Tumores germinales intracraneales: revisión de 21 años / Intracranial germ cell tumours: A 21-year review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los tumores de células germinales intracraneales son un grupo poco frecuente de tumores en niños. Comprenden un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias, que aunque comparten un origen común, presentan comportamientos clínicos muy diferentes. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de las características epidemiológicas e histológicas, las manifestaciones clínicas y la evolución de 20 pacientes diagnosticados de tumor de células germinales intracraneal en el Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús de Madrid durante los años 1994-2014. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 20 pacientes: 14 niños y 6 niñas. La edad media fue de 11,1 años (rango 2-18 años). Se realizó confirmación histológica en el 95% de los pacientes. De los 20 pacientes, 14 fueron germinomas puros (70%) y 6 tumores de células germinales no germinomas (30%). Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron pineal (45%) y supraselar (45%). Los síntomas más frecuentes en el momento del diagnóstico en los tumores de localización pineal fueron cefalea y vómitos (77,77%), seguido de alteraciones visuales (44,4%), y en los tumores de localización supraselar, polidipsia y poliuria (100%). En el momento del diagnóstico recibieron radioterapia el 90% de los pacientes y quimioterapia asociada a la radioterapia el 55%. Presentaron recaída tumoral 4 pacientes (20%), de los cuales 3 fallecieron. La supervivencia global fue del 80%, siendo un 85,7% para los germinomas y un 60% para los no germinomas. CONCLUSIÓN: El tipo histológico más frecuente fue el germinoma. Los tumores de células germinales son un grupo heterogéneo de tumores que conllevan un pronóstico diferente, por lo que un adecuado diagnóstico y estadificación es fundamental para planear el tratamiento

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial germ cell tumours are rare in children. They are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that show different clinical manifestations despite having a common origin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the epidemiological and histological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of 20 patients diagnosed with intracranial germ cell tumours in the Ni˜no Jesús Children's Hospital of Madrid from 1994-2014. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were identified: 14 boys and 6 girls. The mean age was 11.1 years (range 2-18 years). Histological confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained in 95% of the patients. Of the 20 patients, 14 were pure germinoma (70%) and 6 non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (30%). The most frequent locations were pineal (45%) and suprasellar (45%). The most frequent clinical symptoms in pineal tumours at diagnosis were headache and vomiting (77.77%), followed by visual disturbances (44.4%). In suprasellar tumours it was polydipsia and polyuria (100%). At diagnosis, 90% of the patients received radiotherapy, and 55% received chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. There was a relapse in 4 patients (20%), and 3 of them died. Overall survival was 80%; 85.7% for pure germinomas and 60% for non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. CONCLUSIONS: The most common histological subtype was pure germinoma. Germ cell tumours include heterogeneous disease entities that have a variable prognosis. Thus, an accurate diagnosis is vital for patient counselling and treatment planning

Congenital cerebellar mixed germ cell tumor presenting with hemorrhage in a newborn.

We report here on a neonate with congenital cerebellar mixed germ cell tumor, and this initially presented as cerebellar hemorrhage. Postnatal cranial ultrasonography revealed an echogenic cerebellar mass that exhibited the signal characteristics of hemorrhage rather than tumor on MR images. The short-term follow-up images also suggested a resolving cerebellar hemorrhage. One month later, the neonate developed vomiting. A second set of MR images demonstrated an enlarged mass that exhibited changed signal intensity at the same site, which suggested a neoplasm. Histological examination after the surgical resection revealed a mixed germ cell tumor.

Congenital Cerebellar Mixed Germ Cell Tumor Presenting with Hemorrhage in a Newborn

We report here on a neonate with congenital cerebellar mixed germ cell tumor, and this initially presented as cerebellar hemorrhage. Postnatal cranial ultrasonography revealed an echogenic cerebellar mass that exhibited the signal characteristics of hemorrhage rather than tumor on MR images. The short-term follow-up images also suggested a resolving cerebellar hemorrhage. One month later, the neonate developed vomiting. A second set of MR images demonstrated an enlarged mass that exhibited changed signal intensity at the same site, which suggested a neoplasm. Histological examination after the surgical resection revealed a mixed germ cell tumor.

Congenital sialoblastoma (embryoma) associated with premature centromere division and high level of alpha-fetoprotein.

Sialoblastoma is a rare, locally aggressive, and potentially malignant perinatal salivary tumor that predominantly affects the parotid glands. To date, 29 cases of sialoblastoma have been reported. We report a further case of sialoblastoma diagnosed at 37 weeks of gestation presenting with novel findings that are the premature centromere division and a high level of alpha-fetoprotein.

Congenital mixed malignant germ cell tumor involving cerebrum and orbit.

