Performance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of severity and mortality in children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: An inflammatory cascade associated with the systemic neutrophil response can be triggered after traumatic brain injury (TBI), causing neuronal dysfunction, which is considered to be related to the prognosis of the victims. The scope of this research is to identify the performance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of prognosis considering TBI severity and death as outcomes in a group of pediatric patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated NLR through a consecutive review of the medical records (cross-sectional study) of children and adolescents aged < 17 years victims of TBI. To determine the highest NLR value identified as a predictor, different cutoff points were tested for each outcome. The cutoff points were defined based on the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: Among the 82 children with TBI included in the sample, the performance of AUC-ROC was 0.72 when evaluating NLR as a predictor of TBI severity, with NLR cutoff point of 3, and 0.76 when considering mortality as the outcome, with an increase in the cutoff point to 11. CONCLUSION: NLR can be considered a biomarker of brain injury in children and adolescent victims of TBI. Patients with NLR ≥ 3 had a fivefold higher probability of severe TBI and patients with NLR ≥ 11 experienced a ninefold higher risk of death.

Accuracy of acute hyperglycemia as a biomarker of severe brain damage in children with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: Biomarkers are substances measured at the systemic level to evaluate organic responses in certain situations, establishing diagnoses, disease staging, and prognosis. Blood glucose is a biomarker recognized as a predictor of prognosis in children victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The scope of this study was to identify the accuracy of blood glucose as a biomarker of severe brain injury. METHODS: A retrospective analytical study was conducted through the consecutive review of medical records of children and teenage victims of TBI who underwent neurological surgery between 2016 and 2023 in a level 1 trauma center. Two groups were compared: children with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤ 8 and children with GCS > 8. We calculated the predictive values to define the accuracy of blood glucose as a biomarker of brain injury. RESULTS: Ninety-two medical records were included for analysis. Hyperglycemia predominated in cases with GCS ≤ 8 (48% vs 3%; p < 0.0001; OR, 30; 95% CI, 5.9902-150.2448). The glycemic measurement considering the cutoff point of 200 mg/dL or 11.1 mmol/L showed a specificity of 97%, a positive predictive value of 86%, an accuracy of 84%, and a likelihood ratio for a positive test of 16. CONCLUSION: Victims with GCS ≤ 8 are 16 times more likely to develop acute hyperglycemia after TBI when compared to those with GCS > 8. Blood glucose is a biomarker with an accuracy of 84% to predict severe brain injury, considering the cutoff point of 200 mg/dL or 11.1 mmol/L.

Complex Craniosynostosis in Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome: Case Report in Twins.

INTRODUCTION: Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare genetic syndrome associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and craniofacial dysmorphisms caused by variations in the TCF4 transition factor. The aim of this article was to report the case of two twin infants diagnosed with PTHS, confirmed by the identification of a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the TCF4 gene through DNA extracted from a buccal swab. CASE PRESENTATION: Both infants presented with craniofacial asymmetry with a metopic crest and cranial deformity. During the diagnostic investigation, computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction of the skull showed premature fusion of the left coronal and metopic sutures in both twins. They underwent craniofacial reconstruction at the 9th month of age using a combination of techniques. The postoperative outcomes were satisfactory in both cases. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe the occurrence of complex craniosynostosis (CCS) in children with PTHS. Further studies are needed to determine whether the co-occurrence of PTHS and CCS described here indicates an association or is explained by chance.

Costs of pediatric hydrocephalus treatment for the Brazilian public health system in the Northeast of Brazil.

