• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.415-419
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• 2010

Objective : It is usually difficult to perform the neuroendoscopic procedure in patients without hydrocephalus due to difficulties with ventricular cannulation. The purpose of this study was to find out the value of navigation guided neuroendoscopic biopsy in patients with peri- or intraventricular tumors without hydrocephalus. Methods : Six patients with brain tumors without hydrocephalus underwent navigation-guided neuroendoscopic biopsy. The procedure was indicated for verification of the histological diagnosis of the neoplasm, which was planned to be treated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as the first line treatment, or establishment of the pathological diagnosis for further choice of the most appropriate treatment strategy. Results : Under the guidance of navigation, targeted lesion was successfully approached in all patients. Navigational tracking was especially helpful in entering small ventricles and in approaching the third ventricle through narrow foramen Monro. The histopathologic diagnosis was established in all of 6 patients : 2 germinomas, 2 astrocytomas, 1 dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor and 1 pineocytoma. The tumor biopsy sites were pineal gland (n = 2), suprasellar area (n = 2), subcallosal area (n = 1) and thalamus (n = 1). There were no operative complications related to the endoscopic procedure. Conclusion : Endoscopic biopsy or resection of peri- or intraventricular tumors in patients without hydrocephalus is feasible. Image-guided neuroendoscopic procedure improved the accuracy of the endoscopic approach and minimized brain trauma. The absence of ventriculomegaly in patients with brain tumor may not be served as a contraindication to endoscopic tumor biopsy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.110-119
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• 2021

Objective : Preoperative prediction of the arachnoid membrane descent in pituitary surgery is useful for achieving gross total removal and avoiding cerebrospinal fluid leakage resulting from tearing of the arachnoid membrane in the chiasmatic cistern. In this study, we analyzed the patterns of arachnoid membrane descent during or after pituitary tumor surgery and identified the factors related to this descent. Methods : Analysis was restricted to pituitary macroadenomas not extending into the third ventricle or over the internal carotid artery. To minimize confounding factors, patients who underwent revision surgery, those who had a torn arachnoid during operation or small medial diaphragma sellae (DS) opening, and subtotal resections were excluded. We enrolled 41 consecutive patients in this retrospective analysis. The degree of arachnoid descent was categorized using intraoperative videos. Preoperative magnetic resonance findings, including tumor height, suprasellar extension, and variables including DS area and medial opening size, tumor composition, and displacement of the pituitary stalk and gland were evaluated to determine their correlations with arachnoid membrane descent. Results : Arachnoid membrane descent was significantly correlated with DS area and medial opening size. Based on T2-weighted images (T2WI) magnetic resonance (MR) images, tumor composition was significantly associated with arachnoid membrane descent. Other factors were not significantly correlated with arachnoid membrane descent. Conclusion : T2WI of tumor composition and preoperative MR imaging of DS area and medial opening provided valuable information regarding arachnoid membrane descent. These parameters may serve as fundamental measures to facilitate complete resection of pituitary macroadenomas.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.163-167
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• 1990

Between 1984 and 1989, 22 patients with pituitary adenomas were treated with radiation therapy. The tumor was controlled in 18 of 22 ($81.8\%$) patients for an observed period of II to 98 months. Eleven of 12 ($92\%$) patients with visual field defect experienced normalization or improvement, and 3 of 5 evaluable patients with hyperprolactinemia achieved normalization in one and decrement in two patients. We concluded that: (a) postoperative radiotherapy is clearly effective in the controlling of clinical symptoms and signs resulting from pituitary adenoma: (b) In the macroadenoma, the difference of control rate between suprasellar, <2 cm. and suprasellar,> 2 cm. was not significant.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.92-100
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• 2000