Congenital intracranial tumors are rare and only account for 0.5 to 1.5% of all pediatric brain tumors. Teratoma is the most frequently encountered intracranial tumor at birth. Cephalomegaly and hydrocephalus are the usual clinical presentations. Advances in imaging techniques have improved diagnostic accuracy in congenital brain tumors. But the prognosis of a massive intracranial teratoma is always dismal. We report a congenital mixed malignant germ cell tumor in a male fetus at 27 weeks of gestation, with massive involvement of cerebrum and orbit. According to histological and immunohistochemical studies, the tumor was made up of predominantly immature teratoma combined with a yolk sac tumor. To our knowledge, such a combination has not been well documented in the literature.

Solid tumours in newborns and infants.

Thirty two cases of solid tumours in newborns and infants were observed by the authors over a 15 year period. The most common type of tumours were soft tissue tumours (n = 8), neuroblastomas (n = 7), nephroblastomas (n = 5) and germ cell tumours (n = 5). Other types of embryonal tumours such as retinoblastoma and hepatoblastoma were observed in four children and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in three children. Of 25 children followed up 18 survived. Five children died of their tumours and two children died of causes unrelated to their basic disease. Analysis of the fate of the patients and the effect of the therapy is made. It is concluded that malignant tumours prevail in infancy (90.6% of all cases). The percentage of patients treated successfully with insignificant risk for consequences from radiotherapy and chemotherapy is also high (72%).

Heterotopic neuroglial tissue of the face. Report of six cases and review of the literature.

We report six cases of heterotopic neuroglial tissue of the face. All cases appeared at birth with a laterofacial mass and, in most cases, a respiratory disorder. The initial diagnosis has frequently been lymphangioma. But the rapidly growing character of the mass with resistance to high dose corticoid therapy, the fluid aspect at computerized tomography imaging with no connection to the central nervous system, and the presence of cerebrospinal fluid at the needle puncture were the most helpful features in narrowing the differential diagnoses. Patients were treated by surgical removal of the mass. The pathologic study showed the presence of neuroglial tissue. The management of the patients is discussed. The thirteen previous cases reported in the literature and our six cases lead to a discussion on the embryologic origin of this rare entity--the cephalic neural crest.

Primary congenital rhabdoid tumor of the brain with neoplastic hydranencephaly.

A child with shunted hydranencephaly and presumed ventriculitis was found to have a primary congenital rhabdoid tumor (RT) of the brain. The child died and a complete autopsy was carried out. The cerebral hemispheres were replaced by a single thin-walled cavity studed with tumor nodules and filled with thick, viscous fluid. The posterior fossa and visceral organs were free of tumor. This case is unique because the rhabdoid tumor was primary to the brain, it was congenital, and it massively replaced the cerebral hemispheres, causing hydranencephaly. Only three other cases of primary RT of the brain with complete autopsy examination have been reported. Cases of congenital rhabdoid tumors are not known in the literature. Hydranencephaly with a highly proteinaceous fluid should alert the physician to the possibility of a neoplasm. When the fluid in presumed ventriculitis is sterile, cerebral biopsy should be considered.

Congenital brain tumors: a review of 45 cases.

Forty-five pathologically proved cases of neonatal brain tumors (diagnosed in neonates within 60 days after birth) were reviewed from the neuroradiology archives dating back to 1964. CT was performed in 24 cases, MR in five, sonography in six, and angiography in seven. Two-thirds of the lesions were supratentorial. The most common histology was a tumor composed of primitive or poorly differentiated tissues: 12 teratomas and 12 primitive neuroectodermal tumors, four of which were typical medulloblastomas. In addition, there were nine astrocytomas (grades I-III); four cases of glioblastoma multiforme (astrocytoma grade IV); three choroid plexus papillomas; and single cases each of ependymoma, medulloepithelioma, germinoma, angioblastic meningioma, and ganglioglioma. The dominant CT appearance, regardless of histology, was a large heterogeneous lesion with associated hydrocephalus. Coarse calcification was a constant feature in the teratomas. Prognosis was poor overall, with the longest survival seen in choroid plexus papilloma and astrocytoma. Imaging studies are most valuable in identifying and distinguishing potentially curable lesions such as choroid plexus papillomas (variably sized intraventricular lesions with homogeneous enhancement) from rapidly fatal tumors such as teratomas (large heterogeneous lesions with coarse calcifications and associated hydrocephalus).

Congenital tumours of the salivary gland: a case report and review.

A congenital epithelial tumour of the submandibular salivary gland, occurring in a child of 10 months, is described. The lesion appeared benign and consisted of basal type cells, showing ductal and acinar differentiation with myoepithelial cells. The associated fibrous stroma contained blood vessels and small nerve bundles. A few similar lesions have been reported in the past, some of which showed features of malignancy. Although various names have been proposed, we suggest that these lesions represent a single group derived from a primitive cell line and advocate the use of the term sialoblastoma.

Congenital cerebral primitive neuroectodermal tumor with astrocytic differentiation and extracranial metastases.

A cerebral primitive neuroectodermal tumor with astrocytic differentiation and extracranial metastases in a 28-day-old infant is reported. The infant presented with a progressively enlarged head, cutaneous lesions in the neck, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. A computed tomography brain scan demonstrated a giant thalamic tumor with subarachnoid dissemination and hydrocephalus. Biopsy material from the cervical lesions showed a picture of glioma with anaplastic astrocytes. The patient received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation and palliative chemotherapy, but died at 3 months of age. Autopsy was performed. Histological studies, which included immunohistochemical stains of the thalamic tumor, showed small, round, primitive, neoplastic cells with focal astrocytic differentiation.

[Dysontogenetic tumors of the spinal canal. Clinical aspects and long-term follow-up]. / Dysontogenetische Tumoren des Spinalkanals. Klinik und Langzeitergebnisse.

20 patients (9 women, 11 men) were operated on because of dysontogenetic tumour in the spinal canal. The average age at the time of operation being 23 years. 9 patients already showed an incomplete transverse lesion with a mean duration of the disease being 51 months. After the operation 15 patients showed an improvement. 12 patients became again fit to work. Two patients are in need of care. Within a after-observation period of three years one patient died.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the brain associated with malignant rhabdoid tumor of the liver: a histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic study.

A 14-day-old white male, born with a large primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the left cerebral hemisphere, was found to have a solitary rhabdoid tumor in the liver incidentally at autopsy. Cells resembling the liver rhabdoid cells were also found by histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy in the brain tumor. The concurrence of rhabdoid cells in the tumors of the brain and liver suggests a common histogenesis and further supports the previous suggestion that the rhabdoid tumor is of neuroectodermal origin. The rhabdoid tumor in the liver in this case is likely to be a metastatic tumor from the brain rather than a second primary tumor.

Congenital pancreatoblastoma in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: an emerging association.

We present a male newborn (weight 4000 g) who died at age 12 days with a clinical history of persistent hypoglycemia and polycythemia. Clinical examination disclosed somatic hemihypertrophy (left side), a large umbilical hernia, macroglossia, and an intraabdominal tumor, consistent with the diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (EMG syndrome) and hemihypertrophy. Necropsy findings included visceromegaly (left kidney and adrenal), cytomegaly of the fetal cortex and nodular arrangement of both adrenals, diffuse nesidioblastosis and islet cell hyperplasia of the pancreas, and persistent glomerulogenesis. The tumor was a cystic pancreatoblastoma attached to the anterior surface of the pancreas. Three other examples of this association, congenital pancreatoblastoma and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, all in males, are on record in the literature, indicating a strong relationship between both conditions.

[Pulmonary blastoma in childhood--a case report and review of the literature]. / Das pulmonale Blastom im Kindesalter--Eine Kasuistik und eine Ubersicht über die Literatur.

The paper deals with a pulmonary blastoma with CNS involvement in a young child 2 years after resection of congenital cysts from the other lung. Further 25 pulmonary blastomas in infants are compiled from the literature serving as the basis for a discussion of epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification, definition and prognosis as well as diagnostic and therapeutic problems involved in these rare malignant lung tumours.

Congenital and neonatal malignant tumors. A 28-year experience at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

Fifty-one cases of congenital and neonatal malignant tumors were collected from the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Department of Pathology files and reviewed. The study covered a 28-year period, 1958-1985. Thirty (59%) of the patients died. The types, incidence, clinical features, and behavior of neoplasms occurring in the neonate were different from those seen in older children and adolescents. Moreover, the response to therapy was also dissimilar. Leukemia and neuroblastoma were the most frequent malignancies and were responsible also for the largest number of deaths.

Neurofibromatosis and associated neuroectodermal tumors: a congenital neurocristopathy.

The synchronous occurrence of neurofibromatosis and neuroblastoma has been labeled in the recent literature as a chance event. We report 2 cases of newborn infants with congenital neurofibromatosis and a similar midline pattern of multiple Schwann cell and neuroblastic tumors; other types of ectomesenchymal tumor differentiation are documented, along with supportive ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies. The tumors may take an aggressive, fatal course despite maximal multimodality antitumor therapy. These 2 cases are reported, with additional literature review, to document a clinically recognizable neurocristopathy that links neuroblastic tumors and neurofibromatosis.