Radiologic guidelines in assessing children with intracranial tumors

Computed tomography (CT) is currently the primary and generally the definitive imaging modality for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of intracranial neoplasms in children. The value of CT in the postoperative period is discussed. The role of CT and myelography is stressed in the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid seeding. CT is also important in demonstrating the iatrogenic disturbances of the central nervous system as a result of radiation and chemotherapy. The authors recommend that CT scans with and without contrast be obtained 2 weeks after surgery and before starting any form of adjuvant treatment. CT slices should be contiguous and 5-mm thick. Subsequent scans should be obtained every 3 to 4 months for the first year and every 6 months thereafter. Where necessary, CT scans after the introduction of intrathecal metrizamide may be necessary to evaluate the lower portion of the posterior fossa and brain stem.