Recurrent intracranial germinoma with dissemination along the ventricular catheter: a case report.
Most recurrences of intracranial pure germinoma occur at the primary site, ventricular wall or subarachnoid space. We report a rare case of intracranial germinoma that recurred along the shunt tube 17 years after prior ventriculoperitoneal shunt and radiotherapy. The recurrent tumor, verified histologically as a pure germinoma, involved the right frontal lobe along the ventricular catheter. In spite of subsequent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the tumor recurred repeatedly. Recurrence after such a long period highlights the necessity of long-term follow up for patients with germinoma. We also discuss possible causes of tumor dissemination along the ventricular catheter.
Shima
Hidehiro
H
Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Nishizaki
Takafumi
T
Ishihara
Hideyuki
H
Moroi
Junta
J
Fujii
Masami
M
Suzuki
Michiyasu
M
D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D018237:Germinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt