Disorders in neuropsychological development and their relation to computed tomography brain scan in children with...

In a group of 71 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in long-term remission lasting 4 to 15 years different disorders in their neuropsychological development were found. The disturbances observed were as follows: Emotional disorders in 88%, personality development disorders in 65%, mental retardation in 58%, signs of CNS dysfunction in 54%, and neurological disorder in 31% of children. Abnormal computed tomography brain scans were present in 49% of patients. They consisted mainly of two types: Hypodense areas of the white matter were observed in 23% and widening of the ventricular system and subarachnoidal spaces was present in 26% of children. Statistical evaluation showed significant relations between CT brain scan abnormalities (mainly hypodense changes) and neurological disorders as well as the presence of signs of CNS dysfunction and disorders of personality development. Emotional and mental changes did not correlate with abnormalities of CT brain scan findings.