Neuroimaging of pediatric brain stem diseases other than brain stem glioma.

A wide variety of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions affect the pediatric brain stem. Of these, inflammatory and infectious, along with occult vascular malformations produce the greatest concern regarding the interpretation of imaging studies that could lead to inappropriate therapeutic modalities in the treatment of the patient. Awareness of the differential diagnosis and, when appropriate, the judicious use of follow-up examination are warranted.