[Prognosis and quality of life following tumors in the pineal region in childhood].

At the department of neurosurgery and pediatrics of the University Hospital of Hamburg 18 children with pineal region tumors were treated by surgical removal and craniospinal axis radiation. Total or nearly total removal was achieved in 13 cases. In case of astrocytoma and pineocytoma no further treatment was performed. Children with germinoma, pinealoblastoma and teratoma underwent craniospinal axis radiation postoperatively. All children thus treated, except one with a highly malignant pinealoblastoma, are so far relapse-free. Two patients with germinoma and two patients with malignant mixed teratoma, which showed extensive growth and/or primary metastases already at admission died. Subject of this report is an assessment of quality of live and a comprehensive follow-up of neurological, endocrinological and psychointellectual conditions of the surviving children. Parent assessment of quality of life indicate for all but two children life quality as excellent or reasonable. One child was disabled by severe motor dysfunction, visual defects and convulsions. In two children minor neurological handicap was found. Minor oculomotor dysfunction was the most frequent neurological finding. Four children showed endocrinopathies. In three cases tumor associated panhypopituitarism persisted after treatment. Only one child developed growth hormone and ADH deficit succeeding surgery and craniospinal axis radiation. The children were examined with a neuropsychological test-battery. In four children severe neuropsychological deterioration was found. Three children showed no remarkable deterioration, five only minor or moderate psychological deficits. Generally verbal intelligence seemed to be on average, non-verbal intelligence and ability for concentration showed decreased scores.