Computed tomography in intracranial,supratentorial metastases in children

Summary This study compares the CT characteristics in a consecutive sample of supratentorial metastases (n=31) with primary tumors of the same location (n=49) in childhood. Postcontrast CT was performed in all but one of the metastases cases. In all but one of these children the location and type of primary tumor was known at time of occurence of cerebral metastasis. Primary CNS tumors (n=12) had a higher incidense of supratentorial metastatic spread than tumor originating elsewhere. Three children had diffuse subarachnoid seeding, while 28 had solid tumors (21 solitary, 7 multiple). The predilection location for the solid metastases was the gray-white matter junction (n=12). The following CT findings were significantly less frquuent in metastases than in primary tumors (P<0.05): Midline location, calcification and cyst formation. On the other hand bleeding, pronouced contrast enhancement and location in the gray-white matter junction were more frequent in the metastatic group (P<0.05).