Non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (pineal)

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Up-gaze palsy.

Patient Data

Age: Child
Gender: Male

Large heterogeneous mass of the pineal region compresses the tectum and minor prominence of the ventricles. Intrinsic high T1 signal presumably represent blood products or proteinaceous material. It could also represent fat, and a fat saturated sequence would be required to confirm that this is not the case. 

Case Discussion

Unfortunately, I do not have access to the formal histology report but I know that this was shown to be a non-germinoma germ cell tumor of the pineal gland. The options therefore are: 

  • pineal embryonal carcinoma
  • pineal choriocarcinoma
  • pineal yolk sac carcinoma
  • pineal teratoma

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