Cytogenetic profile of primary pituitary germinoma

We present a case of a germinoma in the sellar region of a 10-year-old fema le patient who presented with a history of polydipsia, polyuria and visual disturbances. The tumor was resected and histologically analyzed. Interphas e cytogenetics was performed using chromosome specific (peri)-centromeric D NA probes for all the somatic and X chromosomes on fresh frozen tissues. Fl uorescent in situ cell hybridization demonstrated accumulated cytogenetic a bnormalities involving significant alterations of chromosome 1, 4, 5/19 and 15. The child was treated postoperatively by radiation and now appears wel l with only minor neurological deficits. At 3-year follow-up no recurrent t umor mass could be demonstrated.