An Unusual Presentation of Hearing Impairment in an Adult with Pineal Region Germinoma: A Case Report

Case Rep Oncol. 2023 Sep 5;16(1):837-845. doi: 10.1159/000533518. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Tumors of the pineal region typically present with symptoms and signs of mass effect and increased intracranial pressure. However, although rare and can be overlooked, hearing impairment is a potential clinical finding in these cases. The authors describe a 24-year-old male who presented to the emergency room complaining of bilateral hearing impairment. Brain computed tomography showed a pineal region tumor. Histopathological examination demonstrated features consistent with germinoma. This case reports a rare presentation rarely seen in the literature and in practice as evident by the conducted literature review. Therefore, we highlight the importance of considering hearing impairment as a presenting symptom of pineal region tumors since prompt recognition and intervention, as demonstrated in this case, can lead to successful outcomes.

Keywords: Auditory pathways; Case report; Germinoma; Hearing impairment; Neurosurgery; Pineal region tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

This study did not require any funding.