Image-guided stereotactic biopsy of pineal region tumour using CT venography in patient with a pacemaker: A technical note

Abstract

Image-guided stereotactic biopsy of pineal region tumours requires careful appreciation of neuroanatomy and avoidance of the deep cerebral venous system. A patient with a pineal region lesion obstructing the third ventricle and causing obstructive hydrocephalus required stereotactic biopsy after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. The presence of a pacemaker precluded MR Venography. Fine-cut CT Venography was performed in its stead and merged with image guidance software, and a trajectory was planned avoiding the venous anatomy. Stereotactic biopsy was successfully performed without complication, revealing a pineocytoma.

Keywords::

• biopsy
• intraventricular
• neuronavigation
• stereotaxy
• tumour

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.