[Cerebral computed x-ray tomography in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children]

After analysis of the results of 142 CT brains scans performed from 1976 to 1982 on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we can propose indications for this exam in relation with the different clinical stages and evolution of the disease. An exam is carried out as soon as possible at the start of the disease without injection of contrast media for use as a reference point. Excepting complications or neurological localisations, a scan will be performed at the end of the third year of treatment, without injection of contrast media, in screening for possible iatrogenic lesions. Neurological complications of unknown origin and leucoblastic meningitis seems to require a scan with injection of contrast media firstly as a mean of diagnosis, and secondly, in case of a cerebro meningeal localisation, in order to judge the efficiency of treatment and to screen for early complications. Computerized tomography however has its limits, particularly in case of purely meningeal leucoblastic infiltration.