Mixed malignant germ cell tumour of the liver

Abstract

 Germ cell tumours of the liver are rare neoplasms, with fewer than 20 cases reported in the literature following presentation as teratomas, choriocarcinomas or yolk sac tumours. We report a 52-year-old patient who complained of upper abdominal pain and anorexia. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large hepatic mass. Among the laboratory values we found elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein and beta-chorionic gonadotropin. Repeated biopsies via CT scan, laparoscopy and laparotomy disclosed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Subsequently liver function deteriorated and, on the basis of clinical data highly suggestive of a malignant germ cell tumour, a modified chemotherapeutic protocol (PEI) was initiated. The elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein and beta-chorionic gonadotropin declined rapidly, but the patient died 10 days later of liver dysfunction and bronchopneumonia. Subsequent autopsy confirmed the initial clinical diagnosis of a multilocular extragonadal malignant germ cell tumour of the liver with components of choriocarcinoma and embryonal carcinoma.