ABSTRACT
@#Objective To investigate the clinical features, therapeutic strategy and prognosis of pediatric benign cerebellar astrocytomas (BCAs). Methods 101 children with BCAs diagnosed histopathologically were analyzed retrospectively and followed up. Results There were 50 boys and 51 girls with a median age of 9.8 years old. The sizes of tumors were 3～7.5 cm. 46 cases were with solid-tumor, 24 with the tumor in the cyst, 31 with the cysty in the tumor. 39 cases were located in cerebellum vermis, 58 cases were in the cerebellar hemisphere and 9 cases were adhesive with brain stem located in the forth ventricle. 92 cases were total removed and 9 cases were subtotal removed. 87 patients were followed up for 1～5 years, and all of them has survived, without radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Conclusion Pediatric benign cerebellar astrocytomas mostly grows in cerebellar hemisphere， also in vermis frequently. Neuroimaging and pathology may conduce to the diagnosis. Microsurgical resection may result in optimal outcome.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the MR imaging characteristics of benign cerebellar astrocytomas(BCAs) in children. Methods The clinical and MR imaging data of twelve patients with BCAs were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.Results Of 12 tumors, 7 cases were located in the cerebellar hemisphere, 4 in the vermis, and 1 in the IV ventricle. All children were in company with hydrocephalus rated as extensive (n=9) or moderate (n=3). The tumors ranged in diameter from 23 mm to 68 mm, mean diameter 42 mm. Solid tumors were found in 5 children, and cystic areas occurred in 7 of 12 patients.BCAs were hypointense on T 1-weighted in 10 cases, and hyperintense on T 2WI in 9 cases compared with that of normal brain parenchyma. After contrast injection, BCAs marked (n=2), moderate (n=5), or absent (n=5) enhancement. Hemorrhage and calcification were not common (n=1,0, respectively).Conclusion BCAs has relative characteristic features on MRI in children, and MRI plays an important role in diagnosing and evaluating these tumors preoperatively.