[A case of giant intracranial teratoma in early infancy. A 13 years' follow-up study after operation].

A long-term result after total removal of a giant intracranial teratoma in early infancy is reported. The patient was a 5-month-old boy with vomiting, convulsion and right hemiparesis occurring acutely and shortly before admission. Plain skull films, In-113m brain scintiscanning and carotid angiography revealed a giant tumor located widely over both frontal lobes. At operation, the tumor, originated from the base of the anterior half of the cranial cavity. A mature teratoma weighing 320 grams was totally removed without sacrificing the adjacent brain and vessels. Both cerebral hemispheres were found severely compressed by the tumor. Postoperative respiratory and convulsive disorders were well controlled. The boy was discharged in the third month after operation. At present, 13 years after operation, he is developing normally for his age. In the junior high school, he studies and plays sports with no handicap. Computed tomography reveals no recurrence of the tumor. EEG shows reactive pattern of activity and small, but rare spikes in the frontal area. And his pituitary function is revealed to be normal.