Central nervous system lesions in Malawian children: identifying the treatable

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2012 Sep;106(9):567-9. doi: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2012.06.001. Epub 2012 Jul 20.

Abstract

In Malawi, children with central nervous system (CNS) tumours are seldom able to be treated with curative intent. A study was undertaken of 29 children who underwent CNS MRI during a two year period. A combination of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diagnoses were noted, seven of which were revised on review. As a result an effective system has been set up for remote urgent review to guide prognosis and treatment. The opinion of a paediatric neuro-radiologist greatly assists in differentiating infectious and non infectious causes of CNS lesions and can enable the local team to effectively triage patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / economics
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / economics
  • Malawi / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Medical Audit
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Patient Selection
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Triage / organization & administration*