Primary cystic germinoma originating from the midbrain

Abstract

A primary intracranial germinoma that involves the midbrain is rare. We describe an unusual case of primary cystic germinoma originating from the midbrain. A 29-year-old man presented with diplopia, and his MRI showed a cystic, ring-like enhanced lesion in the thalamo–mesencephalic junction. Open biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of germinoma was based upon the histopathological findings. Following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the symptoms improved and the tumor disappeared. We propose that primary intracranial germinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of midbrain tumors, because early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for midbrain germinoma improves clinical outcome.