Overall Management > Fetal and Congenital CNS Tumors

Abstract

Fetal brain tumors

Cavalheiro S, Moron AF, Hisaba W, Dastoli P, Silva NS

Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Rua Botucatu 591/42, 04023-062, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Introduction. Fetal intracranial tumors are rare and their evolution is usually poor. 
With routine use of antenatal ultrasound imaging, a larger number of such tumors have been diagnosed. 

Methods. During the period from January 1992 to January 2002, 18 cases diagnosed as intracranial tumors in the fetal stage were treated in the Neurosurgery and Obstetrics Departments of the Federal University of Sao Paulo and in the Fetal Medicine Service of the Maternity Hospital Santa Joana. 

Results. The tumors most frequently found were those of the choroid plexus and teratomas. 
Out of those 18 cases, 11 patients presented with fetal hydrocephalus, and 5 of them, who were less than 34 weeks old (gestational age), underwent repeated cephalocenteses while awaiting better conditions for delivery. 
Two fetuses died while in utero before any intervention had taken place and 16 underwent craniotomy after birth. 
Twelve of those patients are still alive, 9 of whom are considered normal. 
The 3 others are slightly or moderately retarded.

PMID: 12908112 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]