Purpose :This study was performed to determine the optimal treatment velum of Patients treating with radiation therapy for intracranial germ cell tumor. Materials and Methods : From 1993 to 1998, 19 patients with intracranial germ cell tumors treated by gamma knife radiosurgery were analyzed. The location of tumor was as follows; 9 cases on pineal region, 1 case on suprasellar region, and 9 cases of multiple lesion. 7 patients were pathologically verified; 5 cases of germ cell tumor and 2 cases of non germinomatous germ cell tumor. Tumor volume was ranged from 2.4 cm$^{3}$ to 74 cm$^{3}$. Irradiation dose was 10 Gy to 20 Gy with 50% isodose curve. Follow up period was 10 months to 54 months. Results : Recurrences were observed in 14 cases among 19 (74%) patients. Complete remission and partial remission were achieved in 2 (11%) and 10 (53%) respectively. No response was observed in 7 (36%). 2 cases were recurred within original tumor bed. 6 cases were recurred beyond but contiguous with tumor bed. Ventricular relapses separated from pretreatment tumor bed were 3. Spinal recurrences were 4. Among 8 recurred cases of which tumor volume is smaller than 20 cm$^{3}$, 2 were recurred within original tumor bed, 4 were recurred beyond but contiguous with tumor bed, and 1 spinal recurrence. Meanwhile, 6 cases of which tumor volume larger than 20 cm3, 1 case was recurred beyond but contiguous with tumorbed, 2 ventricular recurrences separated with original tumor bed, and 3 spinal recurrences. 5 cases which did not show any recurrence sign showed characteristics of single lesion, tumor volume smaller than 20 cm$^{3}$ and normal tumor marker. All of 4 cases of spinal recurrences happened in the case having ventricular invasion or lesion. Among 9 cases having multiple lesion, only 3 cases recurred within original tumor bed or around tumor bed, the other 6 cases recurred separated from pretreatment tumor bed. Conclusion : Gamma knife radiosurgery is not recommended for the treatment of intracranial germ cell tumor. It is because of small treatment volume and inadequate radiation dose that are characteristics of gamma knife radiosurgery. Tumor volume, ventricular invasion or ventricular lesion in multiple lesion are important factors to be considered for the wide field radiation therapy Tumor volume smaller than 20 cm$^{3}$, single lesion, no ventricular lesion or invasion, and normal tumor marker are ideal indications for small involved field radiation therapy. Prophylactic spinal irradiation seems to be necessary when there is ventricular lesion, ventricular invasion, and multiple lesions. When the tumor volume is larger than 20 cm$^{3}$, multiple lesions, abnormal tumor marker, and whole ventricular irradiation or partial brain irradiation would be possible and neoadjuvant chemotherapy would be most beneficial in these group.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.643-646
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• 2016

Chordoid glioma of the third ventricle is a rare and challenging tumor to surgery because of its unique anatomical location and its close juxtaposition to the neurovascular structures and hypothalamus. The authors report a case of chordoid glioma of the third ventricle in a 43-year-old woman, who presented with headache and somnolence. The tumor was approached by endoscopic transnasal technique with a favorable result. Histopathologic examination disclosed a neoplastic tissue composed of eosinophilic epithelioid cells, mucinous, periodic acid Schiff-diastase positive, extracellular matrix, and scattered lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. The best treatment option remains controversial. Customarily, the surgical route to remove chordoid glioma is transcranial; however, the undersurface of the optic chiasm and optic nerves preclude an adequate surgical visualization. In contrast, an expanded endoscopic transnasal approach provides a direct midline corridor to this region without any brain retraction.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 2016

Purpose: To investigate treatment outcome and long term complication after surgery and radiotherapy (RT) for pituitary adenoma. Materials and Methods: From 1990 to 2009, 73 patients with surgery and RT for pituitary adenoma were analyzed in this study. Median age was 51 years (range, 25 to 71 years). Median tumor size was 3 cm (range, 1 to 5 cm) with suprasellar (n = 21), cavernous sinus extension (n = 14) or both (n = 5). Hormone secreting tumor was diagnosed in 29 patients; 16 patients with prolactin, 12 patients with growth hormone, and 1 patient with adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Impairment of visual acuity or visual field was presented in 33 patients at first diagnosis. Most patients (n = 64) received RT as postoperative adjuvant setting. Median RT dose was 45 Gy (range, 45 to 59.4 Gy). Results: Median follow-up duration was 8 years (range, 3 to 22 years). In secreting tumors, hormone normalization rate was 55% (16 of 29 patients). For 25 patients with evaluable visual field and visual acuity test, 21 patients (84%) showed improvement of visual disturbance after treatment. The 10-year tumor control rate for non-secreting and secreting adenoma was 100% and 58%, respectively (p < 0.001). Progression free survival rate at 10 years was 98%. Only 1 patient experienced endocrinological recurrence. Following surgery, 60% (n = 44) suffered from pituitary function deficit. Late complication associated with RT was only 1 patient, who developed cataract. Conclusion: Surgery and RT are very effective and safe in hormonal and tumor growth control for secreting and non-secreting pituitary adenoma.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1115-1119
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• 2001

