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Review
. 2023 Aug;63(8):598-602.
doi: 10.1007/s00117-023-01172-1. Epub 2023 Jul 5.

[Diagnosis of germ cell tumors]

[Article in German]
Armin Bachhuber  1
Affiliations
Review

[Diagnosis of germ cell tumors]

[Article in German]
Armin Bachhuber. Radiologie (Heidelb). 2023 Aug.

Abstract
in English, German

Clinical/methodical issue: Intracranial germ cell tumors are rare central nervous system (CNS) diseases in Europa and America. Because of their low frequency and lack of typical imaging features, they represent a difficult diagnosis for any radiologist.

Standard radiological methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensible diagnostic tool for the initial diagnosis of germ cell tumors, although it has limitations.

Methodological innovations: So far, no typical morphologic pattern as a red flag for germ cell tumors has been identified. Correlation with clinical symptoms and laboratory results is mandatory.

Performance: In certain cases, combining the location of the tumor and clinical findings may allow a diagnosis to be made even without histologic confirmation.

Practical recommendations: In addition to imaging, the radiologist needs the age, background, and laboratory findings to be able to make an accurate diagnosis.

Zusammenfassung: KLINISCHES/METHODISCHES PROBLEM: Intrakranielle Keimzelltumoren sind in Europa und den USA eine seltene Erkrankung des zentralen Nervensystems (ZNS). Aufgrund ihrer geringen Häufigkeit und fehlenden bildmorphologischen Diagnosekriterien stellen sie eine typische Fallgrube für den Radiologen dar.

Radiologische standardverfahren: Die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) stellt eine sensible Untersuchung zur Erstdiagnostik von Keimzelltumoren dar, hat jedoch alleine deutliche Limitierungen.

Methodische innovationen: Bisher ist es nicht gelungen, typische bildmorphologische Muster für die unterschiedlichen Keimzelltumoren zu finden. Eine Korrelation mit Klinik und Labor ist für eine Diagnostik unerlässlich. LEISTUNGSFäHIGKEIT: Durch die Kombination von typischen Lokalisationen mit dem klinischen Erscheinungsbild lässt sich in manchen Fällen die Diagnose auch ohne Histologie stellen. BEWERTUNG UND EMPFEHLUNG FüR DIE PRAXIS: Für eine sichere Diagnose benötigt man zusätzlich das Alter, Herkunft, Labor, und klinische Symptomatik.

Keywords: Central nervous system neoplasms; Diabetes insipidus; Pineal region; Suprasellar tumor; Tumor markers.

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References

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