Germinoma CT

Germinoma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Differentiating Germinoma from other Diseases
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Germinoma CT On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Germinoma CT All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA onGerminoma CT
CDC on Germinoma CT
Germinoma CT in the news
on Germinoma CT
Directions to Hospitals Treating Germinoma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Germinoma CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [3]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [4]

Overview

Head and neck CT scan may be diagnostic of germinoma. Findings on CT scan suggestive of germinoma include hyperdensity compared to adjacent brain, pituitary stalk enhancement and thickening, and presence of calcification in the pineal region in the pediatric population.

CT

• On CT the high cellularity results in a degree to hyperdensity compared to adjacent brain. Usually the mass enhances brightly.
• When in the floor of the third ventricle it is typically seen filling and expanding the infundibular recess and supraoptic recess.
• Imaging may however be normal initially and if the diagnosis is suspected clinically (e.g. idiopathic hypothalamic diabetes insipidus) then close followup is required to identify potentially very subtle abnormal pituitary stalk enhancement and thickening.
• In the paediatric population presence of calcification in the pineal region is a useful marker of an underlying tumor, as no calcification of the pineal is seen in children below the age of 6.5 and in only ~10% of children between 11 and 14 years of age.
• Germinomas show a homogeneous pattern and are hyperdense compared with brain tissue whereas nongerminomatous tumors NGGTS are irregular in shape, with edema, and are less dense than germinomas. Mature teratomas have mixed densities, with areas of calcification with distinct tumor margins and with large cysts.

• 

  Sagittal non contrast CT of germinoma of CNS

• 

  Axial non contrast CT of germinoma

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources