Congenital intracranial neoplasms

The clinical and histological findings are described in 12 infants (5 boys, 7 girls) suffering from congenital intracranial tumors. An enlarged head or signs of increased intracranial pressure were present at birth or within the first 12 months of life (average 5.1 months). The histological picture of the tumors (6 supratentorial, 6 infratentorial) varied. In 6 children a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was necessary; partial or total removal of the tumor was attempted in 5 infants; 4 patients received irradiation. Prognosis was poor, and survival time averaged 13 months. A short review of the literature is given; new diagnostic techniques (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) allow earlier diagnosis. However, because of the size and location, successful treatment is rarely possible.