Intracranial neoplasms in infants

Abstract

Fifty-four primary intracranial neoplasms occurred in infants (18 months of age or younger) in Connecticut during a 40-year period, 1935 to 1974. Thirty percent were medulloblastomas and 16% were ependymal neoplasms. An equal number of males and females were affected. Forty percent were located in the cerebellum, 37% in the cerebral hemispheres, and 17% in the brain stem. The most common symptom was vomiting. Abnormally large head circumference was the most common physical finding. Average survival was 43 months. Survival relative to histopathologic type and location of the neoplasm is discussed. Eighteen patients survived longer than one year and the level of neurological function of these longer survivors is presented.