[Benign intrinsic tectal tumors: apropos of 2 cases]. / Tumores intrínsecos benignos da região tectal: considerações a propósito de dois casos.

The introduction of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging led to the knowledge that brain stem tumors are not a homogeneous group with regard to their clinical, pathological and biological features. The classical concept of an uniformly poor prognosis has been modified and some subtypes of tumors are amenable to surgical treatment and long-term survival. The authors report two cases of patients with tumors of the tectal region whose symptoms and CT features were consistent with late-onset aqueductal obstruction. In both cases definitive diagnosis was established by MRI and symptoms resolved after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt implantation. The clinic and pathological features and therapeutical alternatives as well, are discussed.

[Pseudotumor cerebri without optic papilledema]. / Pseudotumor cerebral sem edema de papila óptica.

Four cases of benign intracranial hypertension in two nonobese women (23 and 35 yr. old) and two nonobese men (both 47 yr. old) are presented. The most remarkable finding of the clinical investigation of these cases was the absence of papilledema. Our finding is consistent with other reports, and suggest that the presence of papilledema should not be considered critical for the diagnosis of benign intracranial hypertension. Additionally, the authors present a hypothesis for the absence of papilledema in cases otherwise typical of benign intracranial hypertension.