BACKGROUND: The prognosis for congenital brain tumors is usually poor, so that their management during pregnancy is difficult. CASES REPORTS: Case 1. A large cystic mass was revealed by ultrasound at the 37th week of pregnancy; it was located near the brain stem and was associated with ventricular dilation. The newborn was delivered by cesarean section because of an abnormally enlarged head. The CT scan confirmed the presence of this mass containing a fluid that was found to be normal after needle aspiration. Surgical shunting of excess fluid was ineffective, and progressive deterioration prevented further exploration and/or treatment. The child is still living, confined to his bed, at the age of 5 years. Case 2. Ultrasonography at the 30th week of pregnancy showed a tumor located near the brain stem with dilation of the entire ventricular system. Post mortem examination after abortion revealed a capillary and cavernous hemangioma. Case 3. Ultrasonography at the 34th week of pregnancy showed dilation of the ventricular system. As a result, birth was induced. CT scan and MRI of the newborn showed a mixed, solid and liquid, mass in the posterior fossa. Post mortem examination showed a papilloma of the choroid plexus. CONCLUSION: These rare congenital tumors are usually revealed by ultrasonography showing ventricular dilation. Advances in imaging techniques, especially MRI of fetal brain, should help in the management of such tumors.
BACKGROUND: The prognosis for congenital brain tumors is usually poor, so that their management during pregnancy is difficult. CASES REPORTS: Case 1. A large cystic mass was revealed by ultrasound at the 37th week of pregnancy; it was located near the brain stem and was associated with ventricular dilation. The newborn was delivered by cesarean section because of an abnormally enlarged head. The CT scan confirmed the presence of this mass containing a fluid that was found to be normal after needle aspiration. Surgical shunting of excess fluid was ineffective, and progressive deterioration prevented further exploration and/or treatment. The child is still living, confined to his bed, at the age of 5 years. Case 2. Ultrasonography at the 30th week of pregnancy showed a tumor located near the brain stem with dilation of the entire ventricular system. Post mortem examination after abortion revealed a capillary and cavernous hemangioma. Case 3. Ultrasonography at the 34th week of pregnancy showed dilation of the ventricular system. As a result, birth was induced. CT scan and MRI of the newborn showed a mixed, solid and liquid, mass in the posterior fossa. Post mortem examination showed a papilloma of the choroid plexus. CONCLUSION: These rare congenital tumors are usually revealed by ultrasonography showing ventricular dilation. Advances in imaging techniques, especially MRI of fetal brain, should help in the management of such tumors.