[Radiation diagnosis of cerebellar and fourth ventricle tumors]

Thirty four patients with tumors of the cerebellum and the fourth ventricle were examined. All the patients underwent craniography and computed tomography (CT), 28 had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). According to the histological pattern, the tumors were divided as follows: astrocytomas in 14 patients, hemangioblastomas in 8, ependymomas of the fourth ventricle in 5, medulloblastomas in 3, choriopapillomas in 2, two patients were found to have metastases. MRI was shown to be the most informative technique in the diagnosis of bulky abnormal formations of the cerebellum and the fourth ventricle of the cerebrum. The maximum degree of contrast between normal and damaged tissue provides evidence for correctly establishing a tumor, determining its outlines, and relation to the brain stem and cerebrospinal system. The use of different pulse sequences with MRI makes it possible to have a more valid differential diagnosis. Computed tomography is an additional technique in examining patients with tumors of the cerebellum and the fourth ventricle to obtain data on the plain characteristics of an abnormal focus and their changes after intravenous reinforcement. The application of a complex of radiation studies leads to the conclusion that the bulky abnormal formations of the cerebellum and the fourth ventricle are likely to be morphologic.