal midbrain cystic mass with compression on the aqueduct causing hydrocephalus. The lesion had a low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and a high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The patient first underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Although his headaches greatly improved after the third ventriculostomy, he remained quite symptomatic in terms of gait imbalance and ataxia. The patient underwent a supracerebellar, infratentorial, transcollicular approach for resection of the tectal tumor. Simultaneously, motor and somatosensory evoked potentials were monitored. Both the surgery and the postoperative course were uneventful, with postoperative MRI showing gross total resection of the mass, and histopathology indicating a WHO (World Health Organization) grade I pilocytic astrocytoma. The patient continued to do well without recurrence at 2-yr follow-up. In this video, we demonstrate step-by-step microsurgical techniques for resecting these challenging tectal gliomas via the infratentorial-supracerebellar-transcollicular approach. The patient consented to the procedure and publication of his images.

Fully Endoscopic Transforaminal-Transchoroidal Approach for Tectal Area Tumor Removal.

BACKGROUND: The surgical approaches to lesions located in the tectal area have remained controversial. The essential functions in the surrounding areas and the difficulties in obtaining a good surgical view during tumor removal have made these procedures risky and challenging. Endoscopic transforaminal approaches have been previously described for biopsy and intraventricular tumor removal. However, the endoscopic transforaminal-transchoroidal gross resection technique for such cases has barely been described. METHODS: The endoscopic entry points and trajectories were planned using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Once the endoscope was inside the ventricular system, the angles of work and tumor exposure of the upper posterior part of the third ventricle were carefully evaluated. If the angle of work was insufficient for tumor removal, the choroidal fissure was opened using endoscopic bipolar electrode and dissectors. Tumor removal was performed using an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator. We have presented a 3-case series of patients affected by tectal tumors that were treated using a fully endoscopic transforaminal-transchoroidal approach. RESULTS: Total gross resection of the tumors was achieved in 2 patients. Subtotal resection was achieved in the third patient. No major complications had developed in relationship to the procedure. No new cognitive impairment was reported secondary to this technique. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a fully endoscopic transforaminal-transchoroidal approach was a suitable treatment for this complex pathological entity. Opening of the choroidal fissure added an extra angle of work and improved the exposure of the upper posterior part of the third ventricle.

Recurrent Bell's palsy following ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion: an unusual case to face.

We present the case of a 15 year old boy who developed transient lower motor neuron facial weakness on two separate occasions shortly after ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. Both episodes, each of which occurred on the ipsilateral side to shunt insertion, were transient, self-limiting and were managed medically with a course of oral steroids. We believe this is the first reported case of Bell's palsy after this type of surgery in a child. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.

Bobble-head doll syndrome in an 80-year-old man, associated with a giant arachnoid cyst of the lamina quadrigemina, treated with endoscopic ventriculocystocisternotomy and cystoperitoneal shunt.

Bobble-head doll syndrome (BHDS) is a rare entity, characterized by antero-posterior head bobbing, which is of the type "yes-yes." Less frequently, having a head movement of the type "no-no" is described. We report an unusual case of an 80-year-old man with a cystic mass of the lamina quadrigemina, extending to the posterior fossa. We conclude that ventriculocystocisternotomy associated with a cystoperitoneal shunt is an effective treatment for a symptomatic giant arachnoid cyst in the lamina quadrigemina.

The use of fluorescein sodium in the biopsy and gross-total resection of a tectal plate glioma.

Intravenous administration of fluorescein sodium fluoresces glioma burden tissue and can be visualized using the surgical microscope with a specialized filter. Intraoperative guidance afforded through the use of fluorescein may enhance the fidelity of tissue sampling, and increase the ability to accomplish complete resection of tectal lesions. In this report the authors present the case of a 19-year-old man with a tectal anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma in which the use of fluorescein sodium and a Zeiss Pentero surgical microscope equipped with a yellow 560 filter enabled safe complete resection. In conjunction with neurosurgical navigation, added intraoperative guidance provided by fluorescein may be beneficial in the resection of brainstem gliomas.

