Primary glioblastoma in the pineal region: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma in the pineal region is extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man presented with a sudden deterioration manifesting as a headache, vomiting and gait disturbance. A magnetic resonance imaging study revealed a heterogeneously ring-enhanced mass in the pineal region. The mass was subtotally removed through the occipital transtentorial approach, and diagnosed as a glioblastoma. CONCLUSION: We discuss the clinical course, radiological findings and treatment strategies of pineal glioblastoma with a review of the relevant literature.