Neurosurgical lesions of the pineal region are extremely rare, accounting for roughly 1% of the total number of neurosurgical expansive lesions in modern practice. This book offers an up-to-date review of the relevant literature, combined with the personal perspectives of some highly experienced figures in the field. The book is divided into two main parts, the first of which offers an overview of the pineal region from an anatomic, pathologic, imaging and therapeutic perspective. Special attention is given to surgical approaches to pineal region lesions. Microsurgical techniques are presented, together with detailed indications regarding specific locations of these lesions, specific complications, and controversial aspects concerning some of the approaches. A dedicated chapter addresses endoscopic techniques, their indications and limitations. Adjuvant therapies are also discussed, along with their particular indications and debated aspects.

In turn, the chapters in the second part cover specific lesions such as pineal region tumors, vascular lesions, and cystic and cyst-like lesions. Regarding pineal region tumors, the most frequent pathologies are presented in the most comprehensive and practical manner possible, with special attention to the appropriate therapeutic management for each type. Further, there is a dedicated chapter on pineal region cysts. Given its depth of content, the book will allow neurosurgeons and specialists to greatly expand their understanding of pineal region lesions in daily clinical practice.

I Overview

1 Historical landmarks in pineal region surgery
2 Pineal region anatomy
3 Pathology of Pineal Region Lesions
4 Clinical presentation
5 Imagistic diagnosis
6 The Usefulness  of Biomarkers for Diagnosis
7 Surgical Adjuvants for pineal region approach
II Surgical approaches for pineal region lesions
8 Supracerebellar infratentorial approach
9 Occipital transtentorial approach
10 Transcallosal approach
11 Endoscopic approaches for pineal region lesions
12 Management of Hydrocephalus
III Adjuvant  therapies
13 Radiosurgery
14 Other radiotherapeutic techniques
15 Chemotherapy
IV Pineal region tumors
16 Tumors of Pineal Cell Origin
17 Tumors of germ cell origin
18 Tumors of glial origin
19 Meningiomas of the pineal region
20 Metastatic tumors
V Vascular lesions of the pineal region
21 Arterio-venous malformations
22 Cavernomas.-23 Vein of Galen Aneurismal Malformation
VI Cysts and Cyst -Like Lesions of the pineal region
24 Epidermoids and Dermoids
25 Pineal Cyst
VII Miscellanea
26 Management algorithms
27 Conclusions.