Pineoblastoma in a 5-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Pineoblastoma (PB) is a rare malignant embryonal tumour arising from the pineal gland. It commonly affects the paediatric age group with a slight male predilection. The typical clinical features include symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure, but extracranial metastasis may be seen in poorly differentiated tumours. We present a 5-year-old male who presented with clinical features suggestive of raised intracranial pressure. Radiological investigations revealed a pineal region tumour, and histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a PB. The patient was optimised, and he had a right occipital craniotomy and microscopic surgery decompression via interhemispheric transplenial with ventriculoperitoneal shunt inserted. Fever, as a post-operative complication, was noted which necessitated removal of the shunt. The patient did well and was followed up bi-weekly. Unfortunately, the patient presented 5 months later with a recurrence, and he succumbed to his illness.

Highlights (Key Messages )

• Pineoblastoma is a high-grade aggressive embryonal tumour arising from the pineal gland

• It typically affects the paediatric population with a slight male preponderance

• Prognosis is poor with high rates of mortality

• Imaging studies are necessary but prompt histopathological evaluation is required for a definitive diagnosis of this tumour