Spontaneous regression of congenital brain tumors: a report of two cases

Abstract

Background: Vanishing brain tumor is defined as spontaneously disappearing or decreasing of the initial brain mass volume to ≤ 70% before establishing the definitive diagnosis. The condition is rare and can be attributed to different factors. The exact mechanism is under debate, but the increasing rate and accuracy of neuroimaging studies and occurrence of similar scenario in other pathologies rather than brain tumors can be of particular importance in finding vanishing brain lesions. Case report: We present two unusual cases of congenital brain masses which underwent spontaneous shrinkage within the first months of life. Conclusion: The condition is scarcely observed in congenital brain masses. As congenital brain lesions are distinct entities with peculiar characteristics, this rare phenomenon may reflect different aspects in this age group.