PURPOSE: To estimate the costs of the surgical treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus, specifically ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), for the Brazilian public health system (SUS). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of health records of patients < 14 years of age with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus who underwent VPS or ETV between September 2009 and June 2016, regularly followed up for 24 months. RESULTS: Seventy-six medical records were included. The groups of children who underwent VPS and ETV consisted of 60 and 16 patients, respectively. Complications during 2 years of follow-up were identified in 56% of the children undergoing VPS and in 18% of those undergoing ETV (p = 0.0103). The initial cost of VPS was lower than that of ETV up to approximately 1 year of post-surgical follow-up. After that, VPS generated higher expenses for the SUS due to higher rates of late post-surgical complications and repeated readmissions. CONCLUSION: Higher public expenditures were observed in the group of children undergoing VPS due to higher rates of infectious and mechanical complications requiring repeated hospitalizations and prosthesis replacements. Public policies must be tailored to offer the best treatment to children with hydrocephalus and to make judicious use of public resources without compromising the quality of treatment.

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage options for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature neonates.

OBJECTIVE: The literature describes various cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage techniques to alleviate posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm newborns; however, consensus has not been reached. The scope of this study was describing a case series of premature neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and assessing the outcomes of different approaches used for CSF diversion. METHODS: A consecutive review of the medical records of neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus treated with CSF drainage was conducted. RESULTS: Forty premature neonates were included. Serial lumbar puncture, ventriculosubgaleal shunt, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt were the treatments of choice in 25%, 37.5% and 37.5% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cerebrospinal fluid diversion should be tailored to each case with preference given to temporary CSF drainage in neonates with lower age and lower birth-weight, while the permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt should be considered in healthier, higher birth-weight neonates born closer to term.

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage options for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature neonates / Opções de drenagem liquórica em neonatos prematuros com hidrocefalia pós hemorrágica

ABSTRACT Objective The literature describes various cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage techniques to alleviate posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm newborns; however, consensus has not been reached. The scope of this study was describing a case series of premature neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and assessing the outcomes of different approaches used for CSF diversion. Methods A consecutive review of the medical records of neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus treated with CSF drainage was conducted. Results Forty premature neonates were included. Serial lumbar puncture, ventriculosubgaleal shunt, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt were the treatments of choice in 25%, 37.5% and 37.5% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion Cerebrospinal fluid diversion should be tailored to each case with preference given to temporary CSF drainage in neonates with lower age and lower birth-weight, while the permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt should be considered in healthier, higher birth-weight neonates born closer to term.

RESUMO Objetivo A literatura descreve várias opções de drenagem liquórica (DL) para alivio da hidrocefalia pós-hemorrágica (HPH) em neonatos prematuros; contudo, não existe um consenso sobre a melhor abordagem. O escopo deste estudo foi descrever uma série de casos de neonatos prematuros, portadores de HPH, verificando os resultados de diferentes técnicas utilizadas para DL. Métodos Revisão consecutiva dos prontuários de neonatos com diagnostico de HPH submetidos a DL. Resultados Quarenta recém-nascidos prematuros foram incluídos. A punção lombar seriada (PL), a derivação ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) e a derivação ventrículo peritoneal (VP) foram o tratamento escolhido em 25%, 37,5% e 37,5% dos casos, respectivamente. Conclusão As opções de DL devem ser avaliadas caso a caso, sendo dada preferência às drenagens temporária em prematuros com idade e peso mais baixos ao nascer, enquanto o shunt definitivo (derivação VP) pode ser considerado naqueles prematuros mais saudáveis, com idade e peso superiores.

Association of increased morbidity with the occurrence of hyperglycemia in the immediate postoperative period after elective pediatric neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVE The acute elevation of blood glucose in perioperative pediatric patients subjected to cardiac surgery and in victims of head trauma is associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. Data on the occurrence of hyperglycemia and its association with unfavorable outcomes among patients who have undergone elective neurosurgery are scarce in the literature. This study aimed to determine whether the occurrence of hyperglycemia during the perioperative period of elective neurosurgery for the resection of tumors of the CNS in children is associated with increased morbidity. METHODS This retrospective cohort analysis included 105 children up to 12 years of age who underwent elective neurosurgery for resection of supratentorial and infratentorial CNS tumors between January 2005 and December 2010 at the São Rafael Hospital, a tertiary care medical center in Salvador, Brazil. Demographic data and intraoperative and postoperative information were collected from the medical records. Differences in blood glucose levels during the perioperative period were evaluated with nonparametric tests. RESULTS The patients who developed postoperative complications exhibited higher blood glucose levels on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (162.0 ± 35.8 mg/dl vs 146.3 ± 43.3 mg/dl; p = 0.016) and peak blood glucose levels on postoperative Day 1 (171.9 ± 30.2 mg/dl vs 156.1 ± 43.2 mg/dl; p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed that peak blood glucose levels on postoperative Day 1 were independently associated with a higher odds ratio for postoperative complication (OR 1.05). The occurrence of hyperglycemia (>150 mg/dl) upon admission to the ICU was associated with longer ICU (p = 0.003) and hospital (p = 0.001) stays. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of hyperglycemia during the postoperative period after elective pediatric neurosurgery for the resection of CNS tumors was associated with longer hospital and ICU stays. Postoperative complications were associated with higher blood glucose levels upon admission to the ICU and higher peak blood glucose on the first postoperative day.

Clinical and ultrasonographic criteria for using ventriculoperitoneal shunts in newborns with myelomeningocele.

Objective Hydrocephalus is one of the main complications associated with myelomeningocele (MM). This study aimed to identify clinical and ultrasonographic criteria for using ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts in this group of patients.Method A retrospective cohort study, based on established protocol for VP shunt implant in hydrocephalic children with MM. Parameters used to guide the indication of VP shunts included measurement of head circumference (HC), evaluation of fontanels, and measurement of lateral ventricular atrium (LVA) width by transcranial ultrasonography.Results 43 children were included in the analysis, of which 74% had hydrocephalus and required a VP shunt. These children had LVA width ≥ 15 mm, showed increased HC, or had bulging fontanels.Conclusion VP shunt is required in children with increased HC (≥ 2 standard deviation regarding age group), bulging fontanels, or LVA width of ≥ 15 mm after the closure of MM.

Clinical and ultrasonographic criteria for using ventriculoperitoneal shunts in newborns with myelomeningocele / Critérios clínicos e ultrassonográficos para a indicação de derivação ventrículo peritoneal em neonatos portadores de mielomeningocele

Objective Hydrocephalus is one of the main complications associated with myelomeningocele (MM). This study aimed to identify clinical and ultrasonographic criteria for using ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts in this group of patients.Method A retrospective cohort study, based on established protocol for VP shunt implant in hydrocephalic children with MM. Parameters used to guide the indication of VP shunts included measurement of head circumference (HC), evaluation of fontanels, and measurement of lateral ventricular atrium (LVA) width by transcranial ultrasonography.Results 43 children were included in the analysis, of which 74% had hydrocephalus and required a VP shunt. These children had LVA width ≥ 15 mm, showed increased HC, or had bulging fontanels.Conclusion VP shunt is required in children with increased HC (≥ 2 standard deviation regarding age group), bulging fontanels, or LVA width of ≥ 15 mm after the closure of MM.

Objetivo Identificar os critérios clínicos e ultrassonográficos para a recomendação do implante de derivações ventrículo peritoneais (DVP) em neonatos portadores de mielomeningocele (MM).Método Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com base no protocolo estabelecido para o implante de DVP em crianças com hidrocefalia associada a MM. Parâmetros utilizados para orientar a indicação de DVP incluíram a medida da circunferência craniana (CC), a avaliação das fontanelas e a medida da largura lateral do átrio ventricular (LAV), avaliado por ultrassonografia transcraniana.Resultados 43 crianças foram incluídas na análise, dos quais 74% tinham hidrocefalia com recomendações para uso de DVP.Conclusão O aumento da CC e o abaulamento de fontanelas foram os principais critérios para a indicação de DVP. A DVP é necessária em crianças com aumento da CC (≥ 2 desvios padrões para a idade), fontanelas abauladas, ou LAV ≥ 15 mm após o fechamento cirúrgico da MM.

Congenital hydrocephalus in the northeast of Brazil: epidemiological aspects, prenatal diagnosis, and treatment.

PURPOSE: Congenital hydrocephalus (CH) has higher proportions in developing countries such as Brazil, reaching rates of 3.16:1,000 newborns. Early diagnosis is essential and can be done during the second trimester of pregnancy, highlighting the importance of regular prenatal care. Our objective is to describe the epidemiological profile of children with CH in the state of Bahia. METHODS: Consecutive medical records of patients with CH, aged less than 2 years and operated at a pediatric reference hospital between September 2009 and September 2012, were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one children underwent ventricular peritoneal shunt (VP shunt) due to CH. As for prenatal care, 38% of pregnant women did it regularly. Males predominated with 56% of cases with a median age of 3 months, and 68% were from the countryside area. The most frequent clinical manifestations were bulging fontanelle (37%) and increased head circumference (30%). There were 13 (11%) reports of complications associated with VP shunts. There were nine deaths (7%), and respiratory complications were the main cause. CONCLUSIONS: Public health measures are the key to increase mothers' knowledge about the importance of regular prenatal monitoring. There was a predominance of male children, with a median age of 3 months, with the majority coming from the countryside.

Scaphocephaly and cranial vault reconstruction: Renier's 'H' technique.

BACKGROUND: Resulting from an early fusion of the sagittal suture, scaphocephaly (SC) is the most frequent form of all craniosynostosis and represents 40-60% of all cases. The scope of this study is to describe the first series of Renier's 'H' technique to be applied in children with SC outside of France. METHODS: A consecutive review is made of the medical records of children hospitalized in the last 6 years (between March 2007 and March 2013) with isolated SC in whom Renier's 'H' technique was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen children met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Considering medical evaluation and parental satisfaction, the evaluation of postsurgical cranial reconstruction was classified as satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: We consider the Renier's H technique to be effective in the cranial reshaping of children with isolated SC, with satisfactory esthetic postsurgical results.

Do children with Glasgow 13/14 could be identified as mild traumatic brain injury?

OBJECTIVE: To identify in mild head injured children the major differences between those with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 15 and GCS 13/14. METHOD: Cross-sectional study accomplished through information derived from medical records of mild head injured children presented in the emergency room of a Pediatric Trauma Centre level I, between May 2007 and May 2008. RESULTS: 1888 patients were included. The mean age was 7.6 + or - 5.4 years; 93.7% had GCS 15; among children with GCS 13/14, 46.2% (p<0.001) suffered multiple traumas and 52.1% (p<0.001) had abnormal cranial computed tomography (CCT) scan. In those with GCS 13/14, neurosurgery was performed in 6.7% and 9.2% (p=0.001) had neurological disabilities. CONCLUSION: Those with GCS 13/14 had frequently association with multiple traumas, abnormalities in CCT scan, require of neurosurgical procedure and Intensive Care Unit admission. We must be cautious in classified children with GCS 13/14 as mild head trauma victims.

Do children with Glasgow 13/14 could be identified as mild traumatic brain injury? / Pacientes pediátricos com Glasgow 13 ou 14 podem ser identificados como traumatismo craniano leve?

OBJECTIVE: To identify in mild head injured children the major differences between those with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 15 and GCS 13/14. METHOD: Cross-sectional study accomplished through information derived from medical records of mild head injured children presented in the emergency room of a Pediatric Trauma Centre level I, between May 2007 and May 2008. RESULTS: 1888 patients were included. The mean age was 7.6±5.4 years; 93.7 percent had GCS 15; among children with GCS 13/14, 46.2 percent (p<0.001) suffered multiple traumas and 52.1 percent (p<0.001) had abnormal cranial computed tomography (CCT) scan. In those with GCS 13/14, neurosurgery was performed in 6.7 percent and 9.2 percent (p=0.001) had neurological disabilities. CONCLUSION: Those with GCS 13/14 had frequently association with multiple traumas, abnormalities in CCT scan, require of neurosurgical procedure and Intensive Care Unit admission. We must be cautious in classified children with GCS 13/14 as mild head trauma victims.

OBJETIVO: Identificar as principais diferenças entre os pacientes com Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) 15 e aqueles com escore 13/14. MÉTODO: Estudo realizado por meio da revisão de prontuários médicos de crianças vítimas de traumatismo craniencefálico leve, admitidas em Centro de Urgências Pediátricas nível I, durante um ano. RESULTADOS: Incluídas 1888 vítimas; idade média de 7,6±5,4 anos; 93,7 por cento apresentaram pontuação 15 na GCS. Naqueles com pontuação 13/14, 46,2 por cento (p<0,001) sofreram traumas múltiplos e 52,1 por cento (p<0,001) apresentaram alterações na tomografia de crânio. Tratamento neurocirúrgico foi necessário em 6,7 por cento dos pacientes com GCS 13/14 e 9,2 por cento (p=0,001) apresentaram seqüelas neurológicas no momento da alta hospitalar. CONCLUSÃO: Crianças com escore 13/14 apresentam maior prevalência de traumas múltiplos, alterações na tomografia de crânio, necessidade de tratamento neurocirúrgico e internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Devemos ser cautelosos ao classificar crianças com pontuação 13/14 na GCS como vítimas de traumatismo craniano leve.

Hyperglycemia in pediatric head trauma patients: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of acute hyperglycemia in children with head trauma stratified by the Glasgow coma scale (GCS). METHOD: A prospective cross-sectional study carried out with information from medical records of pediatric patients presenting with head injury in the emergency room of a referral emergency hospital during a one year period. We considered the cut-off value of 150 mg/dL to define hyperglycemia. RESULTS: A total of 340 children were included and 60 (17.6%) had admission hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia was present in 9% of mild head trauma cases; 30.4% of those with moderate head trauma and 49% of severe head trauma. We observed that among children with higher blood glucose levels, 85% had abnormal findings on cranial computed tomography scans. CONCLUSION: Hyperglycemia was more prevalent in patients with severe head trauma (GCS <8), regardless if they had or not multiple traumas and in children with abnormal findings on head computed tomography scans.

Hyperglycemia in pediatric head trauma patients: a cross-sectional study / Hiperglicemia em pacientes pediátricos com traumatismo craniencefálico: estudo de corte transversal

OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of acute hyperglycemia in children with head trauma stratified by the Glasgow coma scale (GCS). METHOD: A prospective cross-sectional study carried out with information from medical records of pediatric patients presenting with head injury in the emergency room of a referral emergency hospital during a one year period. We considered the cut-off value of 150 mg/dL to define hyperglycemia. RESULTS: A total of 340 children were included and 60 (17.6 percent) had admission hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia was present in 9 percent of mild head trauma cases; 30.4 percent of those with moderate head trauma and 49 percent of severe head trauma. We observed that among children with higher blood glucose levels, 85 percent had abnormal findings on cranial computed tomography scans. CONCLUSION: Hyperglycemia was more prevalent in patients with severe head trauma (GCS <8), regardless if they had or not multiple traumas and in children with abnormal findings on head computed tomography scans.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a prevalência de hiperglicemia aguda em crianças vítimas de trauma craniencefálico, de acordo com a escala de coma de Glasgow (GCS). MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, de corte transversal realizado por meio do acompanhamento de prontuários médicos de pacientes na faixa etária pediátrica admitidos na unidade de urgência de um hospital de referência vítimas de traumatismo craniencefálico, durante um ano. Consideramos o valor de corte em 150 mg/dL para definição de hiperglicemia. RESULTADOS: 340 crianças foram incluídas no estudo e 60 (17,6 por cento) apresentaram hiperglicemia na admissão. Hiperglicemia esteve presente em 9 por cento dos casos de trauma craniano leve, 30,4 por cento daqueles com trauma craniano moderado e em 49 por cento dos pacientes com trauma craniano grave. Verificamos que, entre as crianças com níveis elevados de glicemia, 85 por cento apresentavam alterações radiológicas verificadas na tomografia computadorizada do crânio. CONCLUSÃO: A hiperglicemia foi mais prevalente em pacientes com traumatismo craniano grave (GCS <8), assim como naqueles com alterações identificadas na tomografia computadorizada do crânio, independente da presença de politraumatismo.

Skull radiographs and computed tomography scans in children and adolescents with mild head trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which pediatric patients with mild head trauma are candidates for skull radiographs or cranial computed tomography (CCT) scans. METHOD: Patients with mild head trauma aged from 0 to 19 years presenting to the Emergency Department of a trauma centre from Salvador City, Brazil, between May 2007 and May 2008. RESULTS: A total of 1888 mild head trauma patients were admitted; mean age was 7.4 (+/-5.5) years. A total of 1956 skull radiographs and 734 CCT scans were performed. About 44.4% patients with Glasgow coma score (GCS) 13 and 55.4% with GCS 14 had abnormal CCT scans. In patients with multiple traumas, 16% had abnormal findings on CCT scans. CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend routine CCT studies to patients with GCS of 13 and 14 or to multiple trauma victims, independently of score. Routine screening skull radiographs were not useful in the evaluation of mild head trauma patients in this study.

Skull radiographs and computed tomography scans in children and adolescents with mild head trauma / Radiografia simples e tomografia computadorizada do crânio em crianças e adolescentes vítimas de traumatismo craniano leve

OBJECTIVE: To identify which pediatric patients with mild head trauma are candidates for skull radiographs or cranial computed tomography (CCT) scans. METHOD: Patients with mild head trauma aged from 0 to 19 years presenting to the Emergency Department of a trauma centre from Salvador City, Brazil, between May 2007 and May 2008. RESULTS: A total of 1888 mild head trauma patients were admitted; mean age was 7.4 (±5.5) years. A total of 1956 skull radiographs and 734 CCT scans were performed. About 44.4 percent patients with Glasgow coma score (GCS) 13 and 55.4 percent with GCS 14 had abnormal CCT scans. In patients with multiple traumas, 16 percent had abnormal findings on CCT scans. CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend routine CCT studies to patients with GCS of 13 and 14 or to multiple trauma victims, independently of score. Routine screening skull radiographs were not useful in the evaluation of mild head trauma patients in this study.

OBJETIVO: Identificar quais os pacientes na faixa pediátrica com trauma craniencefálico leve são candidatos para a realização de radiografia simples ou tomografia computadorizada do crânio (TCC). MÉTODO: Pacientes com trauma craniano leve, entre 0 e 19 anos, admitidos em um centro de referência em traumatologia, na cidade do Salvador, Brasil, entre maio 2007 e maio 2008. RESULTADOS: Foram atendidos 1888 pacientes com trauma craniano leve, com idade média de 7,4 (±5,5) anos. Um total de 1956 radiografias simples e 734 TCC foram realizadas. Em 44,4 por cento dos pacientes com escala de coma de Glasgow (GCS) 13 e 55.4 por cento com GCS 14, tiveram TCC com achados anormais. Em pacientes com múltiplos traumas, 16 por cento possuíam alterações na TCC. CONCLUSÃO: Recomendamos TCC em pacientes com GCS 13 e 14 ou naqueles com traumas múltiplos, independente do GCS. Radiografias simples do crânio como rotina, não foram identificadas como úteis, no presente estudo.

Xantoastrocitoma pleomórfico na infância: relato de dois casos / Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: report of two cases

O xantoastrocitoma pleomórfico é uma neoplasia rara,classificada como grau II ou III pela Organização Mundial da Saúde,a depender do aspecto histopatológico.Descrevemos dois casos de portadores de xantoastrocitoma pleomórfico,cujo tratamento escolhido foi o cirúrgico.A associação com quimioterapia foi realizada em um dos pacientes.Haja vista a baixa freqüência desse tipo de neoplasia,torna-se fundamental a realização de novos estudos para o desenvolvimento de protocolos de tratamento que vislumbrem a diminuição da taxa de recidivas.