Ectopic pinealoma in the region of the optic chiasm

Abstract

✓ Five cases of ectopic pinealoma in the chiasmal region are reported and the clinical characteristics emphasized. These include diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism, visual defects, plus normal skull films and intracranial pressure. Microscopic studies of autopsy and surgical specimens show that visual disturbance is caused by destruction of the optic nerve or chiasm by tumor infiltration. Four patients received cobalt-60 radiotherapy and are healthy 6 to 10 years later.