Infantile (congenital) anaplastic intracranial solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma—A case report with brief literature review

Solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma (SFT/HPC) is a rare primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor, included in the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 classification. Very few cases have been described in the literature so far, especially the infantile type. It is a mesenchymal tumor of the fibroblastic type, characterized by the fusion of NAB 2 and STAT 6 genes. A 10-month-old boy presented to our neurosurgery department with complaints of increasing head circumference since 1 month of age. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying lesion measuring 8.2 cm × 7 cm × 6.9 cm in the fronto-temporo-parietal region with a clinical diagnosis of glioma/atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). The microscopy revealed a spindle cell tumor arranged in a patternless pattern with variable cellularity, increased mitosis, and areas of coagulative necrosis. The immunohistochemistry showed vimentin, CD 34, STAT6, CD99 positivity whereas Glial fibrillary acidic protein, Epithelial membrane antigen, and S-100 negativity. Hence, a diagnosis of anaplastic SFT/HPC (grade-III) was rendered. The patient improved after gross total resection (GTR). The primary intracranial congenital SFT/HPC are extremely rare, often a clinico-radiologically misdiagnosed entity. Thus, the immunohistochemistry/molecular study in addition to histology is mandatory for accurate diagnosis.

Lymphoplasmacyte-Rich Meningioma of the Third Ventricle: Case Report

Introduction Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, accounting for up to 35% of the neoplasms in this category. Approximately 10­20% of these neoplasms are histologically atypical, and the lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (LPM) corresponds to a very rare subtype of meningioma that is characterized histopathologically by massive infiltrates of inflammatory cells. The case described in the present study is the sixth case of an intraventricular LPM found in the literature and the first case considering the location in the third ventricle. Case Description A 21-year-old male without previous comorbidities sought medical attention due to visual impairment (complaining of intermittent visual blur) for 2 months. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain confirmed the presence of a well-delimited solid mass in the third ventricle of 3.0 2.3 cmwith a cystic component that extended itself inferiorly and distorted the visual pathway anatomy. Neurosurgeons decided to access the lesion using an interhemispheric transcallosal approach with a transforaminal access, and the lesion was resected completely. The patient has an ambulatorial endocrinological follow-up and is neurologically stable 6 months after the procedure. No new visual deficits were noted. Conclusion Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma is a very rare intracranial tumor, and the involvement of the third ventricle make this case unique.

Psicosis depresiva como forma de presentación de un tumor cerebral / Depressive Psychosis as an Onset Symptom of a Brain Tumor

Introducción: Los tumores cerebrales a veces tienen una presentación clínica compleja y atípica en sus inicios, en dependencia de su localización, lo que puede confundirse con trastornos de la esfera psiquiátrica. Objetivo: Describir un caso clínico interpretado como una psicosis por su sintomatología cuyo diagnóstico resultó un glioblastoma multiforme de alta malignidad. Caso clínico: Mujer de 35 años que comienza desde hace varios meses con trastornos de la conducta, síntomas depresivos, irritabilidad y conflictos en el hogar. Se instala un cuadro de depresión profunda que no mejora con tratamiento farmacológico impuesto por psiquiatría y se decide tratamiento electroconvulsivo, después del cual cae en estado de coma con elementos de hipertensión intracraneal y focalización neurológica. La tomografía de urgencia evidencia un tumor intracraneal, con áreas de necrosis, infiltración y desplazamiento de estructuras adyacentes y signos de hipertensión intracraneal. Al realizar intervención microquirúrgica fallece. La necropsia reveló glioblastoma multiforme de alta malignidad con focos de necrosis y de hemorragias. Conclusiones: La depresión y manifestaciones de trastornos mentales pueden tener causa orgánica, un hecho que debe considerarse en el contexto clínico. La historia clínica bien obtenida, la evaluación psicopatológica y las técnicas de imágenes en la actualidad son herramientas fundamentales en la precisión diagnóstica(AU)

