Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF hCG) is very useful for the diagnosis of intracranial germinoma.We have previously reported on two patients with germinoma located in the basal ganglia.Their CSF hCG levels were extremely low upon presentation.1 However,significantly increased CSF hCG levels were detected when these two patients had a relapse.The experience acquired in these two cases is helpful to appropriately interpret the CSF hCG levels that are used to detect intracranial germinoma,evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and monitor recurrence.