Glial cyst of the pineal gland: case report and considerations about surgical management.

Symptomatic glial cyst of the pineal gland are rare lesions. Origin, natural history and factors leading to cyst enlargement are not completely clear; thus management remain uncertain in some cases. We report a case of symptomatic glial cyst and analyze the implication for surgery. Surgical management is indicated in patients presenting hydrocephalus, mass effect or symptoms related to mesencephalic dysfunction. The infratentorial supracerebellar approach represent the first choice for this condition allowing easy orientation with wide exposure of the tumor and good visibility of deep venous systems that may be preserved. Size of the tumor is a key element in evaluation of the treatment and the appropriate course for asymptomatic cyst less than 1 cm in size consist of conservative management. Periodic follow up is always indicated.