Abstract
Pinealoma is an uncomon form of intracranial neoplasm, but is relatively common in oriental. We have usuallyused positive contrast ventriculography for diagnosis of the tumor rather than angiography. However, verbebralangiography has become increasingly precise, acurate and detailed. For the evaluation of diagnostic value andangiographic characteristics, we reviewed the radiologic feature of 10 cases of pinealoma which were diagnosed atSeverance Hospital. Yonsei University College of Medicine from Jan. 1970 to Sept. 1977. Results as follow; 1. Peakage incidence is 2nd decade and the male; female sex ratio is 9:1 reflecting the usual male predominance inpinealoma. 2. Major symptomatic manifestrations are headache (10/10), nausea and vomitting (8/10) and visualdisturbance (8/10). Eye signs are main feature. Of 10 cases, 8 cases showed Parinaud syndrome, 7 cases papilledemaand 3 cases disturbance of light reflex. Two cases showed cerebellar sign and one case showed precocious puberty.3. In plain skull x-ray, 8 cases showed findings of increased ICP and four pincal calcification. 4. Radionucleidebrain scan is little helpful. Only one in 7 scans showed abnormal finding. 5. Ventriculography using positivecontrast was performed in 8 patients. 6 cases showed classic filling defect in posterior part of 3rd ventricle, 5cases foward and downward displacement of the Aqueduct of Sylvius which become narrowed and obstructed and in allcases hydrocephalus finding. 6. The change of posterior choroidal artery measured by Pachtmam's maneuver in 3cases is as follow. One showed posterior displacement of posterior choroidal artery with seperation ofinterchoroidal artery. The other showed no specific change. The remained one showed approximation ofinterchoroidal distance without descent. The change of vein is also demonstrated. Elevation and posteriordisplacement of internal cerebral vein is observed in 3 cases out of 9. Posterior and superior displacement ofvein of Galen is noted in 3 cases out of 6. In 6 cases, 2 cases showed equivocal change of basal vein. Pineal veinchanges were observed in 2 cases which showed open claw of a crab figure.