Intracranial hemangiopericytoma in a child.

Hemangiopericytoma in the central nervous system is a rare tumor occurring predominantly in supratentorial sites. Classification may be confusing because the tumor may mimic the histological pattern of other vascular neoplasms. The particular feature of hemangiopericytoma are pericytes of blood vessels; they distinguish it as a separate and distinct tumor. The case of a 3 3/4-year-old child with a 3 3/4-year course is reported with a tumor in the middle fossa, the diencephalon, and the brainstem. The cystic tumor was resected twice. The child is presently alive with neurological deficit. The clinical, radiographic and histological findings are presented. The role of aggressive surgical treatment is emphasized.