Optic nerve and chiasmal germinoma

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009 Mar-Apr;25(2):161-3. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0b013e31819aacbb.

Abstract

A 15-year-old boy presented with visual acuity of 20/200 OD and no light perception OS. The anterior segment of the left eye showed a relative afferent pupillary defect. A large (4.5 x 4.5 x 2.0 mm) infiltrative optic nerve head lesion with dilated vessels was seen OS with disc pallor OD. MRI of the brain and orbit revealed lobulated optic nerve thickening and chiasm. A biopsy revealed features consistent with germinoma and was positive for marker placental alkaline phosphatase. Systemic examination, chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, cerebrospinal fluid, and serology were normal. He received 27 Gy to the craniospinal region followed by a boost of 27 Gy to the left optic nerve. Eight months postirradiation, vision stabilization was achieved with 20/200 OD and light perception with inaccurate projection of rays OS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / analysis
  • Female
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Germinoma / complications
  • Germinoma / diagnosis*
  • Germinoma / enzymology
  • Germinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Optic Chiasm* / pathology
  • Optic Nerve / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms / complications
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Placenta / enzymology
  • Time Factors
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*
  • Vision Disorders / physiopathology
  • Visual Acuity / radiation effects

Substances

  • Alkaline Phosphatase