Microsurgical anatomy of the middle cerebral artery.

BACKGROUND: The microsurgical anatomy of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is of particular interest to the cerebrovascular surgeon. The purpose of this study was to define the microsurgical anatomy of the MCA and its various branches in the Indian population. METHODS: Ten MCAs were studied from five cadaveric brain specimens. The authors studied the outer diameter, length, branches, perforators and site of these on the main trunk (M1), the division of the main trunk, the secondary trunks and their various cortical branches using the operating microscope under 5-20x magnification. RESULTS: The outer diameter of the MCA main trunk ranges from 2.5 to 4 mm with a mean of 3.35 mm. The superolateral branches consisted of polar temporal artery and anterior temporal artery that had a common origin and sometimes the uncal artery or the accessory uncal artery. Perforators or lenticulostriate arteries were seen in the inferomedial surface all along the length of M1. Eight bifurcations and two trifurcations were noted. Cortical branches and their origin are discussed. CONCLUSION: Although the microsurgical anatomy of the MCA in Indian population correlated with the findings in the western literature, some structural and statistical variations were noted.

Non-bullous variant of bullous pemphigoid: role of immunofluorescence in diagnosis.

An elderly lady presented with persistent and unexplained excoriated lesions on trunk and limbs of 4 years' duration. No vesicles or bullae ever developed during the course of the disease. Histopathology showed nonspecific dermatitis. The diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid was confirmed by immunofluorescence. The patient responded well to topical steroids and dapsone.

Foramen magnum metastatic malignant melanoma.

The foramen magnum as a site for brain metastasis is extremely rare. We report the case of a 24-year-old male who presented with features of increased intracranial pressure and lower cranial nerve palsies. Imaging revealed a foramen magnum tumor with extension up to the cerebellar vermis superiorly and into the spinal canal inferiorly (craniospinal mass) with mild obstructive hydrocephalus. A malignant melanoma was completely excised. The patient continued to be tumor-free 24 months later.

Secondary holocord syringomyelia with spinal hemangioblastoma: a report of two cases.

Intramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma is well known to be accompanied by syringomyelia. However, holocord secondary syringomyelia is uncommon. We present 2 cases of spinal hemangioblastoma, one in the conus medullaris and the other in midthoracic region, accompanied by holocord syrinx. In both the cases the secondary syrinx resolved following successful total tumor excision with good neurological recovery.

A fatal case of erythema necroticans.

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) classically presents as tender, erythematous nodules over the face, arms and legs. Severe ENL can become vesicular or bullous and break-down and is termed erythema necroticans (Jopling & McDougall, 1996) and is treated with corticosteroids. The causes of death in a majority of leprosy patients are the same as in the general population, with the exception of renal damage in lepromatous leprosy. There is possible increased mortality from side-effects of antileprosy drugs, steroids, or other drugs used in reactions, from toxaemia in severe reactions, and from asphyxia due to glottic oedema (Jopling & McDougall, 1996). We report here a case of erythema necroticans, the cause of death being septicaemia, secondary to skin ulcers and urinary tract infection, precipitated by corticosteroids.