Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Presenting as a Pineal Gland Mass With Obstructive Hydrocephalus

• Published in: The Ochsner journal Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 232 - 235
• Main Authors: Abdallah, Mohamed A., Shahid, Mahum, Ellithi, Moataz, Yeddi, Ahmed, Cunningham, Arwyn, Askeland, Ryan, Dodin, Jamal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academic Division of Ochsner Clinic Foundation 2020
• Subjects: Case Reports and Clinical Observations
• ISSN: 1524-5012; 1524-5012
• DOI: 10.31486/toj.18.0159

Background: Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of non–small cell carcinoma of the lungs. Patients with lung adenocarcinoma often present with cough, dyspnea, pain, and weight loss. They can also present with signs and symptoms of brain metastasis because the lungs are one of the most common origins of metastatic brain cancer. We describe a rare case of adenocarcinoma of the lungs presenting with pineal region metastasis. Case Report: A 61-year-old male presented to the emergency department with dizzy spells and gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated a solitary mass in the pineal region with marked obstructive hydrocephalus. A stereotactic biopsy was performed, and metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent with pulmonary origin was diagnosed. Computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a spiculated mass. The patient died shortly after the diagnosis was made. Conclusion: The pineal region is an unusual site for brain metastasis. Although such metastasis has rarely been described, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors, especially for patients with suggestive clinical or histopathologic features of primary malignancy elsewhere.