Pontine haematoma: successful removal of two cases with review of 22 cases previously described in accessible literature.

Two cases of operative evacuation of pontine haematomas are described in addition to 22 cases reported in the literature. Clinical and neuroradiological findings indicate a brain stem lesion sometimes considered as an inoperable brain stem glioma. Computer assisted tomography todate easily reveals such hematomas. Successful operative results are generally obtained. This diagnosis must be considered when the onset of symptoms is progressive and young people are affected. We describe two young patients with rapidly progressive symptoms. In one case (case 2) the symptoms started after a bee sting but we were unable to find any real correlation. Surgical removal of blood clot was followed by progressive improvement in the patients who were able to return to normal active life.