title: Computer-directed stereotactic biopsy of intrinsic brain stem lesions.
abstract: Despite advances in the neuro-imaging of the brain stem, an accurate diagnosis of intrinsic lesions in this region requires tissue sampling and histological verification. We have performed a series of computer-directed stereotactic procedures in 12 patients with intrinsic brain stem lesions. A positive diagnosis was obtained in 11 cases and therapeutic intervention was possible in four. There was no operative mortality. Because of the importance of an accurate diagnosis in order to avoid inappropriate therapy, together with the relative safety of the technique, computer-directed stereotactic biopsy should be considered in all patients harbouring an intrinsic brain stem mass.
authors.affiliation: Gough Cooper Department of Neurological Surgery, National Hospitals for Nervous Diseases, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bradford
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gill
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed