The early diagnosis of juvenile germinoma originating from the basal ganglia and thalamus / 中华内科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the early diagnosis of germinoma originating from the basal ganglia (BG) and thalamus during juveniles. Methods Retrospective analysis was done with the clinical cases of germinomas in BG and thalamus from 2000 to 2009. The symptoms, signs, neuroimaging,cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were analyzed and related literature were reviewed. Results Eight patents were collected. The main symptoms were hemiplegia, associated with aphasia and/or impaired cognition. Brain CT showed high density and calcification. Abnormal T1 and T2 signal were found in brain MRI frequently associated with ipsilateral hemisphere atrophy. MRS showed increased choline and decreased N-acetylaspartate level. Elevated CSF human chorionic gonadotrophin level were found in two of them.Conclusions Germinoma in BG and thalamus predominates in a boy. The neuroimaging features are very informative for early diagnosis.