[Three hypothalamic tumours: clinical, biologic, X-ray and therapeutic study (author's transl)]

On the basis of 3 cases of hypothalamic tumours (glioma of the hypothalamus or of the stem of the pituitary, glioma of the hypothalamus or of the optic chiasma, pinealoblastoma), the authors emphasise: (1) the existence of a special endocrine "formula" since it often combines anterior pituitary insufficiency, diabetes insipidus and moderate hyperprolactinaemia; (2) the remarkable efficacy, in all 3 cases, of cobalt therapy, tumour regression becoming complete during the 6 to 10 months following the end of radiotherapy; (3) the post-radiotherapeutic endocrine complications, endocrine deficit becoming greater whilst the tumour disappeared; (4) the diagnostic possibilities and above all regular surveillance now made possible by tomodensitometry.