Primary endodermal sinus tumor presenting with spinal cord compression

Endodermal sinus tumor is an uncommon malignant germ-cell neoplasm. These tumors usually present in childhood or young adulthood as testicular or ovarian masses; however, mediastinal and intracranial tumors have been described. The authors report the occurrence of a primary paraspinal endodermal sinus tumor in a 21-month-old boy who presented with thoracic spinal cord compression. A review of the literature failed to reveal a similar case. The clinical presentation, radiographic characteristics, operative findings, and patient outcome are discussed.