Intracranial Tumors

Definition and general considerations: These tumors are located inside the cranium and may have several histological types:

Teratomas
Craniopharyngioma
Meningeal Sarcoma
Lipoma of the corpus callosum
Oligodendroglioma
Gangliocytoma
Choroid plexus papilloma
Glioblastoma

Teratoma is a tumor that originates from any of the three germinal layers.

Prevalence: Extremely rare. Teratoma is the most frequently reported.

Ultrasound features: The ultrasound appearances of intracranial tumors are similar and precise histological diagnosis from a scan is therefore almost impossible. The main reported features include:

Complete loss of intracranial anatomy.
The tumor may appear cystic, solid, or both.
There is rapid growth with intra-tumor changes.
Calcifications.
Polyhydramnios (>50% of cases).
Hydrocephalus.
Pulmonary hypoplasia (11).
High cardiac output failure (12).
Teratoma is frequently located in the 3^rd ventricle subfrontal region, or in subtemporal area.

Prognosis: The outcome is fatal in almost all cases. Death may occur also in- utero.

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	fig. 1	fig. 2

References :
11.	Weyerts, L.K., Catanzatite, V., Jones, M.C., Mendoza, A. Prenatal diagnosis of a gian intracranial teratoma associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. J Med Genet 1993; 30:880-2.
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12.	Sherer, D.M., Abramowicz, J.S., Eggers, P.C., Metlay, L.A., Sinkin, R.A., Woods, J.R. Jr. Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of intracranial teratoma and massive craniomegaly with associated high-output cardiac failure. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993; 168:97-9.
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Intracranial Tumors

References :

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