[Thalamic tumors in children. A study of 38 cases (author's transl)]

The main clinical, evolutive and therapeutic features of thalamic tumors are reviewed in 38 children. Signs of increased intracranial pressure (76% of the cases) and of controlateral hemiparesis of varying degree (76% of the cases) were the main clinical symptoms. CT-scan is the best means of investigation. Therapeutic protocols that seem to obtain the best results consist of radiotherapy (between 45 and 55 grays) associated with shunting, when intracranial hypertension results from obstruction of an interventricular foramen by the tumor. Surgery is contra-indicated in most tumors in this area.