CT-analyses of cerebral tumors under steroid therapy.

In order to determine, by CT density and volume measurements, the influence of steroid therapy on cerebral tumors, on their perifocal edema and on the uninvolved cerebral tissue, CT follow-up studies of 37 patients were analysed. In general a decrease of tumor density is to be seen within the first 10 days of therapy. Under continuous steroid application absorption coefficients then increase again, so that no cortisone effect on the tumor remains. The tumor size does not alter: in particular at no time is growth retardation detectable under cortisone therapy. Intensity and extension of the perifocal edema decrease in two stages. From this delayed course we conclude the cytotoxic component of the tumor edema to be more extensive than supposed. Deviations appear dependent on tumor histology, which should lead to individualized steroid application.