Intramedullary spinal cord germinoma

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1995 Nov 1;20(21):2338-40. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199511000-00013.

Abstract

Study design: A very rare case of intramedullary spinal cord germinoma is described.

Objective: To increase knowledge about the pathogenesis and treatment of intramedullary spinal cord germinoma.

Summary of background data: Primary intramedullary spinal cord germinoma is very rare and only two cases have been previously reported.

Methods: A case of intramedullary spinal cord germinoma with complete paraplegia is presented. The diagnosis was determined by biopsy.

Results: After local irradiation of 46 Gy, the tumor disappeared completely.

Conclusion: Irradiation therapy effectively treated this tumor, as shown radiologically, although the patient remained paraplegic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Germinoma / complications
  • Germinoma / diagnosis
  • Germinoma / epidemiology*
  • Germinoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Paraplegia / etiology
  • Spinal Cord / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / complications
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / therapy