Clinical and Radiological Assessment of Children (0-18 Years) with Intracranial Space-Occupying Lesions

Aim: The aim of the present study is to understand the clinical presentation and etiologies associated With Intracranial space occupying (ICSOL) lesions in children and to determine the frequency of different types of ICSOL at various anatomical locations. Methods: 21 children who attended the pediatrics department with ICSOL were selected. All the children were evaluated by taking a detailed history, thorough clinical examination was done, and all children were subjected to relevant investigations to find out the cause of ICSOL. Children with neural tube defects were excluded from the study. Results: In the present study, infective lesions were seen in 12 cases (57.1%) and non infectious lesions were seen in 9 cases (42.9%), among the ICSOL, tuberculoma is the most common group with 10 cases (47.6%), followed by 8 cases (38.1%) of neoplasm?s, 2 cases(9.5%) of abscess and 1 case (4.8%) of arachnoid cyst . The most common location of the ICSOL is the supratentorial space 11cases (52.4%), infratentorial lesions 9 cases (42.8%) and in both areas 1 case (4.8%). Most common feature of ICSOL is headache (66.7%) followed by seizures (42.9%), vomiting (33.3%). Tuberculoma are most commonly associated with headache and seizures whereas Neoplastic SOL is mostly associated with Headache, vomiting, ataxia and visual deficit. CT findings show hydrocephalus in 2 cases (9.5%), enhancement with dye in 17 cases (80.9%), focal cerebral edema in 15 cases (71.4%). Conclusion: Among the space-occupying lesions, infective lesions like tuberculomas and brain abscess constitute the major lesions which can completely be cured. So, early diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment are the cornerstones in better outcomes of the brain lesions.