title: Intracerebral metastatic malignant teratoma in the region of the optic chiasm.
abstract: An intracerebral metastatic teratoma in a 10-year-old girl is described. This is only the third case that has been reported in literature. Autopsy revealed a cystic tumour measuring 4 cm in diameter in the region of the optic chiasm. Microscopic examination showed that it contained all 3 germinal layers. It was classified in accordance with the criteria of Collins and Pugh as a malignant teratoma intermediate A (M.T.I.A.). Metastases had developed upstream and downstream of the CSF flow in the rostral segment of the pons, the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum as well as in the region of the posterior commissure above the lamina quadrigemina and the pineal body. In addition, there were also leptomeningeal metastases in the region of the left Sylvian furrow. The different opinions of various authors regarding the malignant potency of intracranial teratomas are raised and discussed.
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009897:Optic Chiasm / Q000473:pathology; D013724:Teratoma / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*