Introduction: Brain tumors sometimes have a complex and atypical clinical presentation at the beginning, depending on their location, which can be mistaken for psychiatric disorders. Objective: To describe a clinical case interpreted as a psychosis for its symptoms and whose diagnosis was a highly malignant glioblastoma multiforme. Clinical case: This is the case of a 35-year-old woman who, several months ago, started to present behavioral disorders, depressive symptoms, irritability, and conflicts at home. Clinical signs of deep depression onset, which does not improve with pharmacological treatment prescribed by the psychiatry specialist; electroconvulsive treatment is decided, after which she falls into a coma with elements of intracranial hypertension and a neurological focus. The emergency tomography shows an intracranial tumor, with necrotic areas, infiltration, and displacement of adjacent structures, as well as signs of intracranial hypertension. When microsurgical intervention is performed, she died. The necropsy revealed highly malignant glioblastoma multiforme with necrosis focuses and hemorrhage. Conclusions: Depression and manifestations of mental disorders may have an organic cause, a fact that must be considered in the clinical setting. A well-obtained clinical history, psychopathological evaluation, and imaging techniques are currently essential tools for an accurate diagnosis(AU)

Application of surgery combined with intra-operative I125 particles implantation in treatment of intracranial tumor / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To discuss the efficacy of surgery combined with intra-operative I125 particles implantation in treatment of intracranial tumor.Methods The data of 25 cases diagnosed with intracranial tumors in general hospital of Shenyang Military Region from January 2015 to November 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients received the combination of surgery and I125 particles intra-operative implantation.The therapeutic effect was observed and evaluated.Results All the patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months and there was no signs of recurrence or adverse reactions in the short term.Conclusion The combination of surgery and I125 particles intra-operative implantation could avoid the pain of postoperative radiotherapy and inhibit the short-term recurrence of multiple intracranial tumors.

Application of ExacTrac X-ray image guidance system to frameless stereotactic radiosurgery of intracranial tumor / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To study the setup accuracy and other factors during frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of intracraial tumor using ExacTrac X-ray image guide system.Methods Totally 119 intracranial tumor patients from August 2014 to February 2016 underwent auto setup with infrared marker.Bilateral oblique cross field images were obtained with ExacTrac X-ray system,and went through comparison,registration and correction with the digitally reconstructed ones of the planning system.Then the translation accuracy errors at LAT,LNG and VRT directions and corresponding rotational accuracy errors were acquired,and the errors experienced extended analysis.Results The translation errors at LAT,LNG and VRT directions acquired with ExacTrac X-ray image guidance system and 6DOF couch were (0.16±0.13) mm,(0.17±0.14) mm and (0.15±0.11) mm respectively,the corresponding rotational errors were (0.21±0.15),(0.18±0.15),(0.18±0.14)° respectively,and the vector error was (0.32±0.16) mm.All of 3 translation and 3 rotational errors were in the SRS error range.Conclusion ExacTrac X-ray image guidance system combined with 6 degrees-of-freedom couch increases the treatment accuracy during frameless SRS,and thus is worthy promoting practically.

Comparison of remifentanil combined with sevoflurane or propofol in anesthesia for patients with intracranial tumors / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To study the application of remifentanil combined with sevoflurane or propofol in the anesthesia of patients with intracranial tumors.Methods From January 2015 to December 2015,60 patients with intracranial tumor surgery in our hospital were selected as the research object in this study.They were randomly divided into A group and B group,each group had a total of 30 cases.Patients in group A were treated with remifentanil combined with sevoflurane anesthesia,and B group was treated with remifentanil and propofol anesthesia.Comparative analysis of A group and B group of patients with clinical indicators.Results During the operation,two groups of patients with end tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure and pulse oxygen saturation score.Two groups of patients in the immediate intubation heart rate and blood pressure were significantly lower than before anesthesia,A group reduced the degree of greater,with statistical difference(P<0.05).In group A,30 min and 1H were significantly higher than those in group B after anesthesia,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The anesthesia time of A group was(187.3±22.7)min,and the extubation time was(22.1±8.2)min.The anesthesia time of B group was(181.4±19.1)min,and the extubation time was(10.2±5.3)min.As a result,B group of patients with anesthesia time and extubation time were significantly less than the A group,and with statistical difference(P<0.05).Conclusion Remifentanil Combined with propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia in patients with intracranial tumors compared to two kinds of methods can effectively stabilize the patient's life signs,but remifentanil and propofol recovery time is fast,contribute to the balance of cerebral oxygen supply and consumption in a certain extent,with the further promotion and application of clinical significance.

