Mixed germ cell tumor with extensive yolk sac tumor elements in the frontal lobe of an adult

Mixed Germ Cell Tumor with a Yolk Sac Tumor Component in the Medulla Oblongata of a 50-year-old Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Yolk sac tumor (YST) is a rare primary brain tumor that occurs almost exclusively in patients under 30 years old. Intracranial germ cell tumors are most frequently located in the pineal and suprasellar region. Medulla oblongata YSTs are particularly rare. Extragonadal YSTs may be difficult to diagnose because of their characteristics, such as the rarity and variety of growth patterns. Furthermore, they are known to have a very poor prognosis. We herein report a case of YST of the medulla oblongata in a 50-year-old woman. She was followed up for 18 months without any tumor recurrence.

A Case of Non-Germinomatous Germ Cell Tumors of the Frontal Lobe Arising From the Lateral Ventricle With a Synchronous Pineal Lesion

Non-germinomatous germ cell tumours (NGGCT) are rare intracranial tumours that account for 1% to 3% of cases. They are usually seen in the pineal and suprasellar regions. NGGCT of the frontal lobe arising from the lateral ventricle with a synchronous pineal lesion is uncommon. We present a case of NGGCT with multifocal lesions in the pineal gland, frontal lobe, and pons treated with chemotherapy followed by craniospinal irradiation (CSI).

Imaging diagnosis of basal ganglia germ cell tumors: subtype features subtype imaging features of GCTs

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the subtype imaging features of basal ganglia germ cell tumors (GCTs).

METHODS

Clinical and imaging data of 33 basal ganglia GCTs were retrospectively analyzed, including 17 germinomas and 16 mixed germ cell tumors (MGCTs).

RESULTS

The cyst/mass ratio of germinomas (0.53 ± 0.32) was higher than that of MGCTs (0.28 ± 0.19, p = 0.030). CT density of the solid part of germinomas (41.47 ± 5.22 Hu) was significantly higher than that of MGCTs (33.64 ± 3.75 Hu, p < 0.001), while apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC, ×^10-3 mm²/s) value of the solid part was significantly lower in geminomas (0.86 ± 0.27 ×^10-3 mm²/s) than in MGCTs (1.42 ± 0.39 ×^10-3 mm²/s, p < 0.001). MGCTs were more common with intratumoral hemorrhage (68.75% vs 11.76%, p = 0.01), T1 hyperintense foci (68.75% vs 5.88%, p < 0.001) and calcification (64.29% vs 20.00%, p = 0.025) than germinomas. There was no significant difference in internal capsule involvement between the two subtypes (p = 0.303), but Wallerian degeneration was more common in germinomas than in MGCTs (70.59% vs 25.00%, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

The subtypes of GCT have different imaging features. Tumoral cystic-solidity, heterogeneity, ADC value, CT density, and Wallerian degeneration are helpful to differentiate germinomas and MGCTs in basal ganglia.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The subtypes of GCT have different histological characteristics, leading to various imaging findings. The imaging features of GCT subtypes in basal ganglia may aid clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in extragonadal yolk sac tumor with hepatoid differentiation: A case report

Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are rare aggressive tumors, arising most commonly in the gonads and occurring mainly in young adults. We herein report a case of an extragonadal YST with hepatoid differentiation localized in the brain and lung. A 41-year old man presented to our hospital with a generalized seizure. A head computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed a large mass in the left occipital lobe with associated edema. Following complete resection, the histopathological examination revealed that the mass was a highly malignant epithelial tumor with a hepatoid pattern. The serum lactate dehydrogenase and α-fetoprotein levels were elevated. Additional diagnostic imaging revealed a lesion in the upper lobe of the right lung, but no other tumor manifestations. Based on the clinical and immunohistochemical characteristics, hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoid adenocarcinoma were excluded and the diagnosis of extragonadal hepatoid YST was established. A multimodal therapeutic approach (high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, radiation and surgery) was applied; however, the patient succumbed to refractory disease 10 months after the diagnosis. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of hepatoid YST is an interdisciplinary challenge.