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Hoshimaru T, Takagi F, Tsuji Y, Yagi R, Hiramatsu R, Kameda M, Nonoguchi N, Furuse M, Kawabata S, Takami T, Wanibuchi M. Occult Germinoma of the Intramedullary Spinal Cord: A Case Report. NMC Case Rep J 2023; 10:27-32. [PMID: 36937498 PMCID: PMC10017122 DOI: 10.2176/jns-nmc.2022-0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary germ cell tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) typically occur in the neurohypophysis, hypothalamus, or pineal gland and rarely in the spinal cord. We report a case of a spinal intramedullary tumor, which was first detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 41 months after the initial symptoms, with a verified pathological diagnosis of germinoma. The initial symptom was an abnormal sensation in the left plantar region that gradually worsened, resulting in severe sensory disturbance, difficulty in standing, and even bladder rectal disturbance. Repeated MRI after the onset failed to provide an imaging diagnosis. The MRI was performed 41 months after the onset and revealed a previously undiagnosed, contrast-enhancing spinal intramedullary neoplastic lesion at the Th11-12 level. Gross total resection of the tumor was successfully performed, and the pathology confirmed the diagnosis of pure germinoma. Postoperative chemotherapy, followed by local radiation, was successfully administered. Among primary germinomas of the CNS, occult germinoma that lacks imaging findings suggestive of tumors in the early stages of onset and becomes apparent over time is often reported as a primary neurohypophyseal germinoma, particularly in adolescents presenting with diabetes insipidus. In the present case, the lesion appeared to correspond to a primary occult germinoma of the intramedullary spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Hoshimaru
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fugen Takagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Tsuji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryokichi Yagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Hiramatsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kameda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naosuke Nonoguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motomasa Furuse
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinji Kawabata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Takami
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiko Wanibuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
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Yeo KK, Nagabushan S, Dhall G, Abdelbaki MS. Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors in children and young adults: A review of controversies in diagnostic and treatment approach. Neoplasia 2022; 36:100860. [PMID: 36521378 PMCID: PMC9772847 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCT) are a rare heterogenous group of cancers, arising most commonly in the second decade of life. Through several clinical trials conducted around the world by various groups, the treatment approach for CNS GCT has advanced substantially with generally improved overall outcomes. In recent years, the goal of clinical trials has been focused on reduction of the radiotherapy burden and minimization of long-term toxicity. This review summarizes the current diagnostic and treatment regimens for CNS GCT, examines the controversies associated with these approaches, gaps in contemporary knowledge, and underscores the challenges we face. We also explore future directions in the management of CNS GCT with the ultimate overall aim of preserving curative outcomes, identifying novel biomarkers, and mitigating neurocognitive, endocrine, and psychological toxicity through prospective clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee Kiat Yeo
- Dana-Farber / Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Sumanth Nagabushan
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia,University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Girish Dhall
- The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, USA,University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA,Corresponding author at: The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's of Alabama, 1600 7th Avenue S, Lowder 512, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
| | - Mohamed S. Abdelbaki
- The Division of Hematology and Oncology, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University, School of Medicine in St. Louis, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA,Co-corresponding author at: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue – Campus Box 8116, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Obu S, Umeda K, Iwanaga K, Saida S, Kato I, Hiramatsu H, Mineharu Y, Arakawa Y, Uto M, Mizowaki T, Adachi S, Daifu T, Kawai M, Takita J. Clinical utility of cerebrospinal fluid-placental alkaline phosphatase for the diagnosis of intracranial germinoma. PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phoj.2022.10.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Kuranari Y, Miwa T, Kono M, Shibata H, Ishii T, Hasegawa T. Intracranial germinoma in the lateral ventricle with polydipsia and polyuria: a case report and literature review. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 39:1065-1069. [PMID: 36271932 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNSGCTs) are rare neoplasms which usually develop in the midline structures. They are occasionally involved in off-midline structures of the brain. Here, we report an extremely rare case of an intracranial germinoma in the lateral ventricle. The patient was a 10-year-old boy with a 1-year history of polydipsia and polyuria. