Embryonal carcinoma of the pineal gland with yolk sac tumor differentiation. A case report.

Twenty three old male patient was diagnosed as a pineal gland tumor and was operated in neurosurgical ward. He died four weeks later due to pneumonia and respiratory failure. Clinical diagnosis was based on computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) examination. Histological study of a biopsy and autopsy specimens showed embryonal carcinoma with yolk sac tumor differentiation. The diagnosis was supported by positive cytokeratin, placental alkaline phosphate and alpha-fetoprotein immunostainings.