Endoscopic intraventricular biopsy of infundibular Langerhans cell histiocytosis: case report.

Abstract

Surgical biopsy of isolated infundibular lesions is indicated in patients who are symptomatic or whose imaging suggests a treatable lesion. Early therapy can prevent irreversible neurological or endocrinological damage and, potentially, metastasis. These considerations justify the small risk associated with surgery. A 5-year-old boy presented with diabetes insipidus and an enhancing lesion of the pituitary stalk without evidence of extracranial disease. The lesion was biopsied via an endoscopic intraventricular approach without complications. Pathological examination revealed Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Endoscopic intraventricular biopsy can be considered as a less invasive alternative to craniotomy in patients with infundibular lesions protruding superiorly into the third ventricle.