Right Basal Ganglia Germinoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Background: Among intracranial germinomas, germinoma of basal ganglia has been rarely reported. We discuss a new case of basal ganglia germinoma(BGG) and perform the literature review over the last two decades, with the aim of emphasizing the diagnosis and treatment in early-stage BGG.Case presentation: A seven years old Chinese boy presented with 4 months history of left limb movement disorder and oblique right mouth corner. The human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG) level in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) was slightly increased. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed ipsilateral brain and brainstem atrophy. Susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI) revealed obvious hypointensity in right globus pallidus. Pathological diagnosis on biopsy was confirmed with germinoma. The patient had a favorable relief of symptoms after chemoradiotherapy.Conclusion: Intracranial germinoma, a potentially curable tumor, the early diagnosis is essential for the prognosis. An elevated HCG level of CSF or serum can be used as a reference indicator. MRI, especially SWI, plays an important role in early diagnosis. Patients should be treated with standardized chemoradiotherapy early rather than surgery.