Effects of different anesthesia methods on cognitive function in elderly patients with intracranial tumors at different time points / 实用肿瘤学杂志

Objective The objective of this study was to observed the effect of target control intravenous (TCI) anesthesia and intravenous inhalational anesthesia in the postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients with intracranial tumor at different time points.Methods Seventy patients were divided into the experimental and control groups according to the different methods of intraoperative anesthesia.The experimental group was selected to treat with propofol combined with remifentanil TCI anesthesia,and the control group was treated with intravenous anesthetics combined with inhalation isoflurance.Recovery time of respiration,time of opening eyes,extuation time,orientation recovery time,OAAS score before and after operation,and cognitive function (MMSE)were observed in two groups.Results They were no differences in the recovery time of respiration,time of opening eyes and extubation time in two groups (P ＞ 0.05).The orientation recovery time in the experimental group was 20.4 ± 5.8 min and 23.2 ± 4.3 min in the control group.They had significantly different between experimental and control groups (P ＜ 0.05).The time of extubation,leaving the operating room and after 1 h of extubation,OAAS point for the experimental group was 3.3 ± 0.5,4.2 ± 0.4,4.6 ± 0.6 min,respectively,and 2.3 ± 0.2,3.3± 0.4,3.9 ± 0.3 in the control group,respectively.They were significantly different between the experimental and control groups(P ＜ 0.05).Prior to treatment,there was no significant difference in MMSE score between the two groups(P ＞0.05).MMSE score was 25.0 ±0.4 and 27.9 ± 1.1 in the experimental group after treatment for 24 h and 48 h,respectively.MMSE score in the control group was 23.2 ±0.9 and 25.8 ± 1.3 after treatment for 24 and 48 h,respectively.There had a significant different from two groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion For elderly patients with intracranial tumor surgery,TCI anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil is stable and awake,and the effect on postoperative cognitive function is relatively small.

Value of magnetic resonance imaging-guided minimally invasive treatment in glioma and its metastatic tumor / 中国肿瘤临床

Minimally invasive treatment has received increasing attention in the field of tumor therapy. Imaging-guided ablation (phys-ical or chemical) and 125I particle implantation have recently become first-line therapies for malignant tumors. A comparison with com-puted tomography, ultrasound, or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) illustrates that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows ex-treme superiority in both intracranial tumor diagnosis and interventional therapy. Nevertheless, MRI also has a deficiency. This study aims to discuss the value of an MRI-guided minimally invasive treatment in glioma and its metastatic tumor.

Risk factors for postoperative healthcare-associated infection in neurosur-gical patients undergoing intracranial tumor removal / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To investigate the occurrence of postoperative healthcare-associated infection(HAI)and its risk factors in neurosurgical patients undergoing removal of intracranial tumor,so as to provide theoretical basis for formulating intervention measures.Methods Prospective survey was adopted to monitor the occurrence of postoperative HAI in patients who admitted to the department of neurosurgery of a hospital and underwent selective removal of intracranial tumor between April 2013 and December 2014 ,risk factors for HAI were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results A total of 1 218 patients were surveyed,163 patents developed 193 times of postoperative HAI,inci-dence of postoperative HAI was 13.38%,case incidence of HAI was 15.85%.The main HAI site was intracranial site(n=125,64.77%),the next was lower respiratory tract (n=55,28.49%).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that operation grade and subtentorial operation were independent risk factors for postoperative HAI in neurosurgical patients undergoing removal of intracranial tumor,OR and 95%CI were 4.352(1.878-10.080)and 1.812(1.280-2.564)respec-tively.Conclusion Risk of postoperative HAI in neurosurgical patients undergoing high grade operation and subtentorial removal of intracranial tumor is high,effective prevention and control measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of HAI.

Adult Intracranial Gliofibroma : A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gliofibroma is an extremely rare biphasic tumor with an astrocytic and benign mesenchymal component, which commonly occurs within the first two decades of life. The exact biological behavior of the tumor is not fully understood. Therefore, it is not listed as a distinct entity in the current World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors. Here, we describe a rare case of gliofibroma, which was located on the medial temporal lobe in a 61-year-old woman. Preoperatively, we misdiagnosed it as a meningioma because it was a well-demarcated and well-enhanced extra-axial mass with calcification and bony destruction. On the histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, the tumor consisted of a mixture of glial tissue and mesenchymal tissue and it was finally diagnosed as a gliofibroma. To our knowledge, this case of intracranial gliofibroma is in the oldest patient ever reported.

