STEREOTAXIC INTRACAVITARY IRRADIATION OF LARGE CYSTIC CRANIOPHARYNGIOMAS

During the years 1988-1992, 50 patients with large cystic craniopharyn gioma were treated with stereotactic injection of radionuclide. The pa tients aged from 3 to 69 (average 21) years. Of these patients, 36 wer e primary cases and 14 were recurrences after previous major surgery. The cyst volume of craniopharyngiomas was 28-126 cm(3) (average 38 cm( 3)). The Leksell stereotactic system was used for injection of radionu clides Au-198, P-32 and Y90. Eighty-four injections were performed in 50 patients; additional injections took place at intervals of 1-6 mont hs. There were no operative deaths and no serious complications. The f ollow-up period ranged from 1 to 5 years (average 2.6 years). Eighty-s ix percent of patients improved clinically and computed tomography re- examination confirmed shrinkage of the cysts.