Management of hydrocephalus in a pediatric bifocal germinoma

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29327/apn.v2i1(January-April).22

Keywords:

hydrocephalus, tumor, germinoma

Abstract

Germinomas represent the most frequent tumour type in the pineal region. However, the synchronous involvement of the suprasellar region, frequently termed bifocal intracranial germinoma (BFG) is quite rare. A literature search identified a further of 48 pediatric cases with a median age of 12.9 years. BFG is known to be highly radiosensitive. We presented a clinical case of pediatric bifocal germinoma. A 14-year-old boy presented with clinical features of progressive headaches since three months associated with vomits. MR showed two distinct lesions in the pineal and suprasellar regions. Neuroaxis spine MR was normal. Tumor markers for germ cell tumors from blood and cerebrospinal fluid were within the normal range. An endoscopic procedure was performed to treat the hydrocephalus (endoscopic third ventriculostomy) and, in the same procedure the suprasellar lesion was biopsied and the histology revealed a germinoma. She received chemotherapy and a focal radiotherapy covering the sites of primary disease and the ventricular system. Three months after the completion of treatment, the patient achieved a complete clinical and radiological response, which was maintained during the 5-years follow-up period. The optimum management of primary intracranial pineal and suprasellar (bifocal) germinomas still remains controversial. The definition as either localized or disseminated disease has major implications on required treatment and its associated late morbidity. Prospective studies with large cooperative groups worldwide and consensus meetings may reduce uncertainties regarding available management options.

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Author Biographies

Ricardo Santos de Oliveira, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

President of the Brazilian Pediatric Neurosurgery Society (2019-2021) Member of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) Member of the Asian-Australasian Society of  Pediatric Neurosurgery (AASPN) Member of Internacional Federation of Neuroendoscopy (IFNE) Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery - São Lucas Hospital Associate Professor / Livre-Docente - Division of  Neurosurgery Hospital das Clínicas - School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto University of Sao Paulo Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Rodrigo Inácio Pongeluppi, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, University Hospital, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Elvis Terci Valera, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Published

2020-04-01 — Updated on 2020-04-01

How to Cite

1.
de Oliveira RS, Pongeluppi RI, Valera ET. Management of hydrocephalus in a pediatric bifocal germinoma . Arch Pediatr Neurosurg [Internet]. 2020 Apr. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 19];2(1(January-April):55. Available from: https://www.archpedneurosurg.com.br/sbnped2019/article/view/22

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