Stereotactic biopsy of deep brain tumours in infancy and childhood

In 17 patients of 2 to 16 years of age, the clinical and neuroradiological data were unable to give clearcut information regarding the histology of deep brain neoplasms. The lesions were located within the brain stem in two cases, in the pineal region in two cases, within the third ventricle in two cases, in the sellar and parasellar area in three cases, in the basal ganglia-thalamic-region in seven patients, and in the fronto-callosal region in one case. In these patients, serial stereotactic biopsies were performed with the guidance of CT scan in order to assess the nature and the real boundaries of the growth. The choice between conservative or surgical treatment was made after the histological findings became available. The operative technique of stereotactic biopsy is briefly described and the value of this method is stressed in the treatment of brain tumours in children.