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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Primary intrasellar germinoma presenting with cavernous sinus syndrome
Surgical Neurology
|November 1, 1988
Summary
A rare primary intrasellar germinoma caused vision loss in a postpartum woman. Despite successful brain tumor treatment with craniospinal irradiation, widespread metastasis led to a fatal outcome.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Germinomas are rare tumors that can occur in the brain's sellar region.
- Postpartum onset of neurological symptoms requires careful differential diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old woman, 1 month postpartum, presented with headache and progressive left eye paralysis (total ophthalmoplegia).
- Transsphenoidal exploration revealed a primary intrasellar germinoma.
Findings:
- Craniospinal irradiation achieved complete resolution of the intracranial tumor.
- However, extensive mediastinal metastasis was diagnosed 8 months post-surgery.
Implications:
- Intrasellar germinomas, though rare, can present with significant neurological deficits.
- Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment are crucial, but metastatic potential remains a concern.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare tumors in postpartum neurological presentations.
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