CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF INTRACRANIAL GERM-CELL TUMORS

Intracranial germ cell tumors are a rare finding. They can cause a var iety of different clinical symptoms due to the location of the tumor. Additionaly they can secret P-HCG so that boys develop precocious pube rty. We present the case history of five patients with intracranial ge rm cell tumors. Two of these patients had germ cell tumors of the supr asellar region; both developed diabetes insipidus. One of the two pres ented hypothalamic-pituitary deficits as well, the other patient showe d signs of precocious puberty. The tumor of two further patients origi nated in the pineal region, at the time of diagnosis causing symptoms due to high intracranial pressure. One of these two patients developed priapism due to extremely elevated testosteron levels induced by his P-HCG secreting tumor. A fifth patient with a tumor of the basal gangl ia developed hemiparesis. Discussion: Acquired deficits of the hypotha lmic-pituitary system or precocious puberty can be symptoms of intracr anial germ cell tumors even if neurological signs are missing.