Pediatric Tectal Glioma

  • Etiology: Low grade tumor that is slow growing
  • Imaging MRI:
    — Tumor in the tectum causing obstructive hydrocephalus
    — T1WI: Isointense
    — T1WI post contrast: No enhancement
    — T2WI: Hyperintense
  • DDX:
  • Complications: Obstructive hydrocephalus
  • Treatment: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus
  • Clinical: Present with headaches from obstructive hydrocephalus

Radiology Cases of Tectal Glioma

MRI of tectal glioma
Sagittal T1 MRI without contrast of the brain (above left) shows an isointense lesion in the tectum and in the pineal gland which on sagittal FLAIR (above right) appears to shows low signal intensity representing perhaps calcification in its pineal component. The lesion is causing dilation of the third ventricle. Axial T2 MRI (below left) shows dilation of the lateral ventricles and transependymal flow of cerebral spinal fluid. Axial T1 MRI with contrast (below right) shows enhancement in the mass.