ABSTRACT
We performed retrospective analysis to find out how severity of hydrocephalus influenced course of the disease in children with malignant brain tumors. Hydrocephalus was discovered in 62% of patients with malignant cerebral tumors but its frequency did not depend on degree of malignancy. Regression of hydrocephalus was obtained in 67.2% of cases after surgical removal of the tumor depending on degree of resection. Hyperproduction and hyperabsorption of CSF were more common in malignant tumors that in benign. Probably one of the leading mechanisms is impaired CSF absorption due to increased protein level and amount of unbound tumor cells in CSF, as well as tumor invasion of basal cisterns. Effectiveness, complications and role of shunting operations in complex treatment of children with malignant brain tumors is investigated. We demonstrated that shunting is indicated as symptomatic treatment when hydrocephalus persists or becomes more severe after tumor removal with restoration of CSF pathways, while conservative treatment is unsuccessful.
