Ventriculoscope tract recurrence after endoscopic biopsy of pineal germinoma.

Recurrence along an endoscope tract has been described after endoscopic biopsy and resection of malignant tumors arising in multiple organ systems. We describe a case of tract recurrence following the ventriculoscopic biopsy of a central nervous system tumor. A retrospective review of the patient's clinical course, radiology and pathology was undertaken to formulate a case report. A 14-year-old boy was treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy and endoscopic biopsy of a pineal germinoma associated with hydrocephalus. Persistent hydrocephalus required repeat third ventriculostomy. The patient subsequently received focal external beam radiotherapy. Seventeen months after the first third ventriculostomy, a routine MRI revealed a 2-cm enhancing mass in the ventriculoscope tract. This was removed via a right frontal craniotomy. Again the pathology was germinoma. Serum and CSF markers were negative at initial presentation and at the time of recurrence. The potential for tract recurrence and CSF dissemination should be considered following the endoscopic biopsy of pineal germ cell tumors as this could affect the extent of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel