Freiburg Neuropathology Case Conference

Excerpt

A 61-year-old female patient presented at our outpatient clinic with blurred vision and dizziness for the last 5 months. The symptoms were fluctuating, increasing in stress situations. Additionally, the patient noticed impaired concentration as well as mild headache and fatigue symptoms. An ophthalmological examination showed no restrictions in visual acuity or field. There was a singular episode of nausea without vomiting and no other clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a tumor of the third ventricle. A stereotactic biopsy was indicated to obtain a histopathological diagnosis. On admission the neurological status of the patient was normal. The preoperative hormone status showed no functional alteration of the pituitary gland, so a perioperative hormone supplementation was not necessary. The stereotactic biopsy was performed through a right frontal approach with the patient under general anesthesia. The operation was uneventful and there were no new neurological deficits after the procedure. A serum control of the hormone status showed stable parameters. The postsurgical course was regular and the patient could be discharged in a stable clinical condition. …