Ocular findings of suprasellar germinoma: Long-term follow-up after radiotherapy

Abstract

Clinicopathological features of 12 cases with suprasellar germinoma during the past 71/2 years have been evaluated. The visual disturbance progressed insidiously in eight cases and relatively rapidly in three. Visual fields revealed characteristically asymmetric temporal hemianopia in most cases and sometimes atypical defects.

Pathological findings elucidated that visual disturbances would be caused mainly by tumor cell infiltration into the optic pathway. Radiotherapy was effective and there was no recurrence of the visual functions after irradiation in six cases who have been followed up for a period ranging from two years to 71/2 years.