Occlusive arteriopathy and brain tumor.

Four cases with the association of occlusive arteriopathy and brain tumor are presented. A clinical analysis of these cases and cases reported in the literature revealed that occlusive arteriopathy at the base of the brain was often associated with a slowly growing basal tumor in children. Possible causes of occlusive arteriopathy in these cases were compression of the circle of Willis by a slowly growing basal tumor, secondary artial occlusive changes by radiation therapy for a basal tumor, or vasculopathy associated with neurocutaneous syndrome. Symptoms of sudden onset or episodic nature suggest the presence of occlusive arteriopathy rather than the mass effect of a tumor. Cerebral angiography is mandatory whenever computerized tomography (CT), performed to rule out recurrence of a basal tumor, shows an ischemic lesion with low-density areas without any evidence of mass effect of the tumor. Cerebral angiography is also necessary when a basal tumor is suspected in children, particularly in cases associated with neurocutaneous syndrome and a basal tumor. Care should be taken not to scarify the abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain at the time of operation, because it is considered to be functioning as collateral circulation. The potential hazards of radiotherapy to radiation-induced occlusive changes of the circle of Willis must be considered in treating a benign basal brain tumor in children. Even in adults, repeated large doses of irradiation could cause occlusive arteriopathy.