Biopsy of intracranial lesions with computed tomography stereotactic guidance

Thirteen cases of deep-seated intracranial lesions that were biopsied by the technique of CT (computed tomography) stereotactic guidance are presented. In 11 cases a diagnosis of brain neoplasm was made. One case of a cystic thalamic astrocytoma was treated by stereotactic insertion of a cannula attached to an s.c. reservoir. There was one complication related to a concomitant ventricular catheter placement. The technique is recommended for diagnosis of deep-seated intracranial lesions, where the risk of a conventional open operative approach is considerable.