Haemangioblastomas of the brain stem

Six cases of capillary haemangioblastoma involving the brain stem are presented. Some clinical and pathological peculiarities of this series are outlined. Four patients (two operated radically) showed good or excellent outcome, whereas two (one partial and one complete removal) died shortly after the operation. The chances of direct surgical approach in brain stem haemangioblastomas are considered and the pertinent literature summarized.