Serial computed tomographic studies of pineal region tumor treated by irradiation

During the one year period from 1976 to 1977, we observed five cases of pineal region tumor diagnosed by means of characteristic clinical symptoms and CT scan findings. Of that number, one was diagnosed as suprasellar germinoma. On four of the cases, we did V-P shunts and we gave irradiation to all five. During the period of treatment, we studied the relationship among the course of treatment, the clinical symptoms and the CT scan findings. 1. Very early in the course of treatment, we can discern the radiation sensitivity of the tumor by means of the decrease in tumor size and the degree of contrast enhancement of the tumor on the CT scan. 2. We believe the decrease in the size of the tumor occurs before any improvements of clinical symptoms. Even though the tumor image has disappeared on the CT scan, there are some cases where the clinical symptoms still remain. 3. After the V-P shunt operation, the ventricular system becomes markedly small in three of four cases and showed a tendency to enlarge slightly during the course of irradiation therapy. These findings appear to be independent of clinical status. (author)