Suprasellar embryonal carcinoma: report of one case

Intracranial embryonal carcinoma is a rare germ cell tumor found predominantly in the pineal region and, to a lesser extent, in the suprasellar region. The case of a 12-year-old female with a history of secondary amenorrhea for 6 months is reported; her symptoms included decreased visual acuity, dizziness and postprandial vomiting over a 1-month period. A huge suprasellar mass was found by computed tomography. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) levels were elevated. The tumor was subtotally resected; pathologic and immunocytochemical findings were compatible with embryonal carcinoma. The patient died three weeks after operation. The case is described and pertinent literature is reviewed.