Double Localization of a Cerebral Germinoma: Case Report

Abstract

Germinal cell tumors are embryonic tumors located mainly in the gonads, and their cerebral localization is rare, representing less than 1% of intracranial neoplasia. Clinical expression can be polymorphous, while imaging provides a highly suggestive radiological semiology. We report the case of a 31-year-old patient presenting with diabetes insipidus evolving for one year and associated with decreased visual acuity. Cerebro-medullary MRI revealed a tumoral process in the pineal region associated with thickening of the pituitary region. Tumor markers (β HCG and AFP) in plasma and CSF were negative, confirming the diagnosis of pure germinoma without the need for biopsy. Treatment is mostly based on radiotherapy, and sometimes on a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The latter was our therapeutic choice, with a good clinical and biological evolution.