title: [Non tumoural cerebral biopsies: an analysis of 50 cases].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cerebral biopsy is an invasive technique with limited, specific indications in view of the potential risk of complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed a series of 50 cases of biopsies via craniotomy done over a period of 10 years to investigate suspected non tumoural disorders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a predominance of space occupying lesions and treatable infections (36%) and of non diagnostic biopsies (40%). There was poor correlation between the initial clinical diagnosis and the histological findings (50 71%). There were no complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that the indications should be better defined and, in view of the satisfactory tolerance of this procedure, the study group should be increased by using other less invasive procedures (stereotaxia).
authors.affiliation: Secci n de Neurolog a; Basurtuko Ospitalea, Bilbao, 48013, Espa a. jcmartin@hbas.osakidetza.net
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Martín-Berra
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Alvaro
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aranzábal
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Freijo
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Huete
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cortina
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged