A Case of Pineal Germinoma with Drop Metastasis to Cauda Equina

ABSTRACT

Pineal germinoma is one of the most radiosensitive intracranial tumors and so recently a regime of radiotherapy combined with ventricular shunting was advocated. But not infrequently seeding through the subarachnoid space and shunting system was observed. We have experienced a pineal tumor, which was treated completely by irradiation following ventriculo-atrial shunt but without evidence of intracranial recurrence spinal metastasis occurred 16 months later. After myelography total laminectomy from L1 to L3 was performed and intradural tumor was removed. Histopathological diagnosis was germinoma. After would healing spinal axis irradiation was performed with symptomatic improvement.