Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare intracranial tumors with a strong predilection for
children. Commonly, these tumors arise either in the suprasellar or the pineal region.
The basal ganglia-thalamus complex represents a rare site of nonmidline intracranial
GCTs. Such basal ganglionic GCTs have been reported to produce certain interesting
clinico-radiological features, the knowledge of which may provide important diagnostic
clues preoperatively. We present the case of a 9.5-year-old boy who presented with
right hemiparesis and precocious puberty. Imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhancing
mass involving the left capsuloganglionic region, sparing the thalamus. There was
little perilesional edema and midline shift. Because of the deep location of the mass
and a lack of mass effect, a neuronavigation-guided tumor biopsy was performed which
unraveled a pure germinoma. The child was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy following
an uneventful postoperative course. At the time of writing the report, the child was
on radiotherapy and doing well.
Key-words:
Adjuvant therapy - Caudate nucleus - cerebral atrophy - germ cell tumor - precocious
puberty - stereotactic biopsy
