The role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of brain tumors in infants and children.

CT has considerably facilitated the diagnosis of intracranial tumors, especially in infants and children. The authors review their experience with a series of 260 children with proven brain tumors. In most cases CT is so conclusive that other diagnostic techniques are no longer often needed. Pneumoencephalography in particular has largely been replaced by CT in recent years in the authors' departments, and the frequency of central ventriculography with contrast material has decreased substantially. Particular diagnostic difficulties with regard to tumors near to or within the caudal brain stem, some posterior fossa tumors, small vermian tumors, and tumors of the cerebral hemispheres are discussed.