A case of germ cell tumor associated with Down syndrome

Abstract

It is well-known that Down syndrome is sometimes associated with leukemia. A relationship between Down syndrome and brain tumors has also been reported. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with Down syndrome who developed right hemiparesis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion in the left basal ganglia. Needle biopsy was performed. Histological evaluation of the surgical specimen revealed a germinoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy and irradiation. In patients with Down syndrome, solid tumors are extremely rare. We reviewed such rare cases of intracranial germ cell tumors in patients with Down syndrome.