Ventriculoperitoneal shunt metastasis of a pineal germinoma

Metastasis of pineal germinoma to the peritoneal cavity via the patient's ventriculoperitoneal shunt represents an unusual complication of this rare tumor. We report such a case with autopsy correlation of the abdominal CT findings. CT accurately delineated the extent of the metastatic mass and revealed associated complications including biliary tract obstruction, thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and a small amount of ascitic fluid. Since this tumor is very sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the need for early detection of such metastasis is apparent. Possible implications with respect to the management of these patients are considered.