CONGENITAL INTRACEREBRAL TERATOMA - A RARE DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS IN NEWBORN HYDROCEPHALUS

Congenital hydrocephalus is caused by a broad spectrum of underlying d isorders. In the majority of cases it is due to aqueductal stenosis an d other distinct congenital anomalies, like Arnold-Chiari malformation . Nevertheless, in the differential diagnosis rare conditions such as cerebral malignancies must also be considered. Pie present two cases o f congenital intracerebral teratoma as a differential diagnosis in con genital obstructive hydrocephalus. A teratoma is suggested when a rapi dly growing hydrocephalus with a central calcified and vascularized ma ss is found sonographically Regular cerebral structures usually cannot be detected. Early diagnosis in such cases is of clinical importance as the prognosis of congenital intracerebral teratoma is generally ver y poor.