Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the pineal gland.

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of primary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the pineal gland in an adult, as well as review the literature on this rare entity.

METHODS

The case is compared with previous reports of similar entities, with emphasis on this patient's characteristics and clinical presentation, investigations, and management.

RESULTS

Diagnosis of primary RMS of the pineal gland was based on the presence of strap cells and multinucleated myotube-like structures, as well as tumor cell expression of skeletal muscle markers consistent with myogenic differentiation. Multimodality treatment was initiated based on pediatric protocols. Unfortunately, the disease progressed on treatment, and the patient survived only 5 months from diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pineal RMS is a rare disease with poor prognosis. Optimal management is unknown but likely to involve aggressive multimodality therapy.