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a relatively homogeneously enhancing lesion in the lateral ventricle, and the posterior pituitary gland was not hyperintense on T1-weighted imaging. Subependymoma was suspected, and tumor removal operation was performed; however, because the intraoperative pathological investigation revealed germinoma, we could only perform partial removal of the tumor. Postoperative histology also confirmed germinoma. Then, the patient received chemotherapy, followed by radiation therapy. MRI showed no recurrence for 6 years after treatment. Intracranial germinoma in the lateral ventricle is extremely rare. The diagnosis is occasionally challenging, especially when the tumors are located in atypical locations. This paper presents a literature review of previously described CNSGCTs of the lateral ventricle to improve awareness of CNSGCTs in atypical locations. We also consider the relationship between imaging findings and clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kuranari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoru Miwa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Maya Kono
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Shibata
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Moszczyńska E, Kunecka K, Baszyńska-Wilk M, Perek-Polnik M, Majak D, Grajkowska `W. Pituitary Stalk Thickening: Causes and Consequences. The Children's Memorial Health Institute Experience and Literature Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:868558. [PMID: 35669693 PMCID: PMC9163297 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.868558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary stalk thickening (PST) is a rare abnormality in the pediatric population. Its etiology is heterogeneous. The aim of the study was to identify important clinical, radiological and endocrinological manifestations of patients with PST and follow the course of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS It is a study conducted in 23 patients (13 boys) with PST with/without central diabetes insipidus (CDI) diagnosed between 1990 and 2020 at Children's Memorial Health Institute (CMHI) in Warsaw, Poland. We analyzed demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, radiological findings, tumor markers, hormonal results, treatment protocols and outcomes. RESULTS The median age at the diagnosis of PST was 9.68 years (IQR: 7.21-12.33). The median time from the onset of the symptoms to the diagnosis was 2.17 years (IQR: 1.12-3.54). The most common initially reported manifestations were polydipsia, polyuria and nocturia (82.6%); most of the patients (56.5%) also presented decreased growth velocity. Hormonal evaluation at the onset of PST revealed: CDI (91.3%), growth hormone deficiency (GHD) (56.5%), hyperprolactinemia (39%), central hypothyroidism (34.8%), adrenal insufficiency (9%), precocious puberty (8.7%). The majority of the patients were diagnosed with germinoma (seventeen patients - 73.9%, one of them with teratoma and germinoma). Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) was identified in three patients (multisystem LCH in two patients, and unifocal LCH in one patient). A single case of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, suspected low-grade glioma (LGG) and lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis (LINH). The overall survival rate during the observational period was 87.0%. CONCLUSIONS The pituitary infundibulum presents a diagnostic imaging challenge because of its small size and protean spectrum of disease processes. Germinoma should be suspected in all children with PST, especially with CDI, even when neurological and ophthalmological symptoms are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Moszczyńska
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Kunecka
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Baszyńska-Wilk
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Marta Baszyńska-Wilk,
| | - Marta Perek-Polnik
- Department of Oncology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Majak
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Phi JH, Wang KC, Kim SK. Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor in the Molecular Era. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2018; 61:333-342. [PMID: 29742886 PMCID: PMC5957323 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2018.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with peculiar characteristics clearly distinguished from other brain tumors of neuroepithelial origin. Diverse histology, similarity to gonadal GCT, predilection to one sex, and geographic difference in incidence all present enigmas and fascinating challenges. The treatment of iGCT has advanced for germinoma to date; thus, clinical attention has shifted from survival to long-term quality of life. However, for non-germinomatous GCT, current protocols provide only modest improvement and more innovative therapies are needed. Recently, next-generation sequencing studies have revealed the genomic landscape of iGCT. Novel mutations in the KIT-RAS-MAPK and AKT-MTOR pathways were identified. More importantly, methylation profiling revealed a new method to assess the pathogenesis of iGCT. Molecular research will unleash new knowledge on the origin of iGCT and solve the many mysteries that have lingered on this peculiar neoplasm for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hoon Phi
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu-Chang Wang
