New biomarker for predicting non-lymphocytic lesions, including germinoma, in patients with central diabetes insipidus

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI), a rare condition involving the destruction or degeneration of neurons of the hypothalamic-posterior pituitary in the brain, has several likely underlying clinical causes. Patients with CDI experience excessive thirst and excessive urine production, owing to the decreased secretion of AVP. Moreover, in children and young adults with CDI, a malignant tumor known as a ‘germinoma’ may develop later in life. The diagnosis of these tumors is challenging because biopsy in intracranial lesions is difficult.