INTRAMEDULLARY SPINAL-CORD GERMINOMA

Study Design. A very rare case of intramedullary spinal cord germinoma is described. Objective. To increase knowledge about the pathogenesis and treatment of intramedullary spinal cord germinoma. Summary of Bac kground Data. Primary intramedullary spinal cord germinoma is very rar e and only two cases have been previously reported. Methods. A case of intramedullary spinal cord germinoma with complete paraplegia is pres ented. The diagnosis was determined by biopsy. Results. After local ir radiation of 46 Gy, the tumor disappeared completely. Conclusion. Irra diation therapy effectively treated this tumor, as shown radiologicall y, although the patient remained paraplegic.