Management of hemangiopericytomas in the central nervous system

Objective To elucidate the clinical features and treatment of Hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) i n the central nervous system.Methods Twenty-six HPC operations performed at Huashan Hospital from January 1993 to Ju ne 1999 were analyzed retrospectively, and a review of relevant literatures was done.Results Among the 26 cases, total tumor removal was achieved in 24 cases, and subtotal r emoval in 2 cases.Postoperatively, neurological symptoms were improved or unch anged in 21 cases, worsened in 4 cases, and pneumonia caused death in 1 case.E ighteen patients received postoperative radiotherapy.Eighteen patients were fo llowed up from 1 month to 58 months (average, 22 months).During the follow-up period, 2 patients presented one or more distant metastasis, and one patient di ed of recurrence.Conclusion Surgical management is the best choice for treatment of patients with HPCs.Pos toperative radiotherapy can postpone the risk of tumor recurrence.