Optic Nerve Glioma with Unilateral Proptosis: An Interesting Case Report.

Optic nerve is most important cranial nerve responsible for visual functioning. Optic nerve involvement leading to blindness can be seen in various diseases, which cause swelling, inflammation, ischemia of the optic nerve. The optic nerve glioma (ONG) comprises 5% of all pediatric intracranial tumor and are a leading cause of unilateral proptosis. ONGs can be associated with neurofibromatosis and are more common than meningiomas. 20-30% of ONGs become symptomatic before the age of 10 years. Visual evoked potential testing is helpful in detecting asymptomatic gliomas. Early detection and prompt management can prevent blindness from gliomas. Treatment of ONG should be tailored to the individual patient. Our patient also showed the presence of unilateral ONG with proptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging was diagnostic. Partial optic atrophy was also present.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on amino acid in cerebro-spinal fluid of patients undergoing intracranial tumor surgery / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on excitatory aminoacid (EAA)and inhibition of amino acid(IAA)in cerebro-spinal fluid(CSF)of patients undergoing in-tracranial tumor surgery,and to explore the cerebral protective mechanism of dexmedetomidine in neurosurgery.Methods Sixty patients aged 18-64 years old,ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ,weighing 50-90 kg un-dergoing elective intracranial tumor surgery were randomly divided into dexmedetomidine group (group D)and control group(group C).Dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg was infused before anesthesia in-duction for more than 10 minutes and pumped continously with 0.2-0.7 μg·kg-1·h-1 in group D, while in group C midazolam 0.03-0.05 mg/kg was injected followed by intermittent administration of 0.03-0.05 mg/kg.BIS value was maintained between 40-50.MAP and HR was recorded at the time points before induction(T0 ),dura mater incision(T1 ),tumor resection(T2 ),at the end of the surgery (T3 ).And we collected CSF at T0 ,T3 ,6 hours after the surgery(T4 ),12 hours after the surgery (T5 ),24 hours after the surgery(T6 ),then the concentrations of EAA and IAA were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)at T0 ,T3 ,T4 ,T5 and T6 .Results The MAP and HR in group D at T1-T3 were much lower than that in T0 and in group C(P <0.05).Compared with T0 ,the Glu and Asp in CSF significantly increased in group C at T3-T6 and were much higher than those in group D (P < 0.05 ),GABA was significantly decreased and much lower than group D(P <0.05).Compared with T0 ,the Glu and Asp in group D at T3-T5 were increased and GABA was decreased, but without statistic significance. At T6 , the values recovered to the level at T0 . Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can be used to maintain hemodynamic stability in intracranial tumor surgery,and may play a role in cerebral protection through inhibiting expression of Glu and Asp (EAA).

Reliability and accuracy of three-dimensional digital fusion anatomy in the preoperative evaluation of intracranial tumors / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the reliability and accuracy of three-dimensional digital fusion anatomy in the preoperative evaluation and therapeutic strategy choice of intracranial tumors.Methods MRI scan,including regular MRI,MRA,MRV and DTI,were performed in 87 case.Then tumor themselves as well as tumor-associated structures were reconstructed and fused through iPlan 2.6 software.Based on the reconstructed images,therapeutic strategy were established,preoperative and intraoperative imags were compared.Results The digital reconstruction were successfully finished in all cases.Meanwhile,digital images,originally radiological images and actual images matched well.No approach-associated complication were met in our series.Among tumors in the convexity,the relationship of the reflux veins and the tumors were divided into three types:anterior(12 cases),posterior(19 cases) and overriding(3 cases).All of the relationships were seen in the preoperative fusion image,and the veins were all effectively protected during operation.The tumor-associated arteries could be pushed or wraped by the tumors,and the three-dimensional fusion image could provided their virtually aberrant pathway as well as their relationship with tumor.During microsurgical managment of tumors in the deep brain parenchyma,safe approach were found with the help of comprehensive understanding of the tumors and their adjacent structures.Conclusion Three-dimensional digital fusion anatomy can vividly and accurately display full rang of information about the tumor,and facilitate tumor treatment safely.

