Serial MR and CT features of primary germinoma originating in the basal ganglia

Serial changes of neuroradiological findings in a 10-year-old boy with prim ary germinoma originating in the basal ganglia are reported. He presented w ith a one year history of slowly progressive right hemiparesis. Although in itial computed tomography (CT) scans showed no prominent abnormalities, a s light high-density area in the basal ganglia became conspicuous with cortic al atrophy on follow-up scans. Sequential magnetic resonance images showed a homogeneous lesion with clear margin and remarkable postcontrast enhancem ent. Two cell pattern germinoma was histologically verified by CT guided st ereotactic biopsy. Following irradiation, the tumour completely disappeared , however, the atrophy of the cerebral hemisphere and the brain stem progre ssed, and mild hemiparesis remained. We discuss the neuroradiological featu res and clinical manifestations of this disease, Journal of Clinical Neuros cience (1999) 6(2), 162-164 (C) 1999 Harcourt Brace & Co. Ltd.