Pineal Region Masses in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

A review of pediatric pineal region tumors is provided with emphasis on advanced imaging techniques. The 3 major categories of pineal region tumors include germ cell tumors, pineal parenchymal tumors, and tumors arising from adjacent structures such as tectal astrocytomas. The clinical presentation, biochemical markers, and imaging of these types of tumors are reviewed.

Keywords: Arterial spin labeling; Dynamic susceptibility contrast enhanced perfusion; Germ cell tumor; MR Spectroscopy; Pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation; Pineoblastoma.