Charlie Teo AM, MBBS
Luca F.
Luca F is a 20-year-old man who first presented at 15 years of age with headache and change in personality and was found to have a huge tumour within his 3rd ventricle and likely arising from the pineal gland. He had several attempts to remove the tumour by the most senior paediatric neurosurgeons in Victoria but after surgery was considered futile, he was commenced on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These combined treatments were extremely effective against the malignant portion of the tumour but unfortunately the benign portion of the tumour continued to grow. Despite all attempts Luca deteriorated and was predicted to die within days to weeks. He was too unwell to travel to Sydney, so Prof. Teo flew to Melbourne to perform the delicate operation. Today, Luca is a beautiful young man with a devilish sense of humour.
Pre Op
The red arrows show the size of this tumour occupying the 3rd ventricle. It’s the location that makes these tumours so difficult to remove. Any approach requires placing very sensitive structures at risk of damage resulting in loss of memory, movement, sight, consciousness etc.
Post Op
This MRI shows a complete removal of the tumour. Luca had a very stormy post-operative course but with active and comprehensive rehabilitation, he made an excellent recovery. Considering he was close to death before the operation, his outcome is miraculous.
After 2 previous attempts to remove his tumour Luca was close to death
