Abstract
Background:Intracranial germ cell tumors are rare extragonadal neoplasms. These patients may present with headache, visual impairment and endocrine disorder, depending on the size and location of the tumor. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical features of patients with germinomas in our hospital. Methods:We performed a retrospective chart review of 58 children diagnosed with intracranial germ cell tumors from January, 1990 to December, 2018. The initial clinical presentation, tumor markers (beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein, etc.), pituitary function, and brain images were reviewed and further analyzed. Results:Total 58 patients (45 boys and 13 girls) were included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 13.44 ± 2.64 years, ranging from 6.51 to 17.92 years. The initial complaints were weakness (n= 30, 51.7%), eye manifestation (n=27, 46.6%), polyuria (n=27, 46.6%), headache (n= 22, 27.9%), nausea or vomiting (n=16, 27.6%), dizziness or vertigo (n=16, 27.6%), and short stature (n= 8, 15.7%), respectively. Laboratory data showed central hypothyroidism (n = 14, 42.4%), central diabetes insipidus (n=14, 66.7%), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (n= 4, 40%), and growth hormone deficiency (n=14, 73.7%). Conclusions:Germinomas may present with neurologic signs such as weakness, visual impairment, headache, nausea or vomiting. Some patiens presented short stature or polyuria due to central hypothyroidism, diabetes insipidus and growth hormone deficiency. Some atypical manifestations were also noted, such as psychological presentations and incontinence.