Solid haemangioblastomas of the posterior fossa: radiological features and results of surgery

Cerebellar haemangioblastomas are benign neoplasms which have been reported to have a favourable prognosis. The authors report the experience of Atkinson Morley's Hospital, London with 14 cases of solid haemangioblastoma since the introduction of the CT scan. Death or a poor result occurred in 50% of cases. Incomplete excision carried a high risk of complications. The CT scan appearances were too non specific to make an accurate preoperative diagnosis, the lesions usually being mistaken for meningiomas. Vertebral angiography can be of considerable help in identifying their vascular anatomy.