Intracranial germinoma metastasizing via a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt

Singapore Med J. 1996 Aug;37(4):441-2.

Abstract

Primary germinomas of the central nervous system carry a good prognosis because of their radiosensitivity. Recurrences are rare and extraneural metastases are even more unusual. One of the possible routes of extraneural spread is via ventriculo-peritoneal shunts which may be required to reduce intracranial pressure. One such case of germinoma metastasizing via a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is reported. Patients with intracranial germinomas and ventriculo-peritoneal shunts should have close surveillance of their abdomens and may require systemic chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Germinoma / diagnosis
  • Germinoma / pathology*
  • Germinoma / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / therapy
  • Male
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / etiology
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*