Pediatric tectal plate gliomas: a review of clinical outcomes, endocrinopathies, and neuropsychological sequelae.

Pediatric tectal plate gliomas are indolent slow-growing gliomas that often present with increased intracranial pressure or incidentally on routine brain imaging. We investigated clinical outcomes, endocrinopathies, and neuropsychological sequelae associated with tectal plate gliomas. Twenty-six patients with tectal plate glioma were identified in a 20-year retrospective review. Clinical outcomes, treatments, endocrine function, neuropsychological testing outcomes and radiographic imaging were reviewed for possible signs correlating with tumor progression. Among 26 patients, 19 presented with signs or symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (73 %) versus an incidental finding in 7 (27 %). Median follow-up was 46 months (range 8-143 months). Six of 26 (23 %) experienced progressive disease after diagnosis. Five of 26 (19 %) required more than one surgical procedure due to failure of initial endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Seven of 26 had history of endocrine dysfunction, of which, five presented with endocrine dysfunction (precocious puberty or short stature), 1 developed menstrual irregularities after surgical intervention and 1 had preexisting pan hypopituitarism. Of 12 patients with available neuropsychological testing, eleven had at least one indicator of executive functioning in the low-average to impaired range. While tectal plate gliomas have been considered indolent tumors that are rarely progressive, 23 % of patients in our cohort experienced disease progression and required further therapy. Neurocognitive deficits may occur, while endocrine deficiency is uncommon. Regular multidisciplinary oncology follow-up, routine monitoring with MRI and formal neurocognitive evaluation are imperative to provide early recognition of disease progression or recurrent hydrocephalus and to improve school functioning in this population.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for low-grade tectal gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Tectal gliomas are present in a critical location that makes their surgical treatment difficult. Stereotactic radiosurgery presents an attractive noninvasive treatment option. However, tectal gliomas are also commonly associated with aqueductal obstruction and consequently hydrocephalus. This necessitates some form of CSF diversion procedure before radiosurgery. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for tectal gliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2002 and May 2011, 11 patients with tectal gliomas were treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Five patients had pilocytic astrocytomas and six nonpilocytic astrocytomas. Ten patients presented with hydrocephalus and underwent a CSF diversion procedure [7 V-P shunt and 3 endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)]. The tumor volume ranged between 1.2-14.7 cc (median 4.5 cc). The prescription dose was 11-14 Gy (median 12 Gy). RESULTS: Patients were followed for a median of 40 months (13-114 months). Tumor control after radiosurgery was seen in all cases. In 6/11 cases, the tumors eventually disappeared after treatment. Peritumoral edema developed in 5/11 cases at an onset of 3-6 months after treatment. Transient tumor swelling was observed in four cases. Four patients developed cysts after treatment. One of these cases required aspiration and eventually disappeared, one became smaller spontaneously, and two remained stable. CONCLUSION: Gamma Knife radiosurgery is an effective and safe technique for treatment of tectal gliomas. Tumor shrinkage or disappearance after Gamma Knife radiosurgery may preclude the need for a shunt later on.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus due to tectal glioma.

BACKGROUND: Tectal gliomas commonly present with hydrocephalus from obstruction of the aqueduct of Sylvius. The creation of a ventriculostomy in the floor of the third ventricle (ETV) has been previously reported to by-pass aqueduct obstruction. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of ETV in the presence of an obstructing tectal glioma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentation, management, and clinical outcome after ETV in patients diagnosed with tectal glioma and obstructive hydrocephalus in our institution over a period of 15 years. Shunt freedom at follow-up was the main outcome variable. Long-term clinical outcome was assessed at the most recent clinic visit. Clinical outcome was ranked as excellent, good, or poor according to resolution of symptoms and patient functional status. RESULTS: The median age at presentation was 16.5 years (range: 6.4 to 59 years) and the most common presenting symptom was headache. Eleven patients had ETV as a primary procedure and three patients underwent ETV as a substitute for shunt revision at the time of shunt failure. At follow-up (median 3.9 years, range: 2.2 to 7 years) 13 of 14 patients remain shunt independent with excellent (n=9) or good outcomes (n=5). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with tectal glioma causing obstructive hydrocephalus, ETV can be performed safely in the primary setting or as a substitute for shunt revision. A high rate of shunt freedom (78%-100%) at prolonged follow-up can be expected in this patient population.

