[Hemangioblastomas of central nervous system].

Hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system are benign, richly blood-supplied tumors that may be encountered in its any part, more commonly in the cerebellar hemispheres. Supratentorially, they occur rarely. In the literature there are reports on less than 100 cases of tumors at this site. The histogenesis of hemangioblastomas has not been clearly ascertained so far. Magnetic resonance imaging is the only valid diagnostic study of hemangioblastomas. Hemangioblastomas may be presented as sporadic forms and a manifestation of the Hippel-Lindau syndrome. In the latter case, hemangioblastomas are associated with angiomas of the retina and other viscera. Surgery of hemangioblastomas is the basic treatment. Radiosurgery is the method of choice for patients with Hippel-Lindau disease. The main cause of postoperative death is bleeding to the brain stem and the remaining portions of the tumor. Endovascular embolization of the vessels supplying blood to the tumor may be used to diminish postoperative bleeding. Recurrences are mainly associated with incomplete surgical tumor removal. Chemotherapy is not indicated in hemangioblastomas. Radiation therapy may be used after partial tumor removal.