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Zhang H, Qi ST, Fan J, Fang LX, Qiu BH, Liu Y, Qiu XY. Bifocal germinomas in the pineal region and hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal axis: Primary or metastasis? J Clin Neurosci 2016; 34:151-157. [PMID: 27475314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Whether bifocal germinomas (BFGs) synchronously presenting within the pineal region and the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal axis (HNA) are primary germinomas of dual-origin remains to be elucidated. We analyzed MRI images and clinical features of 95 neurohypophyseal germinomas and 21 BFG patients and developed a tentative definition of the BFGs. We found dual-primary BFGs (true BFGs) do exist. The fundamental difference between primary and metastatic HNA germinomas was the direction of tumor growth. For a true BFG, the primary HNA tumor grew from the neurohypophysis toward the hypothalamus and almost invaded the whole pituitary stalk. For a false BFG (primary pineal germinoma with HNA metastasis), the metastatic HNA tumor first appeared at the third ventricular floor (TVF), grew toward the neurohypophysis, but commonly did not invade the inferior pituitary stalk. Compared to false BFGs, true BFGs commonly had diabetes insipidus as the first symptom, dysfunction of the anterior pituitary, no high-intensity MRI signal at the posterior pituitary, a larger extension of the HNA tumor, and fewer numbers of remote lesions from cerebrospinal fluid seeding. Accordingly, 12.8% (12/96) of our germinoma patients had true BFGs, and of these, 58.3% (7/12) were free of remote metastases and warranted treatment with limited radiotherapy. True BFGs with remote metastases and all false BFGs should be treated with craniospinal irradiation. We provided evidence for the diagnosis of true BFGs that is useful for radiotherapy strategy, suggesting that the existence of metastasis to other locations is not a diagnostic criterion for a true BFG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Song-Tao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lu-Xiong Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Bing-Hui Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Outcomes of children with central nervous system germinoma treated with multi-agent chemotherapy followed by reduced radiation. J Neurooncol 2016; 127:173-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-015-2029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Kilday JP, Laughlin S, Urbach S, Bouffet E, Bartels U. Diabetes insipidus in pediatric germinomas of the suprasellar region: characteristic features and significance of the pituitary bright spot. J Neurooncol 2014; 121:167-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Latency of intracranial germ cell tumors and diagnosis delay. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29:1871-81. [PMID: 23811803 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-013-2164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) frequently take an insidious clinical course before diagnosis. To date, clinical latency has been discussed in the context of germinoma in the suprasellar area and basal ganglia. OBJECTIVE In this study, we classified the clinical latency of intracranial GCTs into three categories and described their characteristics in order to understand the full spectrum of the phenomenon. METHODS In a cohort of 181 patients with intracranial GCTs, 17 patients had a delayed diagnosis of more than 3 months (90 days) from the initial brain magnetic resonance imaging to the definitive GCT diagnosis. Clinical records and radiological data of the patients were reviewed. RESULTS The patients with a delayed diagnosis were categorized into three groups according to their tumor location: suprasellar (nine patients), basal ganglia (six patients), and pineal (two patients). Initial symptomatology corresponded with the tumor location: central diabetes insipidus for the suprasellar group, hemiparesis for the basal ganglia group, and precocious puberty for the pineal group. The overall survival of patients with germinoma and delayed diagnosis was significantly shorter than that of patients who were diagnosed within 3 months (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Clinical latency and delayed diagnosis are not restricted to germinomas in the suprasellar area and basal ganglia; they are canonical features of intracranial GCTs including pineal non-germinomatous GCTs. Early detection and proactive diagnosis of these tumors are required because diagnosis delay may negatively influence patient survival.
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Brain germinoma in a young adult man with suspicion of fatal neglect. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2009; 30:180-2. [PMID: 19465813 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0b013e3181875ac5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We report a forensic autopsy case of brain germinoma in a 26-year-old man who was severely wasted and initially suspected of fatal neglect. He had a history of nocturnal wandering and was confined by his parents. Neuropathological examination showed germinoma in the hypothalamus and neurohypophysis. The cause of death was certified as hypothalamo-hypophyseal insufficiency due to germinoma. Because hypothalamic lesions may dysregulate feeding behavior and sleeping rhythms, germinoma was considered the causative lesion of the anorexic wasting and nocturnal wandering. Confinement was a preventive measure of the patient's wandering. The findings in this case indicated that hypothalamic tumors should be recognized as a cause of wasting in autopsies suspected of fatal neglect.
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