A Case of Giant Skull Base Chondroma

Intracranial chondroma is a rare benign tumor. Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old female who was afflicted with left eye blindness and ptosis. Brain computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a giant calcified mass accompanied by a solid mass in the middle and posterior fossa. A differential diagnosis regarding chordoma, chondrosarcoma, and other chondroid tumors based on radiologic information was inconclusive. The lesion was resected completely under a microscope using a combined pterional and subtemporal approach. The pathologic report confirmed the diagnosis of chondroma. No evidence of neurological worsening was observed. The tumor had a calcified mass with mature hyaline cartilage surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule. We dissected the periphery of the tumor mass and removed it via aspiration. It was readily distinguished from normal brain parenchymal tissue. The large calcified mass at the center of the tumor had relatively high vascularity, and a high-speed drill and various rongeurs were used to remove the tumor.

Application of mind map in admission guidance of patients receiving gamma knife treatment / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To evaluate the application effect of mind map in admission guidance of patients receiving gamma knife treatment.Methods 153 cases of hospitalized patients admitted in our hospital were selected for this study,which had been divided according to the random number table method,the observation group(77 cases) was guided with the hospital mind map method,and the control group (76 cases) was given traditional oral hospital instruction,respectively.The database was established for the double entry,calibration and data cleaning,which were obtained from the result of gamma knife treatment of intracranial tumor disease related knowledge questionnaire,hospital satisfaction questionnaire and also patient adherence questionnaire assessment.Results The comparison of knowledge assessment questionnaire outcome,the admission guide satisfaction questionnaire assessment,the patients compliance questionnaire assessment outcome showed that the observation group was significantly different from the control group.Conclusions Application of mind map in admission guidance for hospitalized patients was a more efficient method than the traditional oral admission instruction,the method is simple,practical and effective,which is worthy of clinical practice.

Coincidencia de la tomografía computadorizada monocorte con el examen anatomopatológico posquirúrgico en el diagnóstico de los tumores intracraneales primarios / Coincidence of the monoscan computed tomography with the postsurgical anatomopathological examination in the diagnosis of primary intracranial tumors

OBJETIVO: determinar la coincidencia de los resultados de la tomografía computadorizada monocorte en el diagnóstico anatomopatológico posquirúrigico de los tumores intracraneales primarios. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 85 pacientes a quienes se les realizó diagnóstico tomográfico de tumor intracraneal primario y anatomopatológico posquirúrgico. RESULTADOS: el diagnóstico tomográfico coincidió con el anatomopatológico en un 87 por ciento de los casos. La tomografía computadorizada monocorte permitió en un elevado porcentaje el diagnóstico de los tumores intracraneales primarios. CONCLUSIONES: existe una elevada coincidencia en los resultados de la tomografía computadorizada monocorte con el examen anatomopatológico posquirúrgico en el diagnóstico de los tumores intracraneales primarios.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the coincidence of the monoscan computed tomography with the postsurgical anatomopathological examination in the diagnosis of primary intracranial tumors. METHODS: a descriptive study was conducted in 85 patients underwent tomography diagnosis of a primary intracranial tumor and also a postsurgical anatomopathological diagnosis. RESULTS: the tomography diagnosis coincided with the anatomopathological one in a 87 percent of cases. The monoscan computed tomography allowed in a high percentage to diagnose the primary intracranial tumors. CONCLUSIONS: there is a high coincidence of the results of monoscan computed tomography with the postsurgical anatomopathological examination as regards the diagnosis of primary intracranial tumors.

