Comparison of encephalotomograms and computerized tomograms in midline tumours in infants

Even after the introduction of the computerized tomogram, midline tumours in infants may give diagnostic problems. In the present study 41 children with tumours in the midline were investigated by both computerized tomography and encephalotomography. The results could be divided into two groups, according to the method and according to the localization of the space-occupying lesion. The diagnostic procedure may be restricted to computerized tomography in cases with direct signs (density differences, contrast enhancement). In cases showing indirect signs on the computerized tomogram (dislocation of ventricles or cisterns or both), further investigation would appear to be valuable. Encephalotomography is the method of choice in patients with negative or uncertain CT findings and contradictory clinical symptomatology.