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Cerebellar astrocytomas: a 24-year experience
J C Viano1, E J Herrera, J C Suárez
1Servicio de Neurocirugia, Hospital Infantil Municipal, Jujuy 3000, CP 5000, Córdoba, Argentina. pediatría@mensajes.com
Summary
Cerebellar astrocytomas, common in children, were surgically treated in 38 pediatric patients. Most tumors were pilocytic astrocytomas, with a high resection rate and an 8.5% mortality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Background:
- Cerebellar astrocytomas represent the most benign central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
- These tumors predominantly affect the pediatric population, accounting for 70-80% of cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the treatment and outcomes of cerebellar astrocytomas in children.
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical management in pediatric patients with posterior fossa astrocytomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 38 pediatric patients (under 18) with cerebellar astrocytoma treated between 1974 and 1997.
- Inclusion criteria encompassed all histopathological diagnoses of astrocytoma, irrespective of malignancy.
- Diagnostic modalities included pneumoventriculography, X-rays, CT, and MRI, with all patients undergoing surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Pilocytic astrocytomas constituted the majority (71%), followed by diffuse fibrillary astrocytomas (21%).
- Female patients showed a higher prevalence (66%).
- Total tumor resection was achieved in 83% of cases, with increased ataxia being the most frequent complication and an overall mortality rate of 8.5%.
Conclusions:
- Surgical resection is the primary treatment for pediatric cerebellar astrocytomas.
- Effective management of these tumors can be achieved with a multidisciplinary approach.
- The study highlights the importance of surgical expertise in achieving favorable outcomes and managing complications such as hydrocephalus.