Analysis of cause of Secondary intracranial hemorrhage during craniotomy for intracranial tumor / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the reasons and the treatment counter-measures for secondary intracranial hemorrhage happens in the intracranial tumor craniotomy. Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 15 patients with intracranial tumor who suffered secondary intracranial hemorrhage intraoperation. Summarized the tumor characteristics and the situation of corresponding vessels confined by second operation. Results In these 15 cases,the rank of course of disease was 6.5 months to 2 years, mean 1.2 years. The size of the tumor was big with diameter 4.62 ～5. 82cm,mean 5. 12cm,and the tumor was deep surrounding by large range edema,which led to intracranial hypertension. The emissary vein,bridging vein and cortical draining vein were considered as the corresponding vessels for ' secondary intracranial hemorrhage during the second operation carried out for all 15 cases. There wsa no death cases in this research and all patients recovered the nomal ability for self-caring after 3 months following up. Conclusion Sudden drawdown of intracranial pressure and perfusion pressure breakthrough of local vessels had relationship with secondary intracranial hemorrhage during craniotomy for intracranial tumor. Accurate judgement for the occurrence of secondary intracranial hemorrhage intra-operation and quickly taking the effective corresponding measures was the important strategy for prognosis improving for these patients.

Radiofrequency for Trigeminal Neuralgia as a Complaint of Intracranial Benign Tumor: 18 Cases Report / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effect of radiofrequency on trigeminal neuralgia as the chief complaint of intracranial benign tumor. Methods 18 patients with intracranial benign tumor mainly presenting with trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation guided by CT scanning. The numeric rating scales (NRS) of pain and the complication were observed. Results The scores of NRS decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.01). The common complications included facial numbness and masticatory movement obstacle. One patient recurred 13 months and another patient recurred 24 months after operation. Both were treated with radiofrequency once again, and the pain ceased. Conclusion Radiofrequency is effective on secondary trigeminal neuralgia after intracranial benign tumor.

Craniopharyngioma : A review of 14 cases at Siriraj Hospital.

Objective: 1) To characterize clinical presentations of craniophryngioma in the hypothalamic- pituitary region. 2) To examine both pre-treatment and post-treatment endocrine dysfunction of patients with craniopharyngioma. Methods: Medical records of patients with craniopharyngiomas from the Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine from 1997 to 2005 (9 years) were retrospectively reviewed. Data were expressed as mean+ SD (range) or percent as appropriate. Results: There were 14 cases (7 males and 7 females) with histological-proven diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. Their mean age was 32.3 + 13.0 years (15-56). The major distinguishing feature leading to diagnosis was visual field defects (85.7%), and a quarter of them were blind. Other distinguishing symptoms were headaches (78.6%), and menstrual disorders (28.6%). Pre-operative evaluations of their pituitary function revealed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (55.6%), diabetes insipidus (DI) (42.9%), secondary adrenal insufficiency (18%) and elevated prolactin levels (36.4%) with a mean level of 36.1+39.2 ng/ml (12-138). All tumors were confirmed by pituitary CT or MRI. Mean tumor size was 3.83+1.3 cm. (2-6), and hydrocephalus was found in 54.5% of all patients. Craniotomy was performed in 13 cases with one transphenoidal surgery. Post-operative endocrine evaluations revealed more frequent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (90%), both secondary adrenal insufficiency and diabetes insipidus (85.7%). 50% of DI cases were permanent DI. Secondary hypothyroidism was found post-operatively (78%). All cases of elevated serum prolactin levels became normal post-operatively and 44% of all patients had visual field improvement within a follow up period of 2.1+2.3 years (0-7). Conclusion: Craniopharyngioma is associated with high morbidity pre and post-operation. Visual field tests should be carefully evaluated in all patients with headaches to make early diagnosis in order to improve the treatment outcome.

Desmoplastic Cerebral Astrocytoma of Infancy

Desmoplastic cerebral astrocytoma of infancy is a massive cystic tumor, typically occurring in the cerebral hemisphere and a rare intracranial tumor that arises in subjects usually below the age of 18 months and shows a favorable prognosis. A 5.5-month-old boy was presented with a rapidly increasing head circumference and lethargy. A computerized tomography scan revealed a large, multicystic, partially enhancing right parieto-occipital mass with hydrocephalus. This patient was treated with a surgery and a firm plaque-like tumor along withmulticystic component was gross totally removed. The tumor mass was firmly attached to the dura and extended in fingerlike projections onto the cortical surface. The infant underwent no further therapy and has developed normally during 6 months after surgery. Desmoplastic cerebral astrocytoma of infancy is a rare intracranial tumor but recognition of this tumor should be appreciated because, despite its massive size and rapidly growing characterstics, this tumor often has a relatively benign clinical course.