Neuroimaging of mass lesions of the pineal region in infancy and childhood.

Mass lesions of the pineal gland, quadrigeminal plate, posterior third ventricle and midbrain are grouped together as pineal region lesions. The various methods of neuroimaging should not only help to localise and circumscribe these lesions, but should also suggest their quality and nature, i.e. cystic parts, delineation and possible histology. Also, the pathomorphological pattern with respect to the position of the aqueduct and the direction of growth towards the third ventricle and trigone of the lateral ventricle plays an important role in deciding which approach is possible and most suitable. Of major importance are the deep vascular structures and the vasculature of the lesion itself. The study is based on 24 cases of the pediatric age group from a total of 52 observed cases.