Objective : Management strategies for pediatric chiasmatic-hypothalamic gliomas(CHG) include surgery, irradiation, chemotherapy and a combination of these modalities. This study was performed in order to compare the efficacy of various methods of treatment and to describe its optimal management. Material and Method : We have reviewed the results of management of 6 children with a diagnosis of CHG, who were observed closely during the last 8 years. The patients were aged 7 months to 15 years. Our patients presented with diencephalic syndrome, endocrine dysfunction, and progressive visual loss. None of these had evidence of neurofibromatosis-1. Treatment consisted of surgery alone(2), surgry and irradiation(2), surgery, irradiation and chemotherapy(1), and surgery and chemotherapy(1). Results : Four children had large exophytic suprasellar tumors and two showed diffuse midline lesions. Obstructive hydrocephalus was present in all patients. Pathologic examination revealed anaplastic astrocytoma in 1 and lowgrade astrocytoma in 5. Two patients, recently treated with radiation therapy following radical subtotal resection, showed significant tumor reductions and good clinical status. Four patients had partial tumor resection. Of these patients, two developed disease stabilization during follow-up period of 7 and 8 years, respectively. Life-threatening complications were noted in remaining two patients. Conclusion : CHG may follow an unpredicatable course and show a various reponse to each treatment modality. Further studies are indicated to define the optimal method of treatment of CHG in childhood.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.6-10
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• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of bifrontal interhemispheric[BIH] approach and compare them to those of the pterional approach for the treatment of craniopharyngioma. Methods : Seventeen patients had their first operation for the resection of craniopharyngiomas between 2000 and 2004 at our medical center. Eleven patients who had the pterional approach and 6 with the BIH approach were enrolled. The age range at the time of surgery was 5 to 80 years [mean age 35.6 years old]. The presenting symptoms were visual disturbance increased intracranial pressure in 5 patients. Results : The tumors were totally removed in 3 [27 %] and subtotally in 8 [73 %] patients with the pterional approach. Total tumor removal was achieved in 5 out of 6 [83%] patients by the BIH approach, except improved in 4 [36 %] patients treated with the pterional approach and in all patients treated by the BIH approach. Conclusion : The BIH approach for craniopharyngioma surgery may be an effective and safe approach for tumors that extend outside of the sellar-suprasellar region with acceptable outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.652-656
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• 2001

Uveal melanoma is uncommon but life-threatening intraocular malignancy and has been treated by irradiation, local excision and enucleation. Gamma-Knife radiosurgery allows a high dose of radiation to be delivered to an intracranial target with a very high spatial accuracy and has been used for the treatment of ocular melanomas. We have treated two cases of uveal melanoma between October 1994 and December 1999. They include one man and one woman(34, 62 years, respectively). They were followed up for 12 momths. Mean maximal dose was 65Gy. In one case, the tumor disappeared 7 months after gamma-knife radiosurgery. In another case, multiple tumors (uveal, suprasellar and cerebellar tumor) had decreased in size. These results show that single and high dose gamma-knife radiosurgery is may be an option in the local control of uveal melanoma which can spare the eyeball and vision.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.4
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• pp.970-976
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• 2023

This study reports on diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor (DL-GNT) in a 29- year-old male. DL-GNT is a rare central nervous system (CNS) tumor mostly seen in children and only few cases have been reported in adult patients. Our patient presented with a chronic headache that lasted for five months. MR imaging showed mild hydrocephalus, multiple rim-enhancing nodular lesions in the suprasellar cistern, diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement in the lumbosacral area, and multiple small non-enhancing cyst-appearing lesions not suppressed on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images in the bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, and cerebral hemispheres. Under the impression of germ cell tumor with leptomeningeal seeding, the patient underwent trans-sphenoidal tumor removal. DL-GNT was pathologically confirmed and FGFR1 mutation was detected through a next-generation sequencing test. In conclusion, a combination of leptomeningeal enhancement and multiple parenchymal non-enhancing cyst-appearing lesions not suppressed on FLAIR images may be helpful for differential diagnosis despite overlapping imaging features with many other CNS diseases that have leptomeningeal enhancement.