Germinoma originating in the basal ganglia and thalamus: MR and CT evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe MR and CT features of germinoma originating in the basal ganglia and thalamus and to discuss the roles of each modality for its diagnosis.


METHODS
MR and CT studies of six cases of germinomas, five of which were histologically proved, were retrospectively reviewed. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted conventional spin-echo images, and unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT images were evaluated.


RESULTS
Typically, the tumor consisted of an irregular solid area with contrast enhancement and various-size cysts. Cystic components were found in five cases and calcification in four. Intratumoral hemorrhage was noted in one. Ipsilateral cerebral hemiatrophy and brain stem hemiatrophy were noted in three cases each. MR was superior to CT in evaluating precise tumor extension, cystic components, and intratumoral hemorrhage, although in one case, extension of the tumor was better defined on CT in its early stage. Calcification was difficult to identify by MR alone. The solid components of the tumors generally showed slightly high density on CT, which seemed to be characteristic compared with nonspecific intensity pattern on MR.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of CT and MR findings allows early detection and appropriate diagnosis of the mass in the basal ganglia and/or thalamus.
Higano
S
S
Department of Radiology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Japan.
Takahashi
S
S
Ishii
K
K
Matsumoto
K
K
Ikeda
H
H
Sakamoto
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D001284:Atrophy; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D018237:Germinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007455:Iodine; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013786:Thalamic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D007455:Iodine; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA