A rare manifestation of choriocarcinoma syndrome in a child with primary intracranial germ cell tumor and extracranial metastases: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Choriocarcinoma syndrome is an uncommon, potentially fatal complication of germ cell tumors (GCTs) in adults, but it is not well documented in children. Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) GCTs comprise a rare group of malignancies not usually associated with extra-CNS metastatic disease. Here, we report the case of a pediatric patient with a suprasellar mixed GCT and pulmonary metastases who presented with intratumoral hemorrhage and stroke. Choriocarcinoma syndrome developed soon after initiating chemotherapy. The primary tumor and pulmonary metastases were successfully treated using a multidisciplinary approach, including neurovascular intervention, chemotherapy, and craniospinal irradiation.

Keywords: arteriovenous fistula; choriocarcinoma syndrome; metastatic intracranial germ cell tumor; serum beta-hCG.