[Pseudodementia in frontal tumours (author's transl)].

: Our examinations have revealed personality changes in eighteen out of fifty patients with frontal tumour. The changes may be classified to a certain extent in the same symptomatological category as pseudodementia. In view of the site, size and histological structure of the tumours, the existence and severity of the disorders seem to be independent of tumour vascularization. Such personality changes may be the only pathological sign, even in the presence of large tumours. Earlier diagnostic difficulties (the group of patients dates back to the period prior to CAT scanning) may be largely overcome by the use of computerized axial tomography. Thus the duration of a case up to time of surgery can be reduced (hitherto as long as 10 years or more) and tumours may no longer grow to excessive size.