Primary intrasellar microgerminoma detected by magnetic resonance imaging: case report

Neurosurgery. 1989 Sep;25(3):458-62. doi: 10.1097/00006123-198909000-00024.

Abstract

A case of primary intrasellar germinoma in a 24-year-old woman is presented. Her initial symptoms were diabetes insipidus and headaches. The neurological examination found no abnormalities, but the endocrinological examination disclosed a deficiency in growth hormone secretion. Her skull x-ray revealed a normal sella turcica, and a computed tomographic scan revealed no abnormal mass in the pituitary fossa, but a slightly enlarged stalk. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small tumor in the posterior lobe. Transsphenoidal exploration revealed a germinoma in the posterior pituitary lobe. Six cases of primary intrasellar germinoma, including our case, were reviewed. Our case is considered to be the smallest intrasellar germinoma yet reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dysgerminoma / diagnosis*
  • Dysgerminoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / pathology
  • Pituitary Irradiation
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis