Intracranial hemangioblastomas: an institutional experience.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We present our Institutional experience with intracranial hemangioblastomas. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included all patients of intracranial hemangioblastomas admitted in our institution over a period of 11 years from January 1992 through June 2003. RESULTS: There were a total of 69 patients (45 males and 24 females). The average age at presentation was 34.5 years. The tumor was located in the cerebellar hemispheres, vermian and brainstem regions in 42 (60%) patients, 19 (28%) patients and 8 (12%) patients, respectively. Hydrocephalus was seen in 48 (69%) patients. Thirty-three patients underwent CSF diversion procedures prior to surgery on the tumor. All except one underwent definitive surgery. The mortality was 8 (11%). Sixty eight patients underwent surgery on the tumor. The follow-up ranged from 1 month to 11 years. Fifteen patients developed recurrent lesions. CONCLUSION: Lifelong surveillance is necessary in cases with hemangioblastomas to identify recurrences especially in those patients having VHL syndrome.