Primary intrasellar germinoma in a woman presenting with secondary amenorrhea and hyperprolactinemia

Neurosurgery. 1984 Sep;15(3):417-20. doi: 10.1227/00006123-198409000-00020.

Abstract

A 32-year-old woman with secondary amenorrhea was found to have an elevated level of serum prolactin, partial diabetes insipidus, and a subtle visual field defect. A primary intrasellar tumor was noted on the computed tomographic scan. Although the tumor had some characteristics of a prolactinoma, transsphenoidal exploration revealed a primary germinoma. The tissue diagnosis led to appropriate treatment with radiotherapy. The tumor regressed, and the patient had a spontaneous pregnancy. Had dopamine agonists been used initially, amelioration of the hyperprolactinemia and delay in the proper diagnosis and treatment would have occurred.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amenorrhea / etiology*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diabetes Insipidus / etiology
  • Dysgerminoma / diagnosis*
  • Dysgerminoma / pathology
  • Dysgerminoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology
  • Pituitary Irradiation
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Prolactin / blood*

Substances

  • Prolactin