Experimental glioma in primates: a computed tomography model

Owl and squirrel monkeys inoculated intracerebrally with human polyomavirus obtained from the brain of patient with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy developed cerebral gliomas. Among these tumors, three out of five were detected and accurately localized by contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) when the animals were still clinically normal. Various CT features of these tumors corresponded to specific pathologic changes, such as histologic type and presence of hemorrhage and necrosis. Also, tumor progression was clearly demonstrated in repeat scans of one animal. The CT sensitivity and the capability of distinguishing various pathologic features are encouraging. It appears that a much needed, suitable model of experimental cerebral tumors in primates is now available for CT studies.