Value of tumour markers and eye movement disturbances in germ cell tumours

Abstract

The authors present a patient with a germ cell tumour in the region of the pineal gland. The diagnostic value of tumour markers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid is discussed and the localizing value of a convergence-retraction nystagmus is emphasized. The role of both the tumour markers and the specific eye movement disorder in monitoring therapeutic success or failure is stressed.

Key Words:

• germ cell tumours
• tumour markers
• convergence retraction nystagmus
• pineal gland
• alpha-fetoprotein
• beta HCG