Congenital and Childhood CNS Tumors Epidemiology Primary CNS tumors: 20% of all childhood cancers, second only to leukemia. Incidence 2.8 per 100,000 under 15 years. Relative frequency: see Table 60.1….

Pituitary Tumors Most are pituitary adenomas. Often asymptomatic. Peak ages 20 to 40. Classification Secreting tumors: produce one or more anterior pituitary hormones; prolactinoma most common. Mixed secretory tumors: 10%…

Pineal Region Tumors 1% of all intracranial tumors; wide variety of cell types. General Considerations Symptoms Mechanisms of symptoms: (a) increased intracranial pressure from hydrocephalus; (b) direct compression of brainstem,…

Lymphomas Systemic Lymphoma Metastasis to CNS much more common with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) than with Hodgkin disease. Nervous system sites involved in NHL: meninges (10%), epidural space (3% to 5%),…

Gliomas Epidemiology Most common primary brain tumors. Incidence increases with age. M:F ratio 1:1.6. Astrocytomas: 25% of all brain tumors. Before age 25, 67% are astrocytomas in posterior fossa; after…

Tumors of the Meninges General Considerations Meningiomas originate in arachnoid coverings of brain; 90% intracranial, 10% spinal. Comprise 20% of all intracranial tumors. M:F ratio 1:2. Peak age: 50 to…

Tumors of the Skull and Cranial Nerves Benign Tumors Osteoma Benign growth of mature dense cortical bone in paranasal sinuses, cranial vault, mandible, mastoid sinuses. Associated with Gardner syndrome (autosomal-dominant…

General Considerations Epidemiology Incidence of symptomatic brain tumors: 12/100,000 population. Approximately 35,000 new patients diagnosed each year in the U.S. Incidence by age: small peak before age 10 years; gradual…

Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome Definition: serum osmolality >350 mOsm/kg; plasma glucose content >600 mg/dL; depressed consciousness without ketosis. Comprises 10% to 20% of all cases of severe hyperglycemia. Most common in…

Superficial Siderosis of the CNS Deposition of hemosiderin on pial surfaces of brain and spinal cord. Evolves for years; caused by chronic, intermittent, or persistent oozing of blood into CSF.