AbstractThe objective of this study was to describe the clinicodemographic profiles, management, and outcomes of brain stem lesions in 53 pediatric patients with brain stem lesions. Most of the patients were male, 6 to 10 years of age (8.66 ± 4.69). Out of 53 patients, there were 77.36% brain stem gliomas, 11.32% tuberculomas, 5.66% abscesses, 3.77% cavernomas, and 1.89% schwannomas. With advancement in neuroimaging (e.g., tractography), intraoperative technology (e.g., ultrasound, neurophysiological monitoring, and magnetic resonance imaging), and safe and precise incision for particular lesions, majority of brain stem lesions had improved outcomes (67.92%) with significant reduction in morbidity and mortality (11.32%).
Survival rates and prognostic predictors of high grade brain stem gliomas in childhood: a systematic review and meta-analysis