Tectal pineal cyst in a 1-year-old girl.

Glial cysts of the pineal gland can frequently be found in adults and children, but only rarely do they enlarge to become clinically relevant. We report a unique presentation of a pineal cyst in the midbrain tectum of a 16-month-old girl who initially presented with ptosis and strabismus. Preoperative imaging studies and intraoperative findings revealed no continuity between the tectal cyst and the pineal gland proper. We surmise that this tectal pineal cyst may have arisen from duplicated pineal gland tissue.

The occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach for superior vermian, superomedian cerebellar, and tectal arteriovenous malformations: advantages, limitations, and alternatives.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the superior vermis, superomedian cerebellum, and tectum are uncommon lesions. Various routes have enabled accessing the precentral cerebellar fissure and the posterior incisural space. OBJECTIVE: We review the occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) technique, its advantages and limitations for treatment of such AVMs. We present a case series of six superior vermian, superomedian cerebellar, or tectal AVMs approached via the OITT route and present a detailed review of the literature. RESULTS: Given the exposure from the posterior incisura to the torcula heterophili, the superior cerebellar arteries, the nidus and the draining veins are all in view and can be managed sequentially. The OITT approach is appropriate for the treatment of these AVMs if they are located midline or paramedian and vascularized preferentially by the rostral branches of the superior cerebellar arteries. For AVMs extending beyond midline, deep to the fourth ventricles, or caudally to the cerebellar tonsils; and/or vascularized by caudal branches of the superior cerebellar arteries, anterior inferior cerebellar arteries, and/or posterior inferior cerebellar arteries; or having an aneurysm on any of these arteries, the OITT alone may not be appropriate. Preoperative embolization can target contralateral, deep, and caudal feeders or aneurysms, potentially rendering the OITT a favorable route. The OITT can also be combined with other approaches for AVMs that extend caudally with multiple feeders. CONCLUSION: The OITT is a valuable approach for specific superior vermian, superomedian cerebellar, and tectal AVMs. Detailed assessment of angiographic features may however preclude its safety as a unique treatment plan, and complementary or alternative therapeutic options should be considered.

Medial posterior choroidal artery territory infarction associated with tumor removal in the pineal/tectum/thalamus region through the occipital transtentorial approach.

OBJECT: Damage to the deep venous system, occipital lobe, and/or corpus callosum is well known to cause complications associated with the occipital transtentorial approach (OTA), but ischemic complications are not well documented. The authors investigated the high incidences of ischemic complications associated with removal of pineal/tectal/thalamic tumors through the OTA. METHODS: Clinical records of 29 patients who underwent 31 surgeries using the OTA from December 2001 to May 2011 were retrospectively studied. Tumor locations were the pineal/tectal/thalamic region for 19, cerebellum for 7, and medial temporal lobe for 3. RESULTS: Postoperative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images obtained within 72 h after surgery detected infarction in the tectal/splenial/thalamic region, presumably representing the medial posterior choroidal artery (MPChA) territory, in 10 patients. All these patients had tumor in the pineal/tectal/thalamic region. Deteriorated or newly developed eye symptoms including vertical gaze palsy tended to persist in these patients compared to those without ischemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high incidence of MPChA territory infarction was associated with removal of tumors in the pineal/tectal/thalamic region through the OTA. Eye symptoms often occurred post-surgery and tended to persist in these patients. Neurosurgeons must be aware of the possibility of MPChA territory infarction to further increase the safety of the OTA.

Successful treatment of tremor by endoscopic third ventriculostomy in an adolescent with obstructive hydrocephalus due to tectal glioma: case report.

Hydrocephalus presenting with movement disorder is very rare, especially in children. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy who presented with bilateral intention tremor and slowed speech as a result of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a tectal glioma. Treatment with endoscopic third ventriculostomy improved his symptoms. We review the literature regarding this unusual presentation of an otherwise common condition.