The introduction of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging led to the knowledge that brain stem tumors are not a homogeneous group with regard to their clinical, pathological and biological features. The classical concept of an uniformly poor prognosis has been modified and some subtypes of tumors are amenable to surgical treatment and long-term survival. The authors report two cases of patients with tumors of the tectal region whose symptoms and CT features were consistent with late-onset aqueductal obstruction. In both cases definitive diagnosis was established by MRI and symptoms resolved after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt implantation. The clinic and pathological features and therapeutical alternatives as well, are discussed.
brain stem tumors; tectal tumors; hydrocephalus; late onset aqueduct stenosis