Radiation therapy for juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the pituitary stalk

Abstract

✓ A case of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the pituitary stalk is reported. The patient presented with diabetes insipidus and growth retardation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was useful in diagnosing the lesion. Although the tumor could not be completely removed by surgery, radiotherapy was effective and the residual tumor disappeared 6 months after irradiation. The patient's condition has remained stable and no recurrence has been observed by MR imaging in the